The City of Calgary ‘hands over keys’ of newly opened Great Plains Recreation Facility to Canlan Ice Sports

The City of Calgary has handed over the keys of the Great Plains Recreation Facility to its newest operating partner, Canlan Ice Sports. Following a competitive procurement process, Canlan was announced as the successful candidate to operate the City-owned facility in June of 2016.

The facility contains two multi-purpose ice rinks, spectator seating for approximately 600, dryland training space, multi-purpose rooms and change rooms, food and beverage services and a pro shop. The 80,000 square foot facility is designed to attract ice sport enthusiasts from across the city.

“There was no ice in this area prior to Great Plains being built,” says Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “When you consider the popularity of ice sports in Calgary, and the fact that this area is growing rapidly, an investment like this makes sense.”

The facility complements Calgary’s existing inventory of ice while meeting the needs of a growing area of the city. The design for the facility is based on extensive industry research and engagement with the amateur sport community in Calgary.

The City oversaw the planning, design and construction of the facility, representing a total investment of $33 million. A portion of the cost was contributed by the Government of Alberta as part of the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).

“Our government is committed to ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to create strong, dynamic communities for Alberta families,” says Minister of Municipal Affairs Danielle Larivee. “We are proud to support the Great Plains Recreation Facility, which will bring members of the community together and give Calgarians a place closer to home, to practice their figure skating and hockey, and to play sledge hockey and ringette.”

The Great Plains Recreation Facility is the second facility to open as part of a city-wide strategy to improve availability of recreation opportunities in underserved areas of Calgary, namely the southeast and northwest. Remington YMCA in Quarry Park opened to the public on Canada Day and is hosting a grand opening event this Saturday from 1 – 3 p.m.

Meanwhile two more facilities currently under construction, Rocky Ridge Recreation Facility in the northwest and Seton Recreation Facility in the southeast, are scheduled to be completed in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

“It is a tremendous honour to be a part of this very exciting project and to have been chosen as The City’s operating partner for the Great Plains Recreational facility,” says Joey St-Aubin, CEO and President of Canlan. “We look forward to delivering exceptional customer experiences to the citizens of Calgary and making the facility a community hub where all who visit feel welcome.”

The City and Canlan are planning a grand opening event in November to recognize the community for their significant involvement in the project, including participating in meetings, focus groups, information sessions and open houses.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/recreationprojects.

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