The course is currently undergoing a two-stage upgrade process in time for the Games.

The first phase was completed in March 2014 and involved the installation of a new semi-permanent canoe and kayak gate system and other course features.

The second phase involves the renovation of the Preserve's existing clubhouse with work due to start next month and finish by early 2015.

Redevelopment work is being funded by the Canadian Government, the Township of Minden Hills and Whitewater Ontario, owners and and operator of the site and facility.

"The Minden Wild Water Preserve is well-known to Canadian and international paddlers as a fantastic, challenging course," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive of Toronto 2015.

"We've built on that reputation with upgrades that perfectly position the township to continue to attract the world's best paddlers and more high-profile events and athletes in this thrilling sport."

Minden is nearly 200 kilometres north east of Toronto and the venue will be the furthest away location from the city during the Games.

There will be satellite accommodation for athletes at the nearby Pinestone Resort during competition time.

The new upgraded course will be used for the first time this weekend (August 23 and 24) when the up to 70 competitors will take part in the Minden Hills Open, an International Canoe Federation competition, an official test event for Toronto 2015.

Fabien Lefevre of the United States could be one of the stars competing on the redeveloped Minden Wild Water Preserve course at Toronto 2015 ©Getty Images



"Hosting world-class athletes at test events like the Minden Hills Open help to raise the profile of amateur sport in Ontario and highlight all that our communities have to offer to an international audience," said Michael Coteau, Ontario Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

"Welcoming the world to the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games will provide an important opportunity to showcase our province as a premier international sport hosting destination."

Minden Hills Reeve Mayor Barb Reid added: "The Township of Minden Hills is honoured to be the canoe and kayak - slalom venue for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.

"Consistently rated the best natural whitewater course in North America, we are looking forward to hosting this event for what we are sure will be a uniquely Canadian experience for athletes, coaches and spectators."

Canoe and kayaking-slalom, which has been part of the Olympic sport schedule since Barcelona 1992, features athletes navigating a course of hanging gates on river rapids in the fastest time possible.

It will be one 36 sports on the programme for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, due to take place from July 10 to 26.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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