After the removal of the Thunder Slide at Village Square Leisure Centre in Calgary, the city is showing off what the next generation of water fun will look like.
The Thunder Slide first began serving Calgarians back in 1994 and was removed Aug. 31, 2026, as a part of a $51 million renovation project to renew the facility and replace mechanical and electrical systems.
The facility draws more than 300,000 visitors per year, and along with recreation, it provides services like Fair Entry, library services, Centre for Newcomers, Alberta Health Services and more.
While the old slide at the aquatic centre provided years of memories, it reached the end of its life and had to be replaced, the City of Calgary said.
“As part of the Village Square Leisure Centre repairs and upgrades project, the replacement slide has been designed to deliver a new generation of thrills while building on the experience Calgarians know and love,” they said.
The new slide will be fully enclosed, providing protection from Calgary’s weather and allowing it to operate more reliably throughout the year. According to the city, it will take riders through a varied path, with twists and turns before reaching the runout.
It will have translucent sections that change colours and have light effects throughout.
“We’ve heard from countless Calgarians about what the Thunder Slide has meant to them over the years,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
“The incredible turnout for the slide’s final weekend showed just how much people care about places like this and that recreation facilities create memories that last a lifetime. Replacing the Thunder Slide means future generations will have the chance to create memories of their own and enjoy this beloved recreation experience for decades to come.”
Work continues on the Village Square Leisure Centre with the new slide expected to open by the end of 2027.
