What Peterborough’s Sports Leaders Have to Say… (pdf)

A $17.5 million project that will transform Trent’s athletics facilities was the focus of a community project announcement that drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and representatives of sporting groups and the school system from Peterborough and the surrounding area on November 27.

Bill Byrick, director of athletics, introduced exciting plans for expansion and renovation of Trent Athletics. The renewal of existing facilities, built in 1977, will result in a modern, multi-sport centre of excellence, designed to serve the needs of students and residents of the Peterborough Region. 

"We're really positioning ourselves to service the community," he said. "We think we're going to have something that the community can be proud of, but we'll also be able to serve our Trent community and hopefully attract more students to Trent."

Architects Duff Balmer and Alan Mortsch of award-winning Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners were on hand to present conceptual drawings of the new 77,000 sq. ft facility, which involve a 23,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art addition and a refurbishment to the existing 54,000 sq. ft. athletic complex.

Trent’s athletics complex is currently accessed and utilized by a number of local organizations who use the facilities for hundreds of hours each year. In fact, the community accounts for 85% of the total usage of the Alan Marshall Pool at Trent, while the University uses it only 15% of the time.

Discussion and planning for new athletics facilities at Trent have been underway for the past six years. Over 20 campus and community meetings have been held, and input and recommendations have been gathered for the future needs of facilities at Trent.

There will be many unique features to the new facility that will offer an unparalleled variety of athletic activities in the region. Trent’s new 77,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art home for sports, fitness and recreation will include an indoor rowing/paddling tank, a new 12,000 sq. ft. weight room and cardio area, a top-of-the-line climbing facility, an expanded sports injury clinic, an indoor therapeutic pool, updated change rooms and showers, and a complete makeover of Trent’s 25 m pool. For a complete description of all the changes and new features, please click here.

“It will really exciting to have a rowing tank, both for Trent and the community,” said Carol Love, coach of Trent’s Varsity Rowing Team and the Peterborough Rowing Club. “It’s great for teaching high school students, masters and the adaptive community who will certainly use it for training all through the winter. To be able to teach techniques in the tank will help everyone, especially beginners.”

Craig Harris, head coach of the Ontario Provincial Under-19 Women's Rugby Team, echoed this sentiment. "Trent is actually more a part of the local sporting community than most people realize. The new field has been a huge asset. The new facilities will increase that contact five-fold. Not just with an increase in local use but with the spin-off to the community caused by the larger events Trent would then be able to attract."

“It’s an exciting time to come to Trent.”

For further information about the expansion and renovation plans, please visit the Athletics Development website.