Board gives green light to CARSA facility

UVic’s Board of Governors has approved funding for the construction of the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities and the renovation of the McKinnon Building. Among other features, the $59-million project will include a performance gymnasium, field house and a state-of-the-art fitness and weight-training space. It will greatly enhance UVic’s health-related research and educational programs by providing room for teaching and research for the Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education.

The 11,600-square-metre facility will also include research and development space for CanAssist—a UVic organization that develops and delivers technologies, programs and services that improve the quality of life of those with disabilities. It is unique in North America.

The facility will involve an approximately $20-million investment from the university with the remaining funds coming from sponsorship, partnerships, external fundraising efforts and non-mandatory user fees.

Associate Vice-President Student Affairs Jim Dunsdon says building a new centrerather than just renovating the aging McKinnon and Ian Stewart buildings to try to bring them up to standardmakes financial sense. The renovations would cost the university $27 million and UVic would still have buildings that were lacking in fundamental ways.

“We’re excited about this important step forward,” says Dunsdon. “With funding approval, we’re on the way to providing more learning and research opportunities for students, remaining competitive in recruiting the best and brightest students, supporting UVic’s tradition of athletic excellence, and increasing our ability to address the growing physical activity and recreational needs of UVic students, faculty and staff, and community users.”

The project is still in the early stages but is expected to open in about three years. A formal announcement outlining the details of the project vision will be made in the fall.