The 69-year-old will now replace Roger Garland, who is retiring from the position.

"I want to thank Roger Garland for his excellent work in planning and promoting the largest international Games to be held on Canadian soil," Peterson, who served as Ontario Premier between 1985 and 1990, said.

"Under his leadership the Games are in excellent shape and I am delighted to assist in taking it to the next level.

"I have every confidence that working together we can make these Games a truly memorable Games."

Garland said that getting the Games off the ground was a fantastic experience.

"It was a challenging experience, but we built an organisation for the biggest Games in Canada's history," he said.

"It has been a wonderful experience in sporting history."

Kathleen Wynne had nominated David Peterson to chair Toronto 2015


Peterson's appointment was confirmed by Ontario's current Premier, Kathleen Wynne, who also thanked the outgoing Garland for his "outstanding work in laying a strong foundation for the upcoming Games".

She went on to say that she is committed to ensuring that Toronto 2015 are a "people's Games" and that Peterson is the right man for the job.

"I will make it my personal mission to ensure that Ontario's Pan American and Parapan American Games are truly the 'People's Games'," Wynne said.

"Whether you live in Kenora or Elora, Ottawa or Niagara, whether you are an athlete or a spectator, a volunteer or a visitor - these are your Games.

"I am so pleased that one of Ontario's most valuable players will be part of this team.

"I am delighted David is taking on this important responsibility.

"His deep knowledge, vision and infectious enthusiasm will help make these the most successful Pan Am Games ever."

David Peterson will step into the shoes of Roger Garland, who is retiring
as chair of Toronto 2015


Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut also welcomed Peterson to the post.

"As we move ever-closer toward welcoming the Americas at Toronto 2015, we are very pleased to draw upon the leadership and expertise of the Honourable David Peterson in this crucial role," he said.

"The Canadian Olympic Committee looks forward to working closely with Mr Peterson in the coming weeks and months to ensure that Toronto 2015 is a world-class Games and worthy of the Canadian athletes and coaches who will compete.

"We would also like to sincerely thank outgoing Toronto 2015 chair Roger Garland for his work and dedication, and wish him all the very best."

The Toronto Pan American Games, which are due be held on July 10 until 26, 2015, and Parapan Games, scheduled for August 7 until 14, are expected to attract more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials from 41 nations, as well as quarter of a million visitors.

The Games are also slated to create more than 26,000 jobs and grow Ontario's gross domestic product by $3.7 billion (£2.4 billion/€2.8 billion) from 2009 to 2017.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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