Beaverbrook Gymnasium

9 Jan 1940: At a special meeting of Senate, an already-formed Committee reports that "The Right Honourable Lord Beaverbrook... had generously undertaken to provide a modern Gymnasium" (SM5 180). The committee, acting on Lord Beaverbrook's request, had researched the plan, hired an architect who had drawn up a building plan similar in design (with brick) to the Lady Beaverbrook's Residence at an approximate cost of $150, 000 to $200,000. Original plan was to situate the gym between LBR and the Engineering building; however, Lord Beaverbrook had flown over the campus during the summer of 1939 to personally survey the site and did not approve (SM5 181). The architect, C.K. Gillies, Esq., presented the design " 115' x 128' in dimension with approximately 42' walls. The main floor will measure 75' x 100', thus providing a full size basketball court, convertible into two smaller practice courts. A spectators' gallery, raised elevent feet above the main floor, will seat 736. Separate rooms for boxing, wrestling and hand-ball will be provided as well as adequate locker accommodation and offices for a physical director" (SM5 182). The new building will "be located on that part of the campus which is southeast of the extension of University Avenue," Building to proceed. (SM5 182) 20 Feb 1940: Senate accepts the report that the site for the building should be changed to an area "lower down the hill and nearer University Avenue extension [to] permit easier development of the area southeast of the... extension as a new campus; the road entering this area would be easier and chaper to construct and the landscaping would be much simpler; and finally the cost of erecting the new Gymnasium would be much less" (SM5 184, 189). 8 Oct 1940: Committee reports to Senate that the corner stone was laid at a private ceremony, and building expected to be completed by 1 Nov 1940 (SM5 207). 18 Feb 1941: Formal opening of the Gymnasium (21 Feb 1941) postponed "in view of Lord Beaverbook's present position." COTC using part of the Gym for training; DND will pay for use of building (SM5 210-211). 14 May 1947: Chancellor Beaverbrook offers to pay for improvements and repairs to the Gymnasium, including the installation of 2 bowling alleys, bleachers, adequate ventilation, painting, electric basketball timer and scorer, installation of work-out equipment, ping-pong tables, painting, and wall repairs. The University to provide additional staff to ensure proper maintenance of building. The COTC offices and personnel are to move to another premises as the building is to be used solely for the purpose of athletics (SM6 74-75).