Hello, Aanii, Bonjour,
Over the last 10 months, Laurentian has had many opportunities to connect with our community on the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool. These spaces contribute to our community’s sense of spirit, fitness, and sportsmanship, and we recognize how important these facilities are to our students, our athletes and swimmers in particular, and to the broader Sudbury community.
However, in a recent report commissioned by Laurentian, which examined the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool in question, the noted KPMG firm concluded that high-cost maintenance issues, specifically in relation to the pool, will prevent the University from immediately re-opening these facilities. The University estimates that the cost of repairs is over $10 million, putting these projects out of reach for the University at this time.
In light of this report’s findings, coupled with impacts of COVID-19, the low numbers of students on campus, the emergence of the pandemic’s second wave, and the recent cancellation of competitive varsity sport in Winter 2021, Laurentian has made the difficult decision to maintain the current state of closure of the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool until at least April 30, 2021.
Laurentian University continues to actively seek out grants, partnerships, or capital funding that might play a role in funding the safety improvements necessary for a reopening of the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool.
In the meantime, the facility remains closed for the general public, community groups, and other staff, faculty and students. Laurentian University athletes, coaches, authorized staff, and faculty will continue to have access to parts of the facility, including the physiotherapy clinic, with the exception of the Jeno Tihanyi Pool.
We remain committed to providing students with access to quality health and wellness services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students residing in residence will continue to have access to the recreation activities located within the residence building.
Laurentian will have further updates on the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool for the community in spring 2021.
Thank you, Merci, Miigwech
Marie Josée Berger
Provost and Vice-President, Academic