Activate UBC: Recreation Centre North

The project received conditional Board 3 approval from the UBC Board of Governors on June 29, 2022. The new facility will provide much needed recreation space including a state of the art fitness centre, three gymnasiums, an indoor track, and many other amenities.

Planning for a new recreation centre emerged from the UBC GamePlan: 20-year Recreation and Athletics Facilities Strategy, which involved public consultation and was approved by the Board of Governors in April 2017. The strategy supports UBC’s commitment to wellbeing by meeting a growing need for recreational fitness and gymnasium space.

Latest Updates

Inside Rec North’s Equipment Lineup

October 30, 2024

An exclusive first look at UBC’s new 4-level fitness centre and its extensive range of fitness equipment.


Answers to Your FAQs About Rec North!

September 18, 2024

We’re here to provide some clarity and answer the most common queries about Recreation North.


We asked UBC students to share their favourite feature of Rec North, opening early 2025! 🏋️‍♀️✨

What feature are you most excited for? Drop your vote in the comments below! ⬇️ 

#ubc #ubcrec #activateubc
Big things are happening at Rec North! 🛠️🏗️ Opening in early 2025, the interior spaces are starting to take shape! From the gymnasiums to the run, roll, walk track, and the 4-level fitness centres—everything is coming together to bring our vision to life. 🚶‍♂️🏋️‍♂️

It's gone from concrete and framework to walls and so much more, and we can’t wait to show you the final touches—lighting, signage, flooring, and equipment in the coming months. ✨ We’re counting down the days until we can welcome you inside. 👏

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks and interactive updates as we get ready to reveal your new go-to spot for all thigns recreation in 2025!
#ubc #ubcrec #activateubc
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Learn About the Project

The Recreation Centre North facility will be built on the large plaza space situated immediately north of the UBC Life Building (formerly the Student Union Building) and at the western end of Student Union Boulevard. Located at the heart of UBC’s Vancouver campus, the building will include an outdoor walkway corridor at ground level to allow foot traffic to readily flow through the area.

The building is designed by SHAPE Architecture and features an indoor floor area of 101,000 square feet spread over four levels, including three gymnasium courts; an indoor run, roll, walk track; cardio and weightlifting areas; multipurpose rooms; universal and gender-specific change areas; and administrative offices. The Recreation Centre North will also be constructed to a LEED Gold green building standard and is Rick Hansen Foundation Certified.

Construction will begin in 2022 with an anticipated completion in late 2024. The estimated cost is $67.5 million including contributions from Alma Mater Society (AMS) student fees, donors, and UBC.

View the Facility

Floor Plans & Use of Space

See how the Student Recreation Centre North is taking shape by clicking through the floor plans below. Click on the images below to see an overview of each floor as well as see how feedback from previous surveys and consultation have informed the planning of this new facility.

Activate UBC | Help Build Rec North

Thank you to supporters of the Activate UBC campaign that is helping to build Recreation Centre North.

This new activity and fitness centre will provide the UBC community a space to connect and get moving. The new building will house state-of-the-art exercise opportunities including three full gymnasiums courts, strength and cardio equipment, functional training and multipurpose spaces, running track and more. This facility will support our UBC student’s fitness and wellbeing goals and will provide them a space to prioritize their mental and physical health while they are pursuing their academic achievements. Recreation Centre North will add a much needed 41,500 square feet of fitness and activity space providing UBC students, staff and community members the room to move!

Builders

$1000 or more

Abdulaziz Al-Fahim, PhD
Benevity
Vicky Ru-Yun Cheng
Janet & Nils Clarke
Dr. Bryce Ford and Family
Nestor & Lindsey Korchinsky
Hongye Keane Liu
George Morfitt

Atila & Gillian Ozkaplan
Joanie Pilcher
Yumin Benjamin Qiu
Alexander Remtulla
Leo Tam
Ken Teskey
Dandan Zhang

Contributors

$50-$999

Tiffany & Brian Johns
Michael Brewer
Bryan Chang
Erin Connors
Cybergrants

Suna Jung
Alexandra Kroetsch
Krish Maharaj, PhD
Kim Mayes
David Medilek

Alyssa Reyes
Mrigank Sharma and Family
Ashley Shepherd
Kate & Darren Thomson
Brian White


With support from UBC leadership and students we are endeavoring to raise $5,000,000 to complete the funding of the new Recreation Centre North on campus. 

  • Gifts of $1,000 (or a pledge of $84 per month for 12 months) or more will be recognized on the recreation centre donor wall that will also honour the history of recreation and intramurals.
  • All gifts over $50 will be recognized digitally on recreation.ubc.ca.
Download a PDF to learn more about how you can get involved with Activate UBC.

The Activate UBC campaign is the final piece of the puzzle that will complete the funding to make this vision of a new fitness and activity centre a reality. We need your support today more than ever to realize our goals of bringing UBC the brand new, significantly expanded Recreation Centre North to campus.