Wilfrid Laurier University – Laurier Brantford YMCA Athletics and Recreation Centre

Wilfrid Laurier University – Laurier Brantford YMCA Athletics and Recreation Centre

Category: Educational & Recreational

Client: Wilfrid Laurier University and the YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford

Consultant: Cannon Design

Location: Brantford, ON

Phase 1 – Site preparations for construction of the new Laurier Brantford YMCA Student Recreation Centre in downtown Brantford, Ontario. Project included new Municipal Services, such as Storm, Sanitary, and Water main services in downtown Brantford on Colborne and Water Streets; extensive earth shoring for the new facility; bulk excavation and disposal of contaminated soils; and pedestrian bridge demolition.

This project underwent a significant archaeological discovery with the extraction and preservation of approximately 400,000 artifacts, wherein the deployment of several Archaeologists, Environmental monitors, and participation of Six Nations, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as well as, the Mississaugas of the New Credit.

Phase 2 – The complex is located between two parallel streets running east/west that have a 35-foot height differential. This 445-foot-long structure is merged into the hillside and visually interconnects the complex with interior glazing from a double height lobby space. The project has a green roof system that is separated by a pedestrian outdoor plaza and bridge, connecting Colborne Street to a public parking parkade on the south of Water Street

The project site includes an underslab gas extraction system; a six lane 25 metre swimming pool and separate teach tank; multi-purpose spaces for group fitness classes, social, educational and cultural programming; a health and wellness centre; a Mac Gym; a large double gymnasium with retractable seating for 1,200 spectators for sport and recreation training, competitions and functions.