Lewis Farms Rec Centre gifted Cree name ahead of 2028 opening

Construction at the Lewis Farms Facility and Park, now named the mistahaya wîkihk Community Recreation Centre, on March 18, 2026. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

The long-anticipated west Edmonton recreation centre formerly known at Lewis Farms has a new name.

The facility was gifted the Cree name mistahaya wîkihk (mist-ah-hi-ya wee-gik) by Elder Bob Cardinal of Enoch Cree Nation. It was approved by the city’s naming committee in late April.

The name translates to “The Big One’s at his home,” or “Grizzly Bear’s Home.” It’s meant to remind Edmontonians that the land once belonged to the Enoch Cree Nation.

The mistahaya wîkihk Community Recreation Centre, along with the district park is set to open in fall 2028 to serve the recreational, sport and leisure needs of surrounding residents.

Edmonton city council has partnered with the Enoch Cree Nation chief and council since 2016 to support a “growing, vibrant and welcoming city for all,” the city said.