CIMA+ to Engineer $130M Transformation of Université de Moncton Sports Hub

MONCTON, NB – January 07, 2026 – Engineering consulting firm CIMA+ has been selected to lead the engineering design for a sweeping modernization of the sports complex at Université de Moncton, a multi-year project set to redefine the institution's athletic, academic, and community infrastructure. The firm will spearhead the engineering work for the extensive construction, renovation, and expansion of the Centre d'éducation physique et des sports (CEPS), collaborating with a consortium of ABCP architecture and the Moncton-based Architects Four limited (A4).

The project represents a significant investment in the region's future, aiming to create a state-of-the-art hub for health, wellness, and community engagement. CIMA+ will deploy a wide range of expertise from its Buildings sector, including structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, alongside a strong focus on sustainable development principles.

"This mandate fully leverages our recognized expertise in building engineering and our multidisciplinary approach," said Yannick Maltais, Executive Vice President, Buildings, at CIMA+. "We are very pleased to be collaborating on a project that will permanently transform the facilities of the Université de Moncton and their role within the community."

A New Era for a Community Cornerstone

The CEPS Louis-J.-Robichaud, which first opened its doors in 1976, is approaching its 50th anniversary. It has long served as a vital asset for both the university and the wider Moncton community, hosting between 500,000 and 750,000 visits annually for a mix of university, sports, and health activities. However, with aging infrastructure and growing demand, the need for a comprehensive overhaul has become clear. The university has described the initiative as a cornerstone of student life and athletic excellence, essential for creating a modern and inclusive campus environment.

The total scope of the modernization is estimated at $130 million. The New Brunswick government has already committed an initial $5 million for renovating the gymnasium and for the crucial planning and cost-estimation phase of the larger expansion. This initial investment is part of the university's "Cap sur l'avenir 2023-2028" strategic plan, which prioritizes the creation of a health and well-being hub.

The transformation will be profound. Plans include a complete renovation of the original 1975 building, reconfiguring the existing Piscine Jeanne Levesque, and adding a host of new facilities. Among the additions are a new 1,100-seat ice rink, an indoor stadium with a 200-meter running track, and a dedicated indoor soccer field. These new and upgraded spaces are designed to consolidate all of the university's sports facilities under one roof, providing unparalleled opportunities for students, athletes, and local residents. The project also includes the creation of a modern community centre, further solidifying the CEPS's role as a gathering place for Greater Moncton.

Strategic Engineering and Regional Growth

For CIMA+, one of Canada's largest privately owned engineering firms, this contract is more than just another project; it's a landmark achievement that underscores its strategic expansion into Atlantic Canada. The company has been methodically increasing its footprint in the region, and the Université de Moncton project serves as powerful evidence of its growing influence and capabilities.

"In addition to modernizing facilities that are essential to the region, the project is a concrete example of CIMA+'s growing presence in the Maritimes, particularly in New Brunswick," Maltais noted in the company's announcement.

This expansion has been deliberate. In November 2023, CIMA+ established a new regional headquarters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the goal of creating skilled jobs and pursuing projects in renewable energy, infrastructure upgrades, and decarbonization. The firm also bolstered its regional expertise in April 2023 by acquiring MidSea Engineering, a company specializing in dams and water resources. The CEPS project allows CIMA+ to showcase its multidisciplinary strengths on a high-profile public-facing development, moving beyond industrial and energy projects into the heart of community infrastructure.

A Blueprint for Collaborative Success

The project's success hinges on a robust partnership model that combines national expertise with deep local knowledge. While CIMA+ leads the engineering design, the overall project coordination is managed by the architectural consortium of ABCP architecture and Architects Four limited (A4).

ABCP architecture, a Quebec-based firm, brings a wealth of experience in designing large-scale sports and institutional complexes. Their impressive portfolio includes the $56 million expansion of the PEPS sports pavilion at Laval University and the award-winning Chauveau Soccer Stadium, a LEED Silver certified facility. Their involvement in projects like the $400 million Quebecor Arena in Quebec City demonstrates their capability to handle complex, high-stakes public venues.

This national-level experience is paired with the local insight of Moncton's own Architects Four limited. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure the project not only meets world-class standards but is also deeply integrated into the local context.

"Working hand in hand with local partners is a real driving force for a project of this scale," explained Jeff Hynes, Partner and Senior Director, Atlantic Canada, at CIMA+. "The combination of each team's expertise creates unique value, which is directly reflected in the quality and efficiency of the work, and allows us to contribute to the completion of projects and the delivery of sustainable solutions in the region."

This emphasis on local involvement is expected to create a positive economic ripple effect, engaging numerous local companies and partners throughout the project's multi-year timeline. For CIMA+'s New Brunswick team, the project is a source of immense pride and motivation.

"It is extremely motivating to contribute to such an important and transformative project for the Moncton region," added Joel Vienneau, a Senior Project Manager for Buildings with CIMA+ in New Brunswick. "This is a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise, alongside committed partners."

The modernization will also extend beyond athletics. Educational spaces for the university's School of Kinesiology will be significantly enhanced, and the development includes new health clinics, physiotherapy facilities, and specialized laboratories. This integration of academic, athletic, and community health services positions the new CEPS to be a crossroads for life, learning, and well-being in Moncton for generations to come.