Laurier Recreation - Waterloo Campus

Laurier Athletics & Recreation offers a variety of inclusive spaces and programming, designed to serve the many diverse community members and students at Wilfrid Laurier University. We continue to learn, evaluate, and explore how we can meet the needs of our community. This portal will continue to be updated as information becomes available or changes. 

Laurier Athletics & Recreation encourages the right of all students, members and visitors to participate in programming and engage in spaces that feel authentic to them. 

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that Wilfrid Laurier University and its Waterloo and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe (anish-nah-bay) and Haudenosaunee (hoe-den-no-show-nee) peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and to not engage in conflict. 

Laurier’s Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nafan (nan-fan) Treaty of 1701. 

On behalf of the department of Athletics and Recreation, we recognize that competing and training on these traditional territories at our multiple sites is a privilege.

Facility Accessibility

The Athletic Complex has three floors: the first floor (lower level), second floor (main level, where the entrance is located) and third floor (upper level). A ramp, lift and elevator are available to support access to the different floors. 

Inclusive Washrooms

Everyone has the right to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. Accessing a washroom on campus can present a barrier for some trans and gender diverse people due to gender monitoring and fear of harm and harassment. Learn more about the Inclusive Washroom Initiative at Laurier. 

In the Athletic Complex, there is one accessible, single-user washroom located on all three floors. In addition, shared washrooms are located on the second floor and on the first floor (within the changerooms). Everyone in our facility is encouraged to use the washroom in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression. 

Women's Programming

There are a variety of spaces and programs designed for cis-gender women, trans women, and non-binary students, staff, faculty and community members. Everyone is encouraged to use the Athletic Complex and engage in programming in accordance with their lived gender identity and/or gender expression.

• Women's only hours in the Fitness Centre (year-round)
• Women's only climb times at the rock wall (Fall/Winter term)
• Women's only hours during lane swim (year-round)
• Her Strength group training program (offered on a term-by-term basis)

Collaborations with Identity-Based Clubs and Associations 

Laurier Athletics & Recreation also collaborates with a variety of identity-based clubs and associations on campus to offer tailored programming. 

Previous collaborations include:

• Black Students' Association drop-in dance series (October-November 2023)
• Bollywood dance class in collaboration with SOCH Mental Health Laurier (January 2024 and March 2024)
• Group Exercise Soca Glow class in celebration of Black History Month as part of the Physical Activity Campaign (February 2024)
• Fitness challenge in partnership with For the Girls (April 2024)
• Women's only swim lesson during Thrive Week (March 2025)

If your club or association is interested in collaborating, please contact Kelsey Kerr, Coordinator, Fitness & Instructional Programs. 

Culturally Responsive Programming

Through collaboration with the student body, Laurier Athletics & Recreation also offers programming with culturally responsive movement, exercise and athletics. 

• Dance classes, including Step, Dancehall, Afro-Fusion and K-Pop (Fall/Winter terms, based on instructor availability)
• Men's cricket club (year-round)
• Cricket tapeball sessions (open and women's sessions) (offered on a term-by-term basis)

Terminology

• Women's only programming is designated for cis-gender women, trans women, non-binary students, staff, faculty and community members and everyone whose lived gender identity and/or gender expression reflects this programming.
• Intramural leagues are separated by open and co-rec leagues. Open leagues have no gender requirements; while co-rec leagues strive towards a balance between lived gender identity and/or gender expression per team. Students are encouraged to participate in intramural sports based on their expressed gender identity.

Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CSEDI) works to cultivate a culture on campus that respects and promotes equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and social justice in all aspects of Laurier. Students can connect with CSEDI for support, community, advocacy, systems navigation, education and resources, research and policy and more. Students can also report any harm they may have faced by Reporting Incidents to Support Equity (RISE) Form, however form submissions will not be shared with our departments on campus, including Athletics and Recreation. Learn more about CSEDI. 

To provide feedback or share experiences of the Athletic Complex and our programming, please email sportinfo@wlu.ca.

Staff and faculty can consult the Employee Support resources on Connect for support, resources and more.