When Kavie Toor walks through the doors of UBC’s new Recreation Centre North, he sees more than just gymnasiums and fitness equipment—he sees possibility.

“My hope is that this becomes a completely transformative building,” says Kavie, Managing Director of Athletics and Recreation. “A space where people can fast-track their wellbeing—not just in fitness, but in community building and mental health too.”

Spanning four levels and 101,000 square feet, Recreation Centre North is the boldest expansion of student recreation space in UBC’s history. With three gymnasiums, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, indoor walk-roll-run track, and multipurpose rooms, it nearly triples the amount of fitness space available to students—from just 0.36 square feet per student to 1.05—bringing UBC in line with national standards.

More than bricks and mortar, Rec Centre North is about inclusion.

“We listened closely to what the community needed,” says Kavie. “Our goal was to make movement accessible at every level of ability, interest and identity. If you want to get moving, we have a space for you.”

For many in the UBC community, the new facility represents more than just a space to exercise, it’s a symbol of shared commitment—one that inspired a contribution from UBC’s alumni association.

“Physical exercise is important to a healthy life,” says Fred Withers, Chair of the alumni UBC Board. “At alumni UBC we recognized Rec Centre North as a community asset and an example of where a financial gift from the Alumni Association would benefit all—students, staff, faculty and the wider UBC community. It’s a terrific example of the power of university, student and alumni support coming together to make something meaningful happen.”

Kavie was at the meeting when the alumni UBC board decided to support the Rec Centre. He described a domino effect, with people putting their hands up to contribute, driven by the enthusiasm in the room.

“The alumni board was asking tons of great questions,” he says. “I had no idea this enthusiasm would lead to such a significant contribution. I was blown away when I heard they had approved a donation. It’s an incredible and impactful gift.”

For students like Chloe McDonald, who works at Rec North and uses the facility herself, the impact is already clear.

“Having this new gym is super beneficial for the wellbeing of students at UBC,” she says. “Classes and life here can be very intense, so it’s really great that we can provide this new space where students can let go of those worries by working out in a positive and safe environment.”

“The most rewarding part has been seeing how it inspires people,” Chloe adds. “I’ve seen so many new faces since Rec North opened, and from conversations I’ve had, I know this new space has been a real motivator for people to start getting into—or more into—physical health.”

“This isn’t just about now—it’s about lifelong wellbeing,” says Kavie. “We want students to build weekly routines that become lifelong habits. And we want this space to be where they start.”