CARSA: Aspire, Inspire.

The new facility will be a dynamic community hub inspiring excellence in all areas of human potential.

Artistic rendering of the new mezzanine, featuring the climbing wall.

Artistic rendering of the new mezzanine, featuring the climbing wall.

Artistic rendering of the CanAssist lab.

Artistic rendering of the CanAssist lab.

Artistic rendering of the performance gym.

Artistic rendering of the performance gym.

Artistic rendering of the training and weight lifting area.

Artistic rendering of the training and weight lifting area.

Artistic rendering of the new field house, featuring indoor racquet sport and ball hockey courts.

Artistic rendering of the new field house, featuring indoor racquet sport and ball hockey courts.

Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities

UVic's Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) will provide the best training and learning facilities possible for students, varsity athletes and other users as well as an opportunity for all community members to access UVic's athletics and recreation resources as well as specific services and research programs.

The new facility will house the UVic Vikes and sports and recreation programs as well as new offices, labs and a machine shop for UVic's CanAssist, unique to North America in being a university organization developing and delivering customized technologies, programs and services for people living with disabilities.

CARSA will build on UVic's record as a launching point for high-performance athletes and will benefit health-conscious individuals, people with disabilities and those participating in community sports and recreation.

In September 2012, Saanich Council cleared UVic to move ahead with the new centre and related parkade. Site preparation began the week of Feb. 25, 2013, with completion of the first phase planned for spring 2015.