another lap around the velodrome

Dundas councillor Russ Powers, originally a member of the board for the National Cycling Centre Hamilton, is back in the middle of the Velodrome discussion, now as one of the city's reps on the Hamilton Velodrome Advisory Committee - the other representatives from council are Whitehead, McHattie, and Pasuta. (the terms of reference require three councillors, but there appear to be four on the HVAC).

The purpose of the HVAC is

" to provide advice, input and support for the development of a permanent velodrome in Hamilton as part of the 2015 Pan Am initiative and legacy. The aims of the Hamilton Velodrome Advisory Committee are:

• To review and provide input on the site location for the velodrome;

• Review and provide expertise on the design of the velodrome.

• To review and assist with the development of a funding plan for the future velodrome facility in Hamilton;

• To review and provide input in the implementation of the business plan with respect to sustainability, programming options and legacy opportunities;

• Support the 2015 Pan Am games legacy initiatives that build on the four pillars of sport development (participation, excellence, capacity and interaction).

• Promote public awareness and encourage participation in sport and recreation through the development of an indoor velodrome community multi-purpose recreation facility in Hamilton.

• Provide advice and input in the development of the future operating plan and governance model for the new velodrome.

Let's hope that Powers remembers his opposition to the Dundas site and argues forcefully against encroaching on the natural lands near Olympic Park.

Representation on the committee is as follows:

• 1 Representative from each of the following sector stakeholder groups:
o Canadian Cycling Association Ontario Cycling Association National Cycling Centre Hamilton Hamilton Cycling Club Hamilton Cycling Committee Youth Serving Agencies Network
• 3 Staff Representatives from City of Hamilton o Sports Tourism/City Pan Am (2) o City of Hamilton Recreation Division (1)
• 3 Representatives from City of Hamilton Council
• 2 community members at large

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