TORONTO — The Parapan Am Games went out with a bang Saturday night as fireworks lit up Toronto City Hall at the end of the closing ceremonies.
Thousands of people came out to watch the ceremony, which took place in Nathan Phillips Square.
Both the Pan Am and the Parapan Am Games were well-attended, despite initial worries about low-ticket sales.
Canada finished second in both the Pan Am and Parapan Am medal count and thousands of people flocked downtown for Panamania events.
READ MORE: Canada finishes second in a Parapan Am Games about more than medals
But now that the flame has been extinguished, what’s next for Toronto?
Many things will return to normal. The much-hated HOV lanes will go away on Tuesday and the Pan Am Park at Exhibition Place is already gone to make way for the Canadian National Exhibition.
But some features will be sticking around. The Toronto sign was moved from Nathan Phillips Square for the Closing Ceremonies, but it will be back in the square until the end of the year, when it will go on display in other areas of the city.
On a more permanent note, a splash pad was installed in Exhibition Centre, featuring an art installation with the names of all 51 Pan Am and Parapan Am sports on it.
Not all news about the games was good. Pan Am Games chair and former Ontario Premier David Peterson is the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit involving a female manager.
But a well-attended Pan Am Games means there’s a chance the city will make a bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Mayor John Tory has said he’s considering it, but wants to “let the dust settle” from the Games first.
To be considered for the games, Toronto would have to be registered with the International Olympics Committee by Sept. 15, a month away.
IN PHOTOS: Canada at the Parapan Am Games
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