Nipissing U’s new Active Learning and Health Research Innovation Centre a hit with students and faculty

“It’s the ultimate recruitment tool,” says Dave Drenth, Nipissing University’s facilities director. Drenth is referring to the university’s Active Learning and Health Research Innovation Centre. Constructed in three phases over four years with help from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the $30-plus million, 90,000 square-foot facility includes two regulation size gymnasiums, change rooms, cardio rooms and teaching labs. There are also state-of-the-art motor control, biomechanics and exercise physiology laboratories for conducting applied research in a wide range of areas, including human performance, rehabilitative medicine, nursing, health, social welfare, mental health and other related interdisciplinary programs. “We couldn’t have built such an amazing facility without financial help from the NOHFC,” says Drenth. “The result is that the centre is playing a key role in helping us attract new faculty and students to Nipissing U, and also enabling the university to participate in national and regional competitions and conferences.”