Page 19 – Algonquin Times

Program coordinator Colin Mills elected president of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition

A guitarist, teacher and coordinator of the music industry arts program, Mills is eager to begin his new position at OMIC and create new opportunities

Janella Milord Ashford

Photos: Supplied by Colin Mills

May 22, 2025
Revised: May 22, 2025 2:02pm

Photo: Supplied by Colin Mills

Colin Mills playing the guitar during a show.

Music industry arts program coordinator Colin Mills is the new president of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC).

After sitting on the board of directors for over a decade, Mills said he is thrilled to have been appointed president of OMIC.

“I think it was a natural transition for me,” said Mills. “It’s pretty exciting to be in this role at the stage of the organization.”

OMIC is a non-profit as sociation with a goal to lead the economic, cultural and social prosperity of Ottawa-Gatineau by creating a thriving and inclusive music scene. OMIC provides supports for local artists, music professionals and venue owners.

OMIC staff and board of directors posing for a picture at a press conference. — OMIC staff and board of directors pose for a picture at a Capital Music Awards press conference. Photo credit: Supplied by Colin Mills

Mills is one of the founding board members of OMIC, and since the organization’s evolution, is the last one standing among new members. Mills said he had his students’ futures in mind when Mills and his team started the coalition.

“I started teaching in the music industry arts program 15 years ago at Algonquin College and I’m always thinking about what they do after the program,” said Mills.

David Leclerc, known as Quest, is the project coordinator for Capital Music Week and having worked closely with Mills, he believes Mills’ appointment as president will open new doors for the organization.

“Colin’s a connector with a strong vision. He knows the local scene and how to move things forward. I think he will help build a stronger, more unified music ecosystem here,” said Leclerc.

Mills’ new position is a great fit, considering his experience in the local music scene. He is a guitar player and has played with several artists and bands over the last 30 years.

Colin Mills playing the guitar at the Ottawa Senators game. — Colin Mills posing with his guitar, prepping for an Ottawa Senators game at the Canadian Tire Centre. Photo credit: Supplied by Colin Mills

“I’ve played on dozens of albums and played shows coast to coast and throughout the United States when I was younger,” said Mills.

Students credit Mills for guiding them in their musical careers.

Simi Taylor-Lewis, a student of the music industry arts program, said having Mills as a professional contact has been an asset.

“As a teacher within MIA, Colin helped increase my understanding of the music business,” said Taylor-Lewis. “Through his class, I garnered knowledge of branding, the roles needed in a music team, and the different ways that great musicians have made a living for themselves throughout history.”

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Students reviving Pride Club after pandemic shutdown

Algonquin College hosted a 2SLGBTQI+ club event in the Student Commons

Matthew Grieve

Photos: Matthew Grieve

May 22, 2025
Revised: May 22, 2025 11:23am

Photo: Matthew Grieve

Pride Club decorations set up in the Student Commons on May 13.

Students, alumni and staff are working to bring back the campus Pride Club after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students at a resource fair in the Student Commons on May 13 were greeted by a new club hoping to launch at Algonquin College this semester. The Pride Club is eager to gather 2SLGBTQI+ students and other allies.

The newly formed club, created by students, alumni and a professor, aims to establish a student-run organization that will continue to thrive long after its organizers have moved on.

“In the past, we had here at Algonquin the Pride Centre, but it was shut down during the pandemic, and now we want to launch a Pride Club and just start having more and more initiatives related to this population,” said Fabricio Lacerda, a research assistant in the Victimology Research Centre at Algonquin College.

Team Photo
Danny Nhu (Far Left), Maria Montano (Left), Fabricio Lacerda (Right), Antoni Wilson (Far Right) — (From left to right) Danny Nhu, Maria Montano, Fabricio Lacerda and Antoni Wilson, pictured on May 13 in the Student Commons, want to start a Pride Club at Algonquin College. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve

At the resource fair, the club was accompanied by two other organizations to provide additional information for students. On one side, there was a table for on-campus services with the student’s health and wellness zone. On the other side, Max Ottawa provided information about its programs and services for queer men, trans and non-binary people.

Diana McGlinchey, the principal investigator of the Victimology Research Centre and a professor in the victimology program at Algonquin College, said the club is intended to help students feel more supported and connected.

“I hope that people that are coming to Algonquin potentially from outside of the Ottawa area that don’t know about resources available here or don’t have a social network here will be able to, again, learn more about themselves as individuals, be able to grow into themselves potentially and also just find a safe, close-knit group that they can spend time with and be their self with and feel like they’re part of a community that values them and their identity,” said McGlinchey.

With students constantly coming and going, members noted that the club’s future depends on finding new leaders every few years to keep the club active.

Pride Club booth located in the student commons — The Pride Club booth on display in the Student Commons on May 13. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve

“The club, we hope to run this semester, run by students. So, every semester, we need to see if they can take that position as club leader. Here, college may just have, like, a one-year program, two-year program, maximum three years. The period of time is too short,” said Danny Nhu, a member of the club.

Despite the challenge, the goal remains clear. A simple campus fair is now part of a broader effort to build a lasting club, giving representation and community to people.

“We’re going to build a Pride Club this semester,” said Nhu.

“We want to hear more about the ideas, how we want to run a Pride Club, what kind of support resources, or what kind of activities you want inside the Pride Club.”

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Algonquin College closes some food service stops on campus for the summer

Bits and Bytes Café and Portable Feast aren't open this term

William Barritt

Photos: William Barritt

May 20, 2025
Revised: May 20, 2025 10:06pm

Photo: William Barritt

T-building's Bits and Bytes is closed.

Algonquin College is making budget-related changes for the summer term, including the closure of multiple food service locations.

One of the measures is the recent closure of the Bits and Bytes Café in T-building for this summer. Some students, such as Trabish Abhishek, feel the closure was necessary to save money for other parts of the school.

“It’s not worth it. If they increase the spending, they increase the fees we pay, and that’s a lot worse than walking to the food court,” says Abhishek.

Other students don’t enjoy taking time out of their already busy schedules to find food.

“I do a marathon just to get my lunch, and I only have a 30-minute break, so walking to the food court is not great,” says Aidan Mcculloch.

On Jan 9, Algonquin’s news site said that without cost reductions, the college anticipates a deficit of $60 million in revenue this year. Because of this, the school is taking multiple financial measures to address these serious issues.

The president of the school has offered ideas to ensure financial stability.

“To ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the college,” says Claude Brulé, “we are implementing mitigation measures immediately and taking decisive steps to reduce expenses, optimize resources and explore new revenue opportunities.”

On the other side of the college, the B–building has also closed the Portable Feast. The closest substitute for students to grab something to eat is now The Fix in the CA–building or Tim Hortons in A–building.

Evie Inman, a 19-year-old hairstyling student who takes their break in the B-building, is also unhappy with the closure.

“I used to get a coffee from here all time, but now I’ve got to go down to Timmies, and I hate their prices. I get why they closed it, but it’s annoying,” says Inman.

In addition to food services, the Connections Book Store and print shop on campus will also be changing their hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to the new 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The college’s website provides the updated hours of operation of campus services.

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William Barritt

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AC students and other bus users uncertain about OC Transpo’s bus route changes

OC Transpo’s "New Ways to Bus" network is here, and students have mixed feelings about the changes

Mickey Banks

Photos: Michael Banks

May 20, 2025
Revised: May 21, 2025 12:50pm

Photo: Michael Banks

The 88 Bayshore arriving at Baseline station.

Algonquin College students and other bus users are voicing mixed feelings about the sweeping changes to OC Transpo’s bus system.

On April 27, OC Transpo rolled out its New Ways to Bus initiative, which saw changes to all the routes at Baseline Station, except routes 84, 87, and 277. These revamps were done to better reflect changes in how people travel post-pandemic, according to OC Transpo’s website.

Route 88, known for its erratic pickup times, was one of the longest routes in Ottawa, going between Terry Fox and Hurdman. Now the route stops at Bayshore, with the 68 going to Terry Fox. Since these changes were made, some transit riders have seen an improvement in arrival times.

The 88 Bayshore arrives at Algonquin College outside C-building.

“Before it was Terry Fox, but it sucks, never show up on time. But now, after the changing the routes, they are pretty on time,” said Kirandeep Kour, a student in the early childhood education program.

However, some transit riders still find the route unreliable.

“It’s the same, nothing changed. They just adjusted some bus routes, but it didn’t change anything. You can’t rely on them because you don’t know if they’re gonna show up or not,” said Amindu Udawatta, who takes the 88 from Algonquin College to Hurdman.

Amindu Udawatta looks at his phone while waiting for the bus.

Another popular route is the 111, which has been reworked with some stops being moved to other routes. For Jay Reghe, this means taking the 189 or the 112.

“I do have two buses now, but they both come at the same time, and before the change, the 111 bus used to come every 15 minutes or so. The new buses come every 30 minutes, but sometimes they are late, so I have to wait for 30 minutes to 40 minutes sometimes,” said Reghe, who is taking energy management at the college.

For others, the route changes have made busing more convenient.

Algonquin College student Arther Lyu who’s taking heating, refrigerating and air conditioning, can still take the 111 and now has the 189 as an option, replacing the 86.

“I think the routes are better ‘cause it’s like, more a shortcut. It takes like, less time to get me home, and get to school,” said Lyu.

OC Transpo is collecting customer feedback on the new transit system until May 26.

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SA Thrift Store encourages students to ‘take what you need, pay what you can’

Algonquin College is hosting a large thrifting event for those who are struggling and need a helping hand

Jade Louise Greenwood

Photos: Jade Louise Greenwood

May 16, 2025
Revised: May 16, 2025 1:05pm

Photo: Jade Louise Greenwood

Abby Muir coordinates the Food Cupboard food supplies on May 13.

Katrina Robar can’t wait to rip through her closet to benefit an upcoming used clothing sale supporting the campus Food Cupboard.

“Now that I know that it’s going towards a cause for something like that, absolutely,” Robar said. “Now I want to take apart my closet and see what I can give.”

The Algonquin College Students’ Association is running the Thrift Store on May 20 and May 21 in E-building.

The event has been promoted as “take what you need, pay what you can.” The Food Cupboard is a discreet and confidential support service that helps students who are struggling to afford food and other basic necessities.

Abby Muir coordinates the Food Cupboard food supplies on May 13. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

Abby Muir, coordinator of the Food Cupboard, said in an email that the Thrift Store will be more financially accessible for students.

“Life has become increasingly expensive, year after year, for students,” Muir said. “By employing pay what you can, students are able to pick out items and choose their price. If they do not have the means to pay, then they do not need to.”

Robar, an early childhood education student at Algonquin College, believes it’s a great opportunity to help others. She saw the poster on campus and was already curious, but now she has the drive to participate.

Katrina Robar works on assignments for her early childhood education Program. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

Robar was delightfully surprised to hear the purpose of the Thrift Store.

The SA has hosted a few iterations of the event. The last was very successful, according to Muir.

“We noticed that the vast majority of students wanted to give back to the Food Cupboard and donate a few dollars,” Muir said. “It was really lovely to see. It is a win-win situation for students, as students are able to pick up free or affordable items, students that are able to donate money will help support the students accessing the Food Cupboard, and students who may not be able to afford clothing or household items have the opportunity to access low or no cost items.”

Subin Babu, another Algonquin College student, said he’s thrilled to participate. The Thrift Store reminds him of events in his home country.

“It is very similar to the things that happen in India, the markets and such. It is very good for students,” Babu said.

Subin Babu talks to friends about the SA Thrift store event. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

The SA intends to hold more Thrift Stores throughout the year. Donations for the upcoming event are closed, but organizers are still accepting cash donations.

This event, which is expected to be the biggest SA Thrift Store to date, will be in Room 206 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

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Innovation on the horizon for biotech students

Algonquin College students are about to develop an eco-friendly disinfectant spray

Vasuman Ravichandran

Photos: Fumio Arisaka

May 16, 2025
Revised: May 16, 2025 12:36pm

Photo: Fumio Arisaka

Bacteriophages as seen under an electron microscope. The entire organism including the spindly legs is about 0.0002 mm in width and 0.0004 mm in height.

Algonquin College students will be involved in developing a cost-effective and eco-friendly disinfectant spray to be used in hospitals and industrial settings, starting this fall.

The project will be spearheaded by Melanie Brown, a professor at the Department of Applied Science and Environmental Technology. The project is called Phage Bomb, and students will be partnering with Qeen Biotechnologies Inc. from Gatineau, Que.

The word phage refers to a naturally occurring class of microorganisms that target specific kinds of bacteria.

A question that might arise in anyone’s mind is, why not just use Lysol as a disinfectant? It’s cheap and it supposedly kills “99.9 per cent” of all germs.

According to the project, using the chemicals found in Lysol on an industrial scale over time would be a bad idea for aquatic ecosystems and our water supply. It’s as bad an idea for the ecosystem as drinking Lysol would be for fighting off a stomach bug.

According to a study published by American Society for Microbiology, the chemicals in Lysol not only kill the harmful bacteria, but they also kill the beneficial ones in your gut. More importantly, they would kill the cells in your body if you were to drink it. Flushing out copious quantities of these chemicals into the water supply would have a similar effect on our ecosystem.

If only we could invent a disinfectant that only kills the harmful bacteria and leaves other life forms alone.

It turns out, nature has already done that in the form of a naturally occurring, life-saving organism called a bacteriophage, nicknamed phage. These phages are among the earliest, most abundant and diverse organisms on the planet.

“Each kind of phage only targets specific strains of bacteria. For example, there are phages that only target E. coli bacteria, and nothing else,” said Brown.

Over millions of years, different kinds of phages have evolved alongside bacteria like E. coli, and they are a natural part of our ecosystem. The challenge for student researchers is to find a way to harness this natural piece of technology to benefit us and not harm other lifeforms.

The idea behind Phage Bomb is to isolate and engineer phages that target specific infectious bacteria that pose a threat in hospital settings. The final product would be a disinfectant spray containing a potent concoction of various kinds of phages, selected to combat infectious and even multidrug-resistant bacteria.

“Qeen Biotech has been at the forefront of using bacteriophage-based solutions to serve diverse industries including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. We’re excited about this opportunity to share our innovation insights with the students,” said Dr. Nancy Tawil, CEO of Qeen Biotechnology.

According to the scope of the project, Phage Bomb could ultimately provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical disinfectants and decontaminants in industrial and hospital settings.

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Algonquin College students connect with local culture at the Tulip Festival

College residence staff invited students to experience an annual Ottawa tradition

Matthew Grieve

Photos: Matthew Grieve

May 16, 2025
Revised: May 16, 2025 12:27pm

Photo: Matthew Grieve

Colorful flowers were on display at Commissioners Park during the Canadian Tulip Festival on May 10.

Algonquin College residence staff organized an outing to the annual Canadian Tulip Festival on May 10, offering students a chance to explore Ottawa’s vibrant history and culture.

Running from May 9 to May 19, the city continues to celebrate and honour its rich history through the annual Tulip Festival. The festival has been a part of Ottawa’s culture since its inception in 1953.

College residence staff arranged transportation to the festival.

Dimercia Sakina, a student living in residence, went on the trip with her roommate.

“It was well organized. Fiona and I were late, and they called us to check in,” Sakina said.

Silvia Alvarado paints at Commissioners Park on May 10 during the Canadian Tulip Festival. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve

Upon arrival, students explored the festival at their own pace, with a designated time to return. Students got to see Ottawa’s history by experiencing a rich tradition filled with colour and community that highlights the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.

The tulips are a gift from the Netherlands to thank Canada for sheltering the Dutch royal family during the Second World War and for its role in the country’s liberation during the war.

“The history behind it…I thought it was just a flower festival, but I didn’t know the reason why it happened,” said Shubhang Saksena, an Algonquin College resident.

Many Algonquin College residents agreed that more events like this should be organized in the future since it helps students learn about traditions and local events in a safe environment and encourages exploration outside the campus.

“This is the first time I’ve attended a shuttle event hosted by the residence, and I think there are a lot of good opportunities for people to enjoy themselves and explore the city of Ottawa more. I think the residence should make more effort to do stuff like this,” said Andre Rosal, an Algonquin College resident.

Other residents agreed.

“It’s a good way to get out of residence and meet new people,” said Saksena.

“It’s also a good way to get intermingled in the culture of the city because we don’t know how the city works, what the vibe is. It shows us the history of the places, the community that forms around it, I wasn’t expecting as many people to come to this thing. I haven’t seen a crowd that large in Ottawa.”

Crowds gather around flowers at Commissioners Park during the Canadian Tulip Festival on May 10. Photo credit: Matthew Grieve

The festival not only brought people together but also provided a change of pace for students occupied with schoolwork.

“It’s a break from my normal routine because I don’t normally go to city events. I wish I knew about this earlier,” said Henry Manosalvas, an Algonquin College resident. “It gives me opportunities to explore new things. I really like it. It’s very convenient.”

Although many students heard of the event before, academic responsibilities and lack of transportation often prevented them from attending.

“I really regret not having the freedom and time during my schooling. I don’t have a car,” Rosal said, adding that his bus pass comes in handy sometimes for attending events.

“I’m lucky I have my friends here in residence to go with and I think being able to go with groups that you trust and feel comfortable with is very important. It’s a very good opportunity that many more people should take.”

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News briefs: Mexican beauty influencer gunned down on TikTok livestream

Top stories in your community and around the world noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Marcos Somarriba

Photos:

May 16, 2025
Revised: May 16, 2025 12:04pm

Local

CTV – Porter Airlines launched its new non-stop route from Ottawa International Airport to Victoria International Airport on the morning of May 15.

The plane from the airline departed from Ottawa at 8:35 a.m. and was expecting to land in Victoria around 11:50 a.m.

Porter Airlines said the flight will run four times a week, and seven times a week during peak summer period.

The new flight comes weeks after the Canadian airline announced non-stop flights from Ottawa to Las Vegas for the summer.

National

CBC – Flags were lowered at half-mast after two people were killed in Manitoba as wildfires are blazing across the province.

Premier Wab Kinew, who declared a state of emergency earlier this week, offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

“The news of this loss of life changes what was an emergency into a tragedy,” said Kinew.

As of May 15, there are 21 active wildfires across the province.

International

Global News – Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, 23, was shot dead on a TikTok livestream inside of a salon in Zapopan, near Guadalajara.

According to Mexican authorities, Marquez was employed and working at the salon when a man entered the salon and shot her.

Moments before the incident, Marquez was seen on a TikTok livestream sitting on a table saying “They’re coming” before another voice in the background was heard saying “Hey, Vale?”

Marquez responded with yes, before muting the livestream and being shot to death. Shortly after, a person grabbed their phone and shut the video off.

Mexican police are investigating the murder as a femicide.

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Algonquin College students have playoff fever as the Charge buzz in PWHL semis

Ottawa’s professional women's hockey team is one win way from clinching a spot in the league final

Scott Crowell

Photos: Scott Crowell

May 15, 2025
Revised: May 15, 2025 3:19pm

Photo: Scott Crowell

Ottawa Charge and Montreal Victoire fans enter TD Place for Game 3 of the PWHL semi-final series on May 13, 2025.

Algonquin College students are electrified as the Ottawa Charge inch closer to clinching a spot in the Professional Women’s Hockey League final.

The Ottawa Charge are in full command with a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 of their best-of-five semi-final series against the Montreal Victoire.

Students have mixed thoughts on if the Charge can win the series in Game 4 on May 16 at TD Place but they have faith that the team can prevail.

Ruby Whyte, a paramedic student at Algonquin College, believes more people on the college campus will pay attention to the Charge.

“Oh, definitely with a big win in this series will attract a much larger audience, especially with young people here at Algonquin College,” said Whyte.

Marie Philip Poulin is one of the highest decorated women’s hockey players ever. The star Victoire forward has made a huge impact so far in the series.

Morgan Picard, a community and justice services student, isn’t worried about Poulin’s legendary status.

“Well of course, she is the GOAT of women’s hockey, she’s going to be a challenge just like any other amazing player on the ice…That doesn’t signal defeat right away at all,” said Picard. “She for sure poses a threat but that’s nothing that this charge team can’t overcome. We have lots of really good players on our team too.”

Game 3 at TD Place marked the first-ever PWHL playoff game in the nation’s capital. After a disappointing close playoff miss last season by only three points, the Charge looked to bring all the excitement to their play heading into the first home playoff game on May 13, and they did exactly that with a win over the Victoire.

In Game 2, the Victoire brought the series even after a quadruple overtime winner by forward Catherine Dubois in a 3-2 thriller.

Heading into Game 4, the Charge will want to carry the momentum and feed off the crowd once again.

The Ransome Family ready to take in their first PWHL hockey game at TD Place — The Ransome family ready to take in their first PWHL hockey game at TD Place on May 13. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Cole Owens, a radio student at Algonquin College, agrees there’s a playoff buzz still in Ottawa.

“Oh, still a lot of buzz, not as much as the Senators playoffs, but lots of chatter about the women’s playoffs,” said Owens.

one of many new Ottawa Charge street signs put up on bank street around TD Place for the Professional Women's Hockey League Playoffs — One of many new Ottawa Charge street signs put up on Bank Street around TD Place for the Professional Women's Hockey League playoffs. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

The 9,862 fans at Game 3 in Ottawa marked a sellout crowd, signalling growth for the PWHL in Ottawa. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was among those in attendance.

The winner of the series will face the Minnesota Frost or Toronto Sceptres in the final.

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Anytime Fitness opens new location in College Square steps from ARC

New gym franchise offers a student discount, but some students still prefer using the ARC

Janella Milord Ashford

Photos: Janella Milord Ashford

May 15, 2025
Revised: May 16, 2025 1:34pm

Photo: Janella Milord Ashford

Rudin Bahran, general manager of the Anytime Fitness in College Square, with staff member Annika Ouellet at the grand opening on May 13.

Despite Algonquin College having its own fitness centre, Anytime Fitness has opened a new location inside College Square, a popular hub for students just steps away from campus.

With 25 locations and three more opening soon across the city, Jeff Christison, the owner of the Ottawa franchises, says they are filling a need in the Nepean area.

“This was just another neighbourhood where we saw a demand, which happened to be next to Algonquin College, which is a great place where I went to school, so I’m happy to be back around,” said Christison.

A grand opening on May 13 featured a live DJ and fitness challenges, all while people were working out. To keep attendees engaged, fitness brand MATRIX offered three different fitness challenges, and as a prize, they were gifting a spinning bike. Other brands, like Popeye’s Supplements, were offering their own challenges and giveaways.

Popeyes Supplements stand inside the club during grand opening. — Popeye's supplements stacked inside the club during the grand opening. Photo credit: Janella Milord Ashford

Algonquin College students have access to the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) through their tuition, however, the new Anytime Fitness club nearby is open 24 hours. The ARC is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and members can’t enter the facility 30 minutes before close, which can be an issue for students with schedules that aren’t as flexible.

Students who are away during summer months and can’t use the ARC may access Anytime Fitness in their hometowns since the gym has over 5,000 locations across North America.

College Square’s Anytime Fitness location offers a discount for Algonquin College students.

“It entails a one-year membership for $29.95 biweekly, and the first two weeks are free to serve as a trial,” said Rudin Bahran, general manager of the gym.

Anytime Fitness sign at College Square location. — Anytime Fitness at College Square. Photo credit: Janella Milord Ashford

Some students who use the ARC are indifferent by the Anytime Fitness grand opening.

“The ARC is included in my tuition, so it’ll remain my main gym,” said Jackson Dunning, a student who, before a back injury, regularly used the ARC. “I see the benefits of a 24/7 gym and sometimes the ARC’s hours are limited, but the (ARC) is bigger, has more variety and is on campus so I think it’s superior.”

Antonio Fernando, a second-year student in the interactive media design program, has a different perspective based on his experience using the ARC.

“The ARC has been closing an hour early these days, and they actually rush to close by switching off the lights at 8:40 p.m.,” said Fernando. “Otherwise, I enjoy the massaging chairs and other amenities to relax, but I don’t feel any different about either gyms.”

The 125,000-square-foot ARC doesn’t just have a gym but features a bowling alley, a pool table, golf simulator and other activities. The ARC is not offering public memberships at the moment, but alumni who have purchased a pass one month at a time or more can buy a day pass and bring a guest on Saturdays and Sundays for $20 before tax.

Jenny Duval, interim senior manager of the ARC, said the SA doesn’t consider Anytime Fitness a competitor.

“Although we both offer personal training, cardio and strength training equipment, the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre’s unique features, programming, and inclusive environment make it the ideal fitness facility for SA-fee-paying members,” Duval said in an email.

Duval said the majority of students already have access to the ARC through their fees.

According to Duval, the SA regularly monitors the fitness sector to ensure what the ARC offers its patrons aligns with emerging trends in both the private and post-secondary education sectors.

Update May 16: This story was updated to include comment from the SA.

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