The sport of speed skating has been increasing at an exponential rate with over 27 clubs and 1846 members in Ontario alone.  The Ontario Speed Skating Association lists a 27% increase in speed skaters in Ontario in the past year. At the 2006 Torino Olympics, speed skating alone contributed to over 50% of the medals won. Unfortunately, Canada currently only has two training facilities - one located in Calgary, Alberta and the other in St. Foy, Quebec.  Ontario lacks the proper facility to advance the needs of its speed skating athletes and in turn Ontario athletes are forced to train in other provinces which is a costly endeavour that results in filtering funds to living expenses rather than athlete training and advancement. 

The Oval is mandated to meet the requirements of Speed Skating Canada to become a regional training facility.   Speed Skating Canada believes that “the Oval development is an exciting opportunity for speed skating in Ontario and the Eastern part of our country. With this facility our largest province will be able to comprehensively support the development of long track speed skating.”

In addition to serving our professional athletes the Oval will service the general community year round by developing programs geared to sport such as, in-line skating and field sports.

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As an economic driver, the Oval is expected to increase visitor spending by over $14 million annually.  This economic increase stems from the anticipated 80,000 participants and 80,000 spectators who will visit annually.  The banquet facility, fitness area with gym included, oval, proshop and community programs are some of the many features that will attract 160,000 annual users.  The Oval will also generate a large number of jobs in Peterborough and region. This is an exciting project that will bring regional, provincial, national and international recognition to the region and have a direct impact on the future economic health of the area. 

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Central to the Oval’s design is the leading-edge geothermal ice creation system.  The system will create a superior, cost effective ice surface, without the use of liquid ammonia or the emission of green house gases or other air pollutants.  The geothermal loop has the potential to become a district energy system with the capability to reduce green house gas emissions by an estimated 11,000 tonnes annually, which is equivalent to removing 2200 vehicles off the road annually.  The facility will be a “green project” using energy produced in the refrigeration process to heat the Oval complex and adjacent buildings during the winter months.  This unique system design also provides the flexibility to cool these facilities in the hot summer months.

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The Oval will provide badly needed health and recreation opportunities fulfilling the goals and objectives for healthy active living as outlined in Ontario’s ACTIVE 2010 program.  The Oval will be a “community programming hub” providing unique opportunities for broad based participation in many other sports and activities that promote healthy lifestyles.  Participants will include youth, families, students, seniors, visiting tourists and persons living with disabilities.  The Oval aims at fostering the needs of its community by providing programs geared to many walks of life.