The University of Victoria (UVic) Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) is part of a campus-wide strategic response to UVic’s growing student population. Informed by a comprehensive study of its existing facilities and campus, CARSA is a dynamic hub for collegiate recreation and athletic. CARSA also houses UVic’s CanAssist, a program that develops technologies, programs and services that help people with disabilities improve their quality of life.

The building’s architecture is intended to engender a sense of pride in the university and promote UVic’s leadership role in the wider community. Inclusion, innovation, participation, identity, responsibility, and legacy are all values inspired and expressed by the overall design.

Key spaces and features in center include multi-use recreation programming space, a 2,100-seat performance gym, two-level fitness and weight training area, a 16-metre climbing wall, squash and racquetball courts, dance space, sports injury therapy clinic, snack bar, rowing center and office and team space for the UVic Vikes athletics department.