City of Oshawa to present $1-million cheque for new campus sports complex

OSHAWA, Ont. - The captains of two great teams will face off February 26 for a high "chequing" game that will leave local sports fans shouting for joy.

At a special ceremony this Thursday, Oshawa Mayor John Gray will present a cheque for $1 million to Dr. Gary Polonsky, president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College, as the first instalment on a brand new sports complex for the Oshawa campus and the community-at-large. The city is committed to providing a total of $8 million toward the entire $11.6-million cost of the complex, which has yet to be formally named. Members of city council will accompany Mayor Gray.

Reporters and photographers are invited to attend Thursday's ceremony. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the new Campus Tennis Centre, on the north side of Conlin Road, just west of Simcoe Street.

The new sports complex will be located on the west side of Simcoe Street, just north of Conlin Road, and will act as a gateway to the campus. Combined with the year-round tennis centre and a new, professional-grade soccer field - both just a stone's throw away - the sports complex represents a major improvement in the athletic facilities available on the Durham/UOIT campus.

In its first phase, the facility will feature two ice rinks, with tiered seating for a total of 600 spectators, and bench seating for another 200. A pool will be added in the future at an estimated cost of $6 million. Both the first-floor lobby and the comfortable second-floor lounge will offer views of the ice arenas and the pool.

Designed by Barry Brian Associates Ltd. of Whitby and Hughes Condon Marler Architects of Vancouver, the complex incorporates a number of environmentally friendly features, including the use of materials that reduce indoor air contaminants. Construction is slated to begin this spring, and the facility is expected to open in the spring of 2005.

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As Canada 's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused degree undergraduate programs and is developing leading-edge research and graduate programs. Sharing selected services with Durham College, the university welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca, or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
John Schofield
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111, ext. 2162
john.schofield@uoit.ca