There will be eight clusters in total, and though Troop would not be drawn on their precise locations across Toronto, he said that they would reduce costs and enhance the experience for athletes and spectators alike.

"We have created a more focused Games footprint through clustering – it marks a fundamental shift in the venue plan for the games," Troop said in a teleconference call following a Toronto 2015 Board meeting.

"Clustering enables more spectators to enjoy more sports in one area

"This means we will be able to maximise the games experience while responsibly managing costs.

"The concept of clustering has been around for some time.

"The Toronto 2015 approach is to drive this as our core venue strategy.

"Venues are an important platform on which these games will be built and over the next months we will be creating greater clarity over our venue plan.

"Since the initial bid process we have undertaken an informed and judicious venue confirmation process."

Doug Hamilton of the Toronto 2015 Board of Directors emphasised the benefit of clustering, saying: "[It] is a strategy promoted by the sports and the athletes.

"Athletes coaches and participants say it provides benefits for them.

"It eliminates some boredom from participating in games where you sit around waiting for your sport.

"It's a strategy that athletes and coaches like very much – and it is very important for spectator experience.

"One problem for spectators is to find ways and time to see multiple sports in a day and the clustering strategy makes that spectator experience much more enjoyable."

Troop said that Toronto 2015 was confident that they would be able to confirm Milton as the location for the Velodrome, while they are also sure that the equestrian will be taking place at the Caledon Equestrian Park (pictured).


Insisting that there were no issues with the proposed Velodrome, Troop said: "We feel very optimistic that things are moving forward in Milton.

"They have a great proposition, [and] they have to vote on that next week.

"[We] are looking at it being the site subject to the confirmation of the city.

"[Caledon Park] provides the games with significant advantages – it is proven and successful at hosting international equestrian events, it is suitably located and endorsed by Equine Canada as a preferred location.

"We look forward to the official announcement of this venue at a future date."

Equine Canada's Mike Gallagher, who has led Canadian teams to Olympic Games and World Championships, added his support.

"Equine Canada firmly stands behind the selection of Caledon as the venue," he said.

"It's been in operation for a quarter of a century, Caledon is the second largest venue for equestrian in the country and they are professional at what they do.

"It is important that our whole Olympic team from Beijing supports the choice of this venue."

Another venue progress is being made on is the Aquatics Centre, for which the tender process will close shortly, while construction on the athletes village began earlier this month and is "on track."

Troop also pledged to bring more clarity to the venue plan in the months ahead, and said: "We are moving forward with a plan which will make us all proud as a city, province and country."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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