University News

Bishop’s University Sports Centre to Undergo $29.5 Million Renovation and Expansion

SHERBROOKE, QC - September 21, 2009

Three levels of government joined with Bishop’s  University today to announce the single largest infrastructure investment in  the University’s history, a $29.5 million renovation and expansion of the John  H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre. The Governments of Canada and Quebec  will each contribute $13.25 million to the project, while the Ville de  Sherbrooke will contribute $3 million.

“This investment will  transform the John H. Price Centre into a comprehensive sports and wellness  facility,” said an elated Principal Michael Goldbloom. “It will create a  flagship building that will help us attract students from across Quebec and  Canada and from around the world, while meeting the growing needs of the  residents of Sherbrooke and neighbouring communities.”

The project will more  than double the size of the current Sports Centre, which was constructed in  1975 at a cost of $3 million. The new facility will include a modern 800-seat  arena, a double gymnasium, changing rooms and conference rooms. Extensive  renovations to the existing building will expand the strength and fitness  facilities. The new ice surface will replace the 47-year-old W.B. Scott Arena,  which would require significant investment and renovation to remain  operational.

Once completed, the new  John H. Price Sports and Wellness Centre will bring all of Bishop’s athletics,  recreation and wellness services under one roof. It will provide a state-of-the-art  venue for the Bishop’s Gaiters and Champlain Cougars sports teams as well as  enhanced fitness and recreation facilities for students and community  residents. It will also become home to the University’s health and counselling  services.

“This facility was  built in 1975 to serve 1500 students. There are now close to 3000 students at  Bishop’s and Champlain and we do not have sufficient space or appropriate  equipment to service them properly,” said Tony Addona, Director of Athletics.  “I have worked in this facility for over 25 years and fitness and wellness  activities have changed dramatically over that time. We can no longer meet the  needs of our students or the Sherbrooke community. As an example, our fitness facility  is much too small. We only have room for three treadmills and two elliptical  machines. That is woefully inadequate for 3000 students.”

A significant increase  in the use of the facility by the community is anticipated. The new ice surface  will be operational year-round and there will be an expansion of fitness and  wellness class offerings, outreach to daycares, schools and senior’s  residences, as well as a potential for additional doctors, therapists and  trainers for both campus and community members alike.

The tender process for  architectural and engineering firms will be launched this fall. The project is  expected to be completed in 2012, well in advance of the 2013 Canada Games,  when the Bishop’s University campus will play host to numerous events and serve  as the Athletes’ Village. As part of Bishop’s commitment to sustainable  development, the new facility will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and  Environmental Design) certified building at Bishop’s.

“One of the enduring  values at Bishop’s for 166 years has been the belief in the importance of a  sound mind and body,” said Principal Goldbloom. “This significant investment  will ensure these values remain an important aspect of the Bishop’s experience.”

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