$154M approved for 6 recreation projects in Calgary

The Calgary Soccer Centre's main building has been closed to the public due to humidity concerns

CALGARY — City councillors in Calgary have approved $154 million to support the development of six capital projects aimed at increasing recreation opportunities in under-served areas.

The goal is to allow more Calgarians to be more active, more often.

The move comes after council directed administrators earlier this year to develop a capital investment strategy that addressed gaps in play and practice spaces in new and established areas.

"This included addressing aging recreation infrastructure, service needs, and equitable distribution of in-demand amenities throughout Calgary," read a release from the city.

"Six proposed priority projects addressing community needs, accessibility and readiness were approved by council.

The projects and budget allocations include:

"I'm so pleased council came together to make this generational investment that will address recreation gaps across our city," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "This will have a lasting impact, opening up new and much-needed sports and play opportunities for children and adults in our community."

Funding will come from offsite levies and the city's Community Investment Reserve.

Council also recently approved investments in the downtown core, including $45 million to the Repsol Centre and $200 mililon for Calgary's Greater Downtown Plan.

"The six new projects will include public engagement during the master planning stages of each site," read a release.

The project are slated to be completed over the next several years, with the last project to open in 2027.

"This is an investment in the collective health of our children, families, and communities," said Ward 5 Coun. George Chahal.

"Healthy neighbourhoods need high-quality spaces where people can play and be active. Healthy cities are committed to filling gaps in services and amenities, so everybody has the same opportunities regardless of their address.

"Now is the time to invest in recreation as we emerge from a pandemic," Chahal added. "It is a key to our collective recovery."

Chahal said there will be lots of demand for the new facillities.

"Every baseball diamond in northeast Calgary you see cricket played on it," he said, "so I think this is the changing face of our city, to have facilities to accommodate the new sports we have in our city."

"Having that permanent wicket in place where you can meet international standards, gather, watch and play and potentially host larger international tournaments, that's very important for NE Calgary."

GENESIS CENTRE AS INSPIRATION

Nenshi said the new facilities are designed with a community-first mindset, and modelled after the Genesis Centre.

"When it's not COVID, you can go there anytime and see people from across the community. It could be senior's playing cards, they might be using the rented facilities or they might be using the library.

"These sorts of things aren't just for physical fitness, but they are centres for community. And in particular, I'm excited we're building in this process across the whole city."

More information can be found on the city's website.