It took more than a year to get the OK from Saanich council, but the University of Victoria is expected to break ground on its new Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities early in 2013.
After twice failing to convince council and area residents on the need for a seven-level, 503-stall parkade as part of the project, a five-level (including one underground), 332-stall got the approval in September.
Site preparations should begin in the coming weeks, said UVic spokesperson Tara Sharpe, assuming the receipt of a successful tender in late December.
CARSA is a $59-million, 17,685-square-metre complex set to include a 2,100-seat gym, a four-court field house, an elevated running track and climbing centre. It will also be home to CanAssist, a UVic-based organization that develops technologies and services to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities.
The first phase of CARSA is expected to be open in September 2015.