SAULT COLLEGE - INITIAL CONCEPT

TENNIS AND AQUATICS CENTRE

In its prime, the St. Mary’s River Boat club/ RYTAC was a gathering place for the young and the young at heart from across the community for social, waterfront and tennis activities. The St. Mary’s Boat Club was established in 1902 and is situated on the St. Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario on a traditional trading route on the lands of the Ojibway First Nation.  It was destroyed by fire twice but both times through the efforts of dedicated community volunteers, it was rebuilt. Through the years it became the home of competitive and recreational tennis, rowing, sailing, paddling and summer outdoor camps for adults, children and youth. The facility and its programming   provided seasonal employment for youth and young adults helping them to develop leadership and employability skills. 

The intent of the College was to replace the building and offer it as both a community resource and to utilize various components for programmes for the College.  

Our solution was to separate the two functions, with the social   aspects being housed in one building, raised to maximize views, and the ’boathouse’ aspects constructed in more of a utilitarian nature as a second.  Since the construction of the ‘social’ facilities would have a higher standard of finishes and be heated, it was determined substantial savings in both capital and operational cost could be obtained by creating co-joined distinct pavilions