Rec Centre Update
What is the status of the project?
The design of the facility has not yet started. Progress has been made in five key areas:
- The City of Calgary completed a needs and preferences study The study identifed the top recreational needs for a new facility based on an analysis of the current facilities that service Northwest communities and feedback obtained using a comprehensive survey of residents in Northwest Calgary. View a summary of the needs and preferences study.
- A facility site selection review has been completed by the City of Calgary. Currently, representatives from the City of Calgary and the Provincial government are negotiating the sale of provincial land to the City that will become the site for the future facility.
- The CNRCS and the City of Calgary are currently conducting workshops and meetings to define the Vision for the future facility which will outline priority amenities the types of programming and services for the future facility.
- The CNRCS and the City of Calgary have started discussions to define a governance model for the future facility. This governance model will outline key parties that will be involved in overseeing the facilities construction and design, the makeup of a Board of Directors and other key elements of how the facility will be operated.
- The CNRCS has completed a review of fundraising alternatives. We expect the future facility will be similar in size to Westside Recreation Centre and Cardel Place. Estimates suggest that constructing such a facility will require $120 - $140 million. Given that only $70 has been allocated by the City of Calgary through provincial infrastructure funding dollars, a sizable amount of money will need to be raised.
Where will the Northwest recreation center be located? 
The proposed location that has been selected is across from Butter Field Farms in Rocky Ridge / Royal Oak just North of Country Hills Blvd. Following is the response from The City when asked why?
"As you know, the proposed site is located at 11144 Rocky Ridge Rd. NW. The City of Calgary is still in negotiations with the Province of Alberta to formally acquire the site for this purpose . The site was selected based on a number of criteria including the anticipated impact on surrounding community. The City of Calgary is in the process of conducting research into the needs and preferences of area residents as well as working closely with a Community Advisory Group to ensure community interests are being properly taken into account. Development plans for the remainder of the site have yet to be determined. Final site design will be developed through engagement with the community. I encourage you to get involved with the engagement process and be in contact with your Community Advisory Group.
Ongoing updates on the project as well as Advisory Group contact information can be found at www.calgary.ca/nwreccentre."
When will the recreation center be completed?
The facility is expected to be completed in 2014/2015
What will be in the facility?
Final decisions on facility features and amenities have not been finalized. However, top amenities were identified in a needs and preferences study conducted by the City of Calgary. View a summary of the top amenities that will likely be included in the future facility.
The selection of amenities and services will also be influenced by the Calgary Sports Strategy and the civic Arts strategy.
The CNRCS and City of Calgary will be collaborating with representatives from competitive sporting organizations and arts organizations to develop amenities that attempt to meet the recreational needs of as many residents as possible given financial resource constraints.
It is also important to note that the facility must operate profitably. This requirement to operate a financially sustainable facility will also influence final decisions on the facility features.
Input to identify the amenities that will be included in the facility is still important to make final decisions. Complete the online survey to provide your feedback.
You can send comments to the CNRCS by email at cnrcs.info@gmail.com.