What’s new around the track?

Plenty! Like our new track. Between September 2009 and June 2010, the old blue track will be removed, the site will be rebuilt from the ground up, and a new, state-of-the-art Mondo Super X Performance track will be installed.

The work will take place in two stages. September and October will be preparation months (ripping out the old track and pouring the concrete foundation for the new track), while the spring months will see the new track and other facility upgrades being installed. If the weather works in our favour (keep your fingers crossed for an early spring) we could be back “on track” in early to mid June 2010.

Once completed, Lions will have the best track in Canada:

• Olympic calibre surface (same surface as for Beijing Olympics)
• Stylish Rustic Red colour with white lines
• Largest high jump apron in Canada
• Full venues for all events
• Upgraded lighting

With the existing East-West orientation of the track, the new surface will allow Lions to host major event such as Canadian Championships, Legion Championships and even international competitions. We can’t guarantee that the track will be ready in time for the 2010 school athletics championships in the spring, so we are making contingency plans with other tracks in the area.

The expected lifespan of the new track is about 15 years.... if we look after it! This means that there will be some new rules for track crossing, a maximum spike length of 6mm, cone spikes only (no pin spikes) and no cross country ski training with poles.

Our athletes know that the new track is long overdue and Lions has been unable to host major events for the past few years. Thanks to the persistence and determination of Lions Board members, we were able to acquire funding through Infrastructure Canada and Infrastructure Ontario to assist with many of the costs of this $2.3 million project. Our partnership with the City of Ottawa includes a $383,000.00 contribution from the city, with another $383,333.00 coming from the Lions.

We know that Lions are always up to a challenge, so we will be extending a fundraising challenge to all our members, families, friends and supporters. Information on fundraising activities will be distributed soon, with our goal being to raise $630,000.00 over the next 18 months. All contributions over $50.00 will receive a tax receipt, and donations must be made through the Athletics Canada Charitable Donations program.

Our new track would not be possible without the assistance and support of many people. Lions extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to:

• Phil McNeely, MPP Ottawa-Orléans
• David McGuinty, MP Ottawa South
• Maria McRae, City Councillor for Ward 16
• Fred Sherwin, Executive Assistant to Mr. McNeely
• John Fraser, Executive Assistant to Mr. McGuinty
• Hon. John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
• Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure (Ontario)
• Hon. Margarett R. Best, Minister of Health Promotion (Ontario)

The first phase of work on the track began on-schedule on September 22. We’ll have an update on progress in our next newsletter!