September 30, 2005 Source: University of Lethbridge:
http://www.uleth.ca/notice/display.html?b=4&s=4328 Regional Health and Wellness Centre Referendum Focuses on Student Support for New Building The University of Lethbridge, in partnership with the U of L Students' Union, is asking students to vote in mid-October on a referendum requesting support for the Regional Health and Wellness Centre. "This new $31 million centre will be funded by the City of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge and private contributions," said Nancy Walker, Vice-President, Finance and Administration. "U of L students have a long history of contributing to capital projects at this institution. Every student who has gone through this institution since 1976 has helped build the campus you see today, including the SU Building and our Library, which opened in 2001." Walker said that students currently pay into a fund that supports the mortgage on the Students' Union Building, which will be paid off in March, 2007. "We are asking students to reallocate the future mortgage contributions toward the Regional Health and Wellness Centre starting September, 2007. This contribution will not result in an increase in student fees, and would amount to a contribution of $2.5 million over a 10-year period." The Students' Union General Assembly has supported the initiative, and Walker said a confirmation of student support would assist the University in gaining additional funds for the project. "Student support sends a strong message to the Province and private donors that this building, a partnership between the University, students and the community, is greatly needed," Walker said. Town Hall Meetings will take place prior to the on-line voting period, which is October 11 to 13, 2005. Monday, October 3, 2005
Noon - SU ZOO (lunch provided) Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Noon - Atrium Thursday, October 6, 2005
Noon - Atrium On-line Polling Dates
October 11, 12 and 13, 2005 Complete information is available on this website http://www.uleth.ca/leavingalegacy/ -- 30 -- Background Information: The RHWC will be a state-of-the-art facility for all students, faculty, staff, athletes, alumni and the community. It will be a place for recreational play, fitness, group exercise and wellness activities. It will advance learning and research in subjects like kinesiology and prevention-focused research. It will be a centre that focuses on the connection between the mind and the body. A facility that supports the belief that not all lessons are learned in the classroom, and that through recreation, we re-create ourselves. The RHWC will be one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the province. It will be one of the first 10 buildings in the province to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. This "green" approach to the building's design will also produce an energy-efficient facility that will be less expensive to run. The new facility will be about 40 per cent more energy efficient than the current Physical Education Building. The 11,600 sq. m. RHWC, a combination of new and existing facilities, is expected to open in September 2006, with renovations to the existing PE Building expected to be complete by January 2007. This new $31 million centre will be funded by the City of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge and private contributions. The University is currently seeking donations from a variety of sources and as part of our fundraising goal we hope to count on student support for this project. Student support for the RHWC will continue the legacy of students helping build this campus for future generations and will aid in the completion of this centre that will immediately improve the fitness and wellness facilities at the University of Lethbridge. A naming opportunity in the RHWC exists for the student contribution towards this project. -- U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173
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