Laurier students make long-term investment in student health

Wilfrid Laurier University students responded enthusiastically to the “More Space, Better Space” referendum campaign and voted in favour of a transformational long-term financial commitment to campus Athletics & Recreation facilities on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. 

Over the next 10 years alone the new fee will provide more than $40 million to enhance fitness, sport and active extra-curricular amenities. This support is in addition to the $2.5 million already pledged by the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) for new turf at the Seagram Drive Athletics & Recreation facility. 

“Students sent an important message about the value of recreation, fitness, and sport,” says Students’ Union President Megan Spenler. “But equally important are updates and enhancements that will produce multi-use facilities that can be enjoyed by all Laurier students.” 

More than 70 per cent of voting students supported the referendum, eager to take advantage of Fitness Centre improvements and a winterized field bubble, while anticipating the possibilities of the reimagined and revitalized Seagram Drive Athletics & Recreation facility. The new field turf and bubble footings will be in place by Fall 2024. 

“Laurier has a long history of commitment to prioritizing undergraduate student wellness,” says Graduate Students’ Association President Taylor Coleman. “As a member of the Seagram Drive project steering committee, I am passionate about ensuring the unique needs of our master's and PhD students are met by utilizing UX design principles, further inviting graduate student participation in shaping the space.” 

Some immediate enhancements that will be in place as early as fall 2024 include: upgraded and enhanced changerooms in the Athletic Complex, new field turf at Knight-Newborough Field (University Stadium), new study spaces in the Athletic Complex, and accessibility improvements in the Athletic Complex.  

“Laurier’s undergraduate and graduate students demonstrate how much they care about their fellow students both now and in the future, in supporting a major project like this,” says Vice-President, Advancement and External Relations Jason Coolman. “These kinds of projects can only happen with the support and in partnership with our students. We’re so grateful to the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and the Graduate Students’ Association for their partnership, their generosity and their vision for the future.”