SLC Athletics to Take Over SHAC Operations in Fall 2025 

St. Lawrence College is pleased to announce that its Athletics department will take over the operations of the Student Health and Athletics Centre (SHAC) from the YMCA on the Kingston campus effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025. This transition marks an exciting new chapter in campus recreation while maintaining important community partnerships.  

“The YMCA has been our valued partner who has operated the SHAC since 2003,” said Kevin Biggs, SLC’s Manager Athletics & Student Engagement. “Their dedication to student wellness over the past 22 years has been instrumental in creating a vibrant campus community.”  

Going forward, full-time students in Kingston will continue to enjoy complimentary access to the YMCA on Wright Crescent, including their pools and all facilities as part of their existing fees. SLC staff members will still have the option to purchase a Staff SHAC Pass for access to the campus fitness center. Please note that any staff with an existing YMCA membership will need to purchase a Staff SHAC Pass to access the campus facility.  

“As part of this transition, Athletics will be hiring one full-time Fitness Centre & Recreation Coordinator along with multiple student staff positions to operate the space,” Kevin explained. “This change creates valuable employment opportunities for our students and staff while maintaining the same level of service and exploring enhancements based on student feedback. The space will remain fully funded by the Kingston Fitness Facility Ancillary Fee, with no additional college operational funds required.”  

Full-time Brockville students will continue to access their local YMCA facility as part of their student benefits. For full-time Cornwall students, the Athletics department is actively pursuing a solution with a local fitness centre to ensure comparable services for all students.  On-campus fitness centre access will remain with enhanced security measures being reviewed. 

Watch for more information about new programming and opportunities as we approach the September transition date.   

If you have any questions, please email Kevin Biggs at KBiggs@sl.on.ca.