Dating back to 1858, UCC rowing has trained rowers who have become Olympians and Olympic medalists and teams that achieved national championships, CISAA titles, OFSAA gold medals, and successes at Head of the Charles, Stotesbury, and Henley Regattas. The 9,400 square foot, US $5.25M project integrates the school’s need for functional program elements such as boat storage bays, crew docks, a launch area, locker rooms, restrooms, and a flexible rowing training room, that can be transformed into public-oriented community spaces to support a range of events from fundraising to exhibitions.

The entire site and facility are universally accessible for all users. Sustainable and environmentally conscious design elements were critical as the site is located on a peninsula in a protected bay within a sensitive natural lake context. Key features include a low carbon Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structure assembled on site, expansive bird safe glazing for daylighting and passive natural ventilation, minimal energy and water use, green roofs for heat absorption and stormwater management, and native species landscaping.

The building’s openness connects the rowers directly to the surrounding landscape.