New recreation facilities welcome operators

The City of Calgary  is pleased to announce the operators of three of the four new recreation facilities in development in the southeast and northwest areas of the city. Canlan Ice Sports has been awarded  as operator of the new Great Plains recreation facility and YMCA Calgary as operator of Quarry Park and Rocky Ridge.

 

“This is a major step forward towards the development of the four new recreation facilities,” said Rob McAuley, manager of the New Recreation Facilities project. “We appreciate Council’s support in moving these forward and making them a reality for citizens.”

 

A third-party operating model, financing strategy and list of proposed amenities for each facility were given the green-light by Council in June 2012.  A competitive operator-bid process followed and YMCA Calgary and Canlan Ice Sports were selected as the highest-rated proponents.

 

“The City has had many successes with operating partnerships, and we look forward to continuing that legacy with YMCA Calgary and Canlan Ice Sports,” said McAuley.  “This will help further a shared vision to build active, caring and complete communities where recreation is accessible to everyone.”

 

YMCA Calgary currently operates five branches, three of which are in partnership with City-owned recreation facilities, including the recently opened Saddletowne branch in the Genesis Centre of Community Wellness. 

 

“YMCA Calgary is thrilled and thankful to continue a long tradition of partnership with the City of Calgary,” said Helene Weir, President and CEO of YMCA Calgary. “For over 100 years, YMCA Calgary has provided health and wellness opportunities for Calgarians, created leaders and fostered a sense of community. These amazing spaces will help us reach more people through our passionate volunteers, members and staff.”

 

This partnership will be Canlan Ice Sports’ first operation in Calgary and their fourth partnership with a municipal government. Great Plains will add to their current portfolio of 17 facilities with 51 ice surfaces across Canada. 

 

“We are excited about our partnership with the City of Calgary and the opportunity to introduce a wide array of products and services to Calgarians,” said Joey St-Aubin, President and CEO of Canlan Ice Sports.  “Calgary has a rich tradition of ice sports which we look forward to being a part of while working closely with user groups, City staff, public officials and all Calgary citizens looking to enhance their recreational experiences.”

 

The City is financing and leading the planning, design and construction of the four new facilities while each operator will be responsible for the operations, programs and maintenance.

 

A similar competitive-bid process to secure an operator for the Seton recreation facility will commence by the end of the summer.

 

Calgarians are invited to see the preliminary designs of the Quarry Park and Great Plains recreation facilities and talk to the operators - YMCA Calgary and Canlan - at a June 18 information sesssion.

 

These four new recreation facilities in southeast and northwest Calgary are being developed to meet our growing city’s need for convenient access to recreation opportunities and support the important role recreation plays in building complete communities. Each facility is being designed to meet the specific needs of each community, with the vision and  proposed amenities determined through extensive engagement with Calgarians, community leaders and numerous sports and cultural advisory groups.

 

For event information and the latest updates, please visit www.calgary.ca/newreccentres.