Repairs and upgrades to parts of the former Physical Education Centre (PEC) on Union Street are planned to provide a wide variety of activities, including exams, large events, career fairs and intramural, recreation and sports.

The project will be completed in phases. Some of the gyms are expected to be ready for the December exam period and additional recreational, sport and campus event opportunities in the refurbished areas will be available progressively throughout 2013, allowing hundreds more students to participate in physical activity.

“Supporting student health and wellness is a top priority for Student Affairs and the university,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “Re-opening the gyms will help alleviate the intramural sport wait list of about 1,000 students and give students more recreational gym time overall. It will also help us with exam scheduling to reduce the need to use multiple exam sites for large classes and give us more options for large events on campus.”

The need for more recreation and exam space was identified by the university last year and a use-of-space study was conducted by Physical Plant Services (PPS). Funding for the project is coming from multiple sources, including the Athletics Trademark Fund and Student Affairs.

“The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is pleased that the PEC will be re-opening for student use,” says AMS President and CEO Doug Johnson. “During our executive election campaign, students identified activity space as a priority, and re-opening the PEC is a welcome step towards serving students. We look forward to a continued focus on student health and wellness by both the AMS and the university.”

Physical Plant Services is doing the work, which also includes upgrades to the entrance, lobby, washrooms and building and system infrastructure.

Full programming is expected to be in place by September 2013. The pool and change rooms will remain closed.

The PEC closed in 2009 when the Queen’s Centre opened.