We want your input: High-performance training facility for UPEI and PEI athletes

UPEI’s academic and operational units are feeling constrained for space—and our Department of Athletics and Recreation is no different. 

UPEI’s Campus Plan Update (dated January 2019) provides an outline on how the University approaches capital and space planning at the institution. This plan further outlines that future development and investment should support an “Athletic Campus” zone and specifically notes a “High-Performance Training Centre” as part of a revised sports centre.

A dedicated high-performance training centre would support approximately 250 varsity and 200 club student-athletes and remains relevant in 2026, aligning with the “Thriving People and Communities” pillar of Making the World a Better Place: UPEI Strategic Plan (2025–2030).

A strength and conditioning facility at UPEI would

• attract new student-athletes in a competitive post-secondary/varsity sport market;
• reduce the likelihood of student-athlete injuries and shorten recovery times should they occur;
• allow collaboration, training, and research opportunities for students and faculty in UPEI’s kinesiology (and likely other) programs;
• enhance training opportunities for community stakeholders such as Sport PEI members and provincial sport organizations; and
• allow for a formal relationship with the Canadian Sport Institute to support the development and high performance of PEI and UPEI athletes and coaches. (PEI is the only province without one.)

UPEI is considering the creation of this training centre by redeploying 3,146 square feet of space in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre from its current use as squash courts and “Studio One” (a flexible exercise space). Under the proposed business case, new and existing revenue/cost-recovery streams would cover both the renovation and annual operating costs. The financial sustainability of the department (and UPEI) would not be negatively impacted by this proposal.

It is estimated that approximately 90 community members may be affected by the repurposing of the squash space of which it is further estimated that 30 are frequent weekly users. Studio One users will be accommodated in other Sports Centre spaces such as Studio Two.

UPEI has long evolved its use of limited space, including athletic and recreation spaces, to reflect changes in the needs of our campus and broader community. However, like all University resources, decisions about space use are not made solely by the unit occupying the space. Therefore, we are seeking input from community members and users until February 20, 2026, to assist us with this decision on whether to develop a high-performance strength and conditioning facility for UPEI and PEI athletes. 

Please send your comments to Tim Walker, Vice-President, Administration and Finance, at vpaf@upei.ca.