An agreement with the University of Windsor will give students of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board access to the Toldo Lancer Centre and adjacent facilities.

Under the conditions of the agreement, Catholic schools across Windsor-Essex will be able to use at reduced rates — based on availability — the track and courts in the fieldhouse, the multipurpose room, the gymnasium, and the pool, from September to June. It will also allow them to use the stadium, including the turf field, the track, and the grass soccer fields, in the spring and the fall.

“This agreement will help us fulfill our commitment to our students to promote their well-being, while providing them with access to such beautiful learning environments like the $73 million Toldo Lancer Centre,” said WECDSB director of education Emelda Byrne.

In return, the university will have access to gym facilities at Assumption College and Holy Names high schools when the Lancer Centre is being used for Convocation ceremonies, as well as in the evening and on weekends between Oct. 1 and June 15. The agreement also allows for the University to use athletic fields at Assumption from May 15 to Oct. 31.

Linda Rohr, dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, said the reciprocal arrangement will benefit both partners.

“This agreement confirms our ongoing commitment to fostering strong local relationships by creating opportunities for our wcommunity and the University to engage with and benefit from each other,” she said. “We are happy to welcome students and educators to our campus and the Toldo Lancer Centre.”