Construction starts on Nip U's physical health research innovation centre

Nipissing University
News Release

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Construction has begun on Nipissing University’s vision for an active learning and physical health research innovation centre.

When it is completed, the 85,000 square foot, three phase expansion will combine state-of-the-art physical health research and active laboratory testing spaces, a large multi-purpose community event and recreation facility, and educational areas for courses related to physical education. The new space will help provide improved programming to promote healthy choices that encourage a well-balanced life. The project will support the university’s academic goals as well as respond to key government initiatives in promoting sports and recreation, amateur sports development, and health and wellness agendas.

The facility is planned as a $32 million, three-phased project. Phase One, currently under way, involves a comprehensive expansion of the existing Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre, providing increased space for physical activity, testing and demonstration space as well as multi-purpose space for large venue activities. The cost of Phase One is projected at $14-million and it is expected to be completed by October 2011. Phases II
and III will include further expansion required for the Schulich School of Education’s Bachelor of Physical Health and Education (BPHE) program, with classrooms and new human performance and exercise physiology laboratories, a
biomechanics lab, as well as a health psychology centre. The project phases will be funded by a combination of sources including debt, reserves, user fees, partners’ contributions, government agencies and fundraising
activities.

Nipissing’s student population has grown by more than 1,400 students since the existing Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre opened in 2001. The BPHE program, launched in 2007, has been very successful; in 2010/11 over 300 students will be registered. Students in the Schulich School of Education also regularly use athletics facilities as part of their curriculum. All-in-all, more than 800 students will take courses requiring physical activity space in the coming year.

“More space is required for us to accommodate students and the physical activity, testing, demonstration and research needs of our very successful program, as well as accommodate faculty and student research,” said Vicky
Paine-Mantha, vice-president finance and administration. “The university is committed to the importance of a healthy and active community and this
centre will help us support physical activity choices for our students and the larger community, promote research and support wellness activities and healthy lifestyle choices for all.

“The expansion will also allow us to accommodate larger groups of participants and spectators for national and regional competitions, conferences and community events, bringing more people to Nipissing and North Bay,” added Paine-Mantha.

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