Possible road closures around the McGill Sports Complex. Details.
Dear members of the McGill Athletics and Recreation community,
Over the past week, many at McGill have received thoughtful, passionate, and candid feedback in response to the decision to reduce the number of competitive sport clubs and varsity teams supported by McGill Athletics and Recreation. I want to express my gratitude to everyone - students, athletes, coaches, parents, alumni, and partners - who have reached out, shared concerns, and voiced their perspectives. Your engagement reflects the deep pride and commitment that define McGill’s community.
I write today to affirm that the decision to reduce the size of McGill’s competitive sports programming by discontinuing some teams next year was difficult but necessary. This will allow us to create more space for recreational sport, while sustaining excellent varsity programming at McGill. Expanding recreational opportunities means more students can benefit from the physical, social, and mental health advantages that sport provides. We know how central sport is to student life, and we have a responsibility to provide high-quality services and facilities for all students who help fund them.
This decision was principled and made thoughtfully. It follows years of review and two independent assessments that confirmed our current structure was unsustainable. The review committee evaluated each sport holistically and consistently using objective criteria: gender equity, competitive alignment, recruitment landscape, resource requirements, compliance standards, and alignment with the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) model.
McGill has long supported a sports program that includes one of the largest numbers of competitive teams among Canadian universities. Such a commitment requires substantial resources, with no dedicated operational funding from the Quebec government for Athletics and Recreation. The changes we have recently announced will allow us to focus our athletic offerings and strengthen support for the teams that remain, ensuring they have the facilities, staffing, and other resources needed to excel.
As difficult as this moment is, I am confident it marks a turning point that will ensure the long-term sustainability and excellence of McGill Athletics and Recreation. It will also open the door to broader participation and enhanced well-being for the greatest possible number of McGill students, all of whom support Athletics and Recreation through a compulsory annual fee.
Sincerely,
Christopher Manfredi
Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic)