Shovels hit the ground in Calgary’s deep southwest Tuesday, where city officials, community leaders and sport advocates gathered to mark the start of construction on the Belmont Fieldhouse and Library. The $72-million project, located near the intersection of 210 Avenue and Creekside Boulevard S.W., is expected to open in 2027. It’s being built in an effort to close service gaps in one of Calgary’s fastest-growing areas. Design plans include a 128,000-square-foot facility featuring a FIFA-regulation-size indoor-turf field, viewing areas, dressing rooms, offices and washrooms, alongside a 10,000-square-foot library branch designed with children’s spaces, public meeting rooms and open seating. Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the integrated complex represents more than just bricks and mortar. “The Belmont Field House and library is a powerful example of what it means to build Calgary’s future on purpose,” Gondek said Tuesday. “This project is about championing opportunity and progress for all Calgarians. It is about creating spaces where people can learn and grow and play and thrive, spaces that reflect the bold and inclusive vision that we hold so close for our city.” Gondek added that integrated hubs like Belmont mirror other successful co-located models in Calgary, such as Vivo, which houses both recreation and library services. “That’s the way we should be doing things, integrating services and allowing the community to be able to come together in one hub,” she said. The Belmont Fieldhouse is expected to create more than 300 jobs during construction. It is the seventh of 13 community fieldhouses envisioned under the city’s long-term sport and recreation strategy, known as GamePLAN. ‘Belmont is just the beginning’ Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean, whose district covers Belmont and other booming suburbs, called the groundbreaking a long-awaited win for families. “Today is a proud day for Ward 13,” McLean said. “For years, residents in our growing southwest communities have told me about the need for more recreational facilities and amenities, and I am thrilled that this important project is now moving forward.” McLean noted that demand for soccer space has been especially acute. “These communities desperately need the library, the soccer facilities — again, one of the fastest growing sports, one of the most affordable sports for children — so we need to build more of those fast,” he said. “Of course, I’m happy to see it here, but we do need them across the entire city.” Stacey Hatcher, director of the Calgary United Soccer Association, echoed that message, pointing to thousands of youth and adult players who struggle to find indoor turf time. “Every time an announcement like this is made about a new sport facility in particular that has FIFA specs for soccer field, I get very excited about that,” Hatcher said. “It means a lot for all of the kids, and especially the adults who play. Our kickoff times, hopefully, will be earlier than 10 or 10:30 at night.” She said the shortage of indoor fields forces leagues to alter game formats. “In the adult world, we have started to change the way the game is played to accommodate for the facilities that we do have.” “When we have a field that is up to spec, it means that we’re not changing the rules of the game and athletes can play the purest form of soccer.” Library expansion tied to growth The library component of the project is being funded through the Calgary Public Library Investment Program. Barb Gillard, executive director of visitor experience with Calgary Public Library, says the new branch will help keep pace with growth. “We are celebrating an investment in equity. We’re improving access to library spaces and services for an underserved community in Calgary,” Gillard said. “The library in Belmont will be 10,000 square feet of space for the community. It will be filled with reading collections, a children’s library, open seating, an outdoor learning space and public meeting rooms.” She said demand for services is high across Calgary’s network of 22 libraries. “More than 20,000 people visit a library location every single day,” Gillard said. “Our system needs to grow alongside our community.” Concerns over aging facilities While officials celebrated the Belmont groundbreaking, many of Calgary’s existing recreation facilities continue to grapple with aging infrastructure. More than 70 per cent of the city’s recreation sites are over 35 years old, according to the City of Calgary, with all 13 city-operated aquatic facilities requiring staged electrical repairs between 2024 and 2027. The Inglewood Pool has been closed for repairs since July and is expected to reopen later this month. Meanwhile, the Glenmore Aquatic Centre has been shut down since June and is slated to reopen this fall and the Southland Leisure Centre pool closed on Sept. 2 and won’t reopen until December. Further work is also scheduled in the next two years at Acadia Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Killarney Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Village Square Leisure Centre, Shouldice Aquatic Centre and Thornhill Aquatic and Recreation Centre. That reality has left some Calgarians frustrated. Fiona Mckenzie, a resident of Inglewood and a long-time advocate for saving the neighbourhood’s community pool, said she supports new projects but feels smaller inner-city facilities are being left behind. “I think that we do need rec centers, new rec centers. I mean, my own son plays soccer, so I definitely see the need for having more recreational centers,” she said. “But I feel like we’re spending such large amount of money on these big rec centers and the city is looking at closing down the small community pools, and if we can invest in big rec centers, then surely we can invest in local pools.” “They are very much needed.” Mckenzie also expressed concerns that losing neighbourhood pools would permanently erode accessibility and community ties. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good,” she said. “The city is pushing more density in the inner city and they’re also wanting people to not get in their vehicles so much, but building the big rec centers is forcing people to have to get in their vehicles and drive up to the suburbs. So, keeping the smaller community pools allows people to walk and bike.” She added that community pools play an essential role for both children and seniors. “Children need to learn how to swim, it is so important, right? As well as seniors.” “I mean, I just think the rec centers, the big ones are not a one-size-fits-all, so many people are going to be sort of falling between the cracks too when we lose these community pools. “It’s more than just money, it’s really people’s physical and mental health.” Gondek acknowledged concerns about investing in new facilities while older ones await repairs. “It’s not a matter of whether we should invest in one place or another. We absolutely need to be investing in every Calgarian’s future,” she said. “The most important thing that council can do is look carefully at the budget and understand which projects are unfunded, and figure out ways to make sure that they can get the dollars they need.” Heather Johnson, the city’s director of recreation and social programs, says GamePLAN was designed to balance growth pressures with infrastructure renewal. “GamePLAN sets service standards that respond to population growth like we see here around us and aging infrastructure,” Johnson said. “It aims to increase bookable hours at fields, improve access in underserved areas and ensure that facilities like this are built to meet the evolving needs of Calgarians.” She added the Belmont site also reserves space for a future aquatics and multi-use recreation centre, but that project is currently unfunded. Balancing new growth and old needs For community advocates like Hatcher, new investments are critical to keeping pace with a growing city and a booming sport. However, she also acknowledged the broader tension. “This isn’t just about turfs and timelines; it’s about reclaiming our place as a city that supports athletes, mentors, youth and welcomes the world,” she said. “When a city invests in sport, it’s investing in the well-being of its citizens. It’s saying, ‘We see you, we support you, and we believe in your potential.’” Gondek says that’s the balancing act Calgary must strike as it faces both aging facilities and rising demand in new neighbourhoods. “We lay the groundwork for a Calgary where future generations will feel at home,” the mayor said. “When this facility opens, it will stand as a symbol of the leadership and vision it takes to ensure that Calgary remains a city where everyone can find their place.”
