Inside tour of CARSA

To simply say that UVic's new Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities will be an improvement over existing facilities is a huge understatement. This fact is becoming more and more apparent as construction on CARSA enters the final months.

The adjoining parkade is now nearly complete, allowing placement of the final beams for the performance gym ceiling and full enclosure of the building. In the meantime, the interior is a hive of activity as the structural and mechanical work-wiring, plumbing, concrete, drywall-gives way to the finishing work-tiling, flooring and painting.

CARSA is taking shape, and it's going to be amazing!

Visitors to the facility are struck by how open, expansive and full of light it will be. The sheer size of the structure is impressive, with floor space equivalent to the area of three football fields. That doesn't include the vertical terrain-the climbing wall with 370 square metres of bouldering and climbing space and a centrepiece of the building. But to concentrate only on this breathtaking feature doesn't do justice to the rest of the facility and what it will offer to students, athletes, faculty, staff and community members.

Don Chow, manager of recreation for UVic's Athletics and Recreation, has been eagerly anticipating the opportunities CARSA will provide. "It's going to be so much bigger, more efficiently run and versatile than anything we have now," he said. "Our current students and employees are going to thrive in this new facility, and it will be a huge asset for recruiting and retaining students. It will be a world-class facility that everyone at UVic can be proud of."

Athletics, fitness and recreation

First and foremost, of course, CARSA is about athletics, recreation and healthy, inclusive activities. Whether it's one of 16 varsity sports teams, intramural leagues, drop-in games, fitness classes or individual workouts, all users will enjoy state-of-the-art equipment and plenty of space. Fitness studios and equipment will cover two expansive levels overlooking the central atrium, while the multi-use field house has flexible space that can be used for tennis, ball hockey, badminton, volleyball and basketball. Racquetball and squash courts, a rowing ergometer centre and sports health clinic are also integral parts of CARSA.

In the performance gym, where the Vikes teams will continue their championship traditions, fans will enjoy an excellent view from every one of the 2,100 seats that fully surround the court. And, unlike current game nights at McKinnon gym where parts of the building are closed, CARSA facilities will be open for use during special events and varsity games.

CanAssist's new home

CARSA is also the new home of UVic's CanAssist offices, labs and machine shop, almost doubling its footprint from its current location in a renovated war-time hut. This organization, which is unique to any North American university, develops and delivers customized technologies, programs and services that improve the quality of life of people living with disabilities. Its future space in CARSA will increase CanAssist's profile on campus, provide research and co-op opportunities to students in several disciplines, and encourage partnerships with other groups on- and off-campus.

Robin Syme, executive director of CanAssist, is excited to move into the new space. "We've had a remarkable 15-year journey so far, but moving into CARSA is really going to give us the opportunity to take our work to a new level. We are so appreciative of the support UVic is providing us and our clients."

The focus on health, fun and a balanced lifestyle will be apparent as soon as you enter CARSA. A new caf&e#180; in the atrium will offer a variety of healthy foods, snacks and beverages, with plenty of seating available to relax, chat with friends, and watch the activity. With its central location, easy accessibility and variety of activities, CARSA is destined to be a popular meeting place on campus.

Green and sustainable construction

What you can't see in CARSA is as remarkable as what you can. The centre is being built to meet the LEED Gold standard of construction, including a number of sustainability features. Water efficiency will be maximized by using recycled, non-potable water in the toilets, leading to an expected 40% reduction in water consumption-about 7.5 million litres of water saved each year. The field house and performance gym will use long-lasting LED light fixtures that will save energy and operational expenses.

David Perry, UVic's director of capital development, enthusiastically describes the most impressive 'green' feature-the geothermal system that will help heat and cool the building. "By drilling down over 40 metres into bedrock, where temperatures remain constant year-round, the system is able to use temperature variances to heat the building in winter and cool it in summer. It's such a simple and elegant system." It's expected the geothermal process will provide about half of the energy needed by CARSA for heating/cooling, resulting in an annual Green House Gas reduction of around 340 tonnes.

When the university's athletics and recreation programs and activities move into CARSA next spring, renovations to McKinnon will provide new and expanded teaching, research and lab space for the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education.

On time and on budget

At about two-thirds complete, the project is on time and on budget. The projected cost for CARSA is $77 million, with $67 million funded by the university, parking revenues and membership fees. For the remaining $10 million, support is being sought from donors and corporate sponsors who recognize that this one-of-a-kind facility is an opportunity to make a real impact on our community and future generations. A variety of recognition, naming and sponsorship options are available.

Jane Muir Savidant and Tony Gage, co-chairs of the CARSA Campaign Cabinet, appreciate the response so far-$3.7 million. "The CARSA campaign team is excited about the benefits CARSA will bring to the campus and we're encouraged by the interest from local, regional and national organizations and individuals," said Muir Savidant.

"We welcome the participation and support of all UVic students, faculty and staff in building this outstanding facility," added Gage.

It all adds up to a remarkable new part of campus life, and excitement is building towards the spring 2015 opening. A world-class facility that provides an inspiring and inclusive environment, CARSA will soon be the heart of UVic's athletic, recreational and social life. It will be the home of champions, a hub of healthy activity for the campus community and a place where dreams are transformed into achievements. The countdown is on!

Visit the CARSA website to learn more.