BRANDON, MB —Dr. Deborah Poff, Brandon University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, and Mayor Shari Decter Hirst today signed a Community Access Agreement for the soon-to-be-opened fitness and recreation facility.
The event took place in front of the new Healthy Living Centre (HLC) on Louise Avenue. Dr. Tom Breneman, BUILD Campaign Chair and Jared Jacobson BUILD Local Division Chair, were also present during this important historical event.
“Brandon University is very excited to have the opportunity to share this new facility with the community. This much-needed centre which has been dreamed about for years is now coming to fruition. We look forward to opening the doors of the Healthy Living Centre in the fall – for our BU community, athletes, students and member of the Brandon Community,” said Dr. Poff.
The Community Access Agreement will open the new fitness facility’s doors to the general public, upon its completion. The HLC will soon be providing a national-level competition space for volleyball and basketball. Along with becoming the new home of the Brandon University Bobcats and campus athletics, the HLC will be the focal point of student fitness and sporting activities. However, the highlight of the signing event is the announcement that the fitness centre, the walking and jogging track, the three hard-court gyms, the recreation sports programs and much more will soon be available to residents of Brandon and the region.
“With its soon-to-be-opened Healthy Living Centre, Brandon University will bring its athletic and fitness offerings up to a new standard of excellence,” said Mayor Decter Hirst. “The signing of this Community Access Agreement means that all Brandon residents will have the opportunity to experience that same standard. I’m extremely pleased that students and citizens from all walks of life will soon be able join each other in the pursuit of overall community health.”
A short tour of the building took place following the signing. The construction of the HLC, which began in August 2011, is expected to open in late fall. Plans include a renewal of BU’s existing gym to add to the total space available for athletic and fitness programs.
“This new facility is a wonderful asset for our community. I’ve heard many comments on how much people are looking forward to walking or jogging indoors this winter,” said Dr. Breneman BUILD Campaign Chair. “I can also say that I look forward to watching a BU Bobcat game from the new spectator seats in the gym.”
Jared Jacobson, BUILD Local Division Chair, echoed those comments and added: “This project is one that I feel will make a huge difference in our community. In fact, that’s why I’ve volunteered to help. As we move forward in engaging the community in supporting this project, it is critical that people know of the opportunity that this facility makes possible. From fitness training to space to hold competitive basketball or volleyball games, the addition of this new building to the Brandon University campus is important to the community and to the University.”
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