Feds and Province help fund Torch Relay in Caledon

May 27, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
As if there’s not a lot already on the schedule in Caledon June 13, the Pan Am Torch is slated to pass through town.
It promises to be quite a festival, and both the Provincial and federal governments have stepped up with funding to help deal with the expenses.
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Michael Coteau was at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park last Thursday to announce the Town will be getting $7,500 through Ontario’s Torch Relay Community Grant.
About an hour later, Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson was at Town Hall in Caledon East, announcing the federal government is contributing another $15,000 through its Community Celebrations Fund.
Caledon’s Director of Parks and Recreation Laura Johnston observed at that point there were just seven Mondays to go until the Games are here.
“Pan Am excitement is definitely building,” she declared.
“Caledon is ready and excited for the Games,” Mayor Allan Thompson commented, addressing the group at the Equestrian Park, adding the Torch Relay will ignite more than the flame for the Games.
Thompson stressed the importance of partnerships, involving the numerous volunteers who have signed on for the event, that have joined public agencies like the government, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Headwaters Tourism Association, and private interests like Equine Management Group.
“Partnerships are things that move things forward,” he said.
“I want to thank the government for investing in Caledon,” Thompson added. “We have built a winner, on time and under budget.”
“The Town of Caledon is excited and ready to bring together our communities, residents and visitors to celebrate the Torch Relay and Caledon Day on June 30,” he said. “The success of the 2015 Games is dependent on strong partnerships and I want to thank Minister Coteau and our Provincial partners for their part in ensuring our entire community benefits from the Games.”
“It’s a world-class facility,” Coteau observed, commenting the upgrades and improvements have made it even better.
He stressed that part of the journey to the Games will be the Torch Relay, which will see some 3,000 bearers running through their communities, as well as another 250 who will carry the Torch for the Parapan Am Games in August. Communities hosting the Relay will be planning celebrations of their own, and the Torch Relay Community Grant is aimed at helping to make them happen.

“I know this is great news for your community,” Coteau remarked. “This will make those incredible events even more special.”
Thompson used the celebration at Town Hall to introduce the community representatives who will be carrying the Torch through town June 13. He said parts of the Relay will be broadcast live on CBC.
The Mayor said the bearers come from across Caledon, both in terms of geography and demographics.
Caledon East resident Heather Whittier will be representing those 60 and older. She was chosen for her ongoing volunteer work, as well as her involvement with seniors’ organizations and hospices. She also been a world champion archer, still holding eight unbroken records.
Ethan Mumford, 13, of Bolton is representing youth. He was selected because of the respect, integrity and good values he has demonstrated through academic and Scouting activities.
Charlie Fogerty of the Palgrave area will be the sports representative. He has competed provincially in track and field, and has spent summers volunteering at the Palgrave Tennis club.
Jeremy Grant, one of the owners of the Alton Mill Arts Centre, was selected for his contributions to arts and culture. He has played a major role in transforming the facility from a rubber mille to the arts centre it currently is.
Meghan Zaremba will be representing unsung hero community members. She has overcome personal challenges to become a leader in her community, and has inspired and sponsored children to participate in music lessons.
Ken Bokor is a representative of emerging residents. He was a co-founder of the SouthFields Village residents’ Group, sits on numerous committees and has helped organize many community events.
The other local Torch bearer will be Bolton resident Alyssa Hoar.
Thompson added that Toronto Maple Leaf forward (and Caledon native) Peter holland will make the final hand off of the Torch.
Johnston said the schedule for the Torch Relay has not yet been finalized.
“What a Relay team!” Tilson declared.
He congratulated the Town for the major contribution it’s been chosen to make, adding the government is happy to help make it “spectacular.”
“Each of you represents what makes Caledon a wonderful place to work, live and play,” he told the bearers.
Tilson added the Torch Relay will help make people in the community feel like they are part of the celebration.

Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Michael Coteau was at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Palgrave last Thursday to announce a $7,500 Provincial grant for the upcoming Pan Am Torch festivities in Town. Those on hand for the announcement included Councillors Gord McClure, Rob Mezzapelli and Barb Shaughnessy, Caledon’s Director of Parks and Recreation Laura Johnston, Mayor Allan Thompson, Coteau, Councillors Johanna Downey and Jennifer Innis, Equestrian Management Group Managing Partner Craig Collins, Councillors Nick deBoer and Doug Beffort, Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association Chair Stacey Coupland and Mike Fenning, associate director of property and risk management for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

A ceremony at Town Hall last Thursday recognized the local residents who will be carrying the Pan Am Games Torch June 13.They are Heather Whittier of Caledon East, Ken Bokor of SouthFields Village, Jeremy Grant of Alton, Meghan Zaremba of Bolton, Alyssa Hoar of Bolton, Charlie Fogerty of the Palgrave area and Ethan Mumford of Bolton.