Playing host means 15,000 jobs for Ontarians—organizing, building, operating and managing facilities and systems and providing hospitality.

The Athletes’ Village project rising in Toronto’s West Don Lands is a new community that will be the cornerstone of the revitalized waterfront.

Even better, the proposed plan includes more than 40 venues spread across several municipalities and three universities for competition, training, and Games operation.

There are additional benefits. With 2015 approaching, work is already underway to revitalize Union Station, expand transit, plan a Welcome Centre in the Niagara Region and make sure Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe look their best. With all eyes on the region, major events like the Games can spur this kind of development and help ensure that it gets done on time.