Calgary recreation got a big boost as the city kicked in $154 million for six new infrastructure projects.
Council approved the $154 million investment at the June 21 combined meeting of council.
The six recreational facilities in underserved areas of Calgary. The project will include updating aging recreational infrastructure, service needs, and equitable distribution of in-demand amenities throughout Calgary.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi said this project will revitalize the city’s recreational infrastructure.
“I am happy to end my term as mayor by announcing another generational investment for recreation facilities for children, adults and families,” said Nenshi
Of this project six recreational facilities were approved by council these six are:
- Northeast regional fieldhouse at Skyview Ranch – $32 million
- Northeast athletic park at Saddle Ridge – $25 million
- Northwest athletic park at Rocky Ridge – $14 million
- Southeast air-inflated structure (dome) at the Calgary Soccer Centre – $6 million
- Southwest regional fieldhouse at Belmont – $32 million
- Southwest twin arena redevelopment at Glenmore Athletic Park – $45 million
The funding primarily comes from a vacated tax room that the city stepped into back in 2011 which created the city’s first ever permanent source of funding for social infrastructure. This fund was used to build the new public library and maintain existing facilities.
Big infrastructure investment
Mayor Nenshi also said alongside the six approved recreational facilities that there are more improvements coming to the Glenmore Athletic Park and the Repsol Center.
“We are not forgetting about people who live in the inner city. We’re focused on bringing a lot of amenities to folks who live in those places so I am very pleased with all of this,” said Nenshi.
Ward 5 Coun. George Chahal said the projects will get more Calgarians active more often.
“I think it’s important that the pandemic has shown us the importance of health and wellness for all of us in our families and our communities,” said Chahal.
Each project will include public engagement during the master planning stages with the projects set to complete over the next several years. The last project would open in 2027.
