GamePLAN: Reimagining recreation in Calgary

Reimagining recreation in Calgary GamePLAN

GamePLAN is a vision and strategy for the future of public recreation in Calgary for the next 25 years. It will help increase investment in recreation facilities, programs and services throughout Calgary. It sets a service level standard that responds to record levels of population growth and aging infrastructure.

What recreation in Calgary looks like now

Public recreation

In Calgary, the public recreation system is made up of publicly-accessible facilities, amenities and programs that support and encourage active living, health, well-being and community. 

City-operated facilities

The City owns, operates and delivers programs at over 50 recreation facilities, such as:

  • Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres
  • Community aquatic & fitness centres such as Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre
  • Arenas such as Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon
  • Fieldhouses such as Calgary Soccer Centre and Shouldice Dome 
  • Athletic parks
  • North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres

 

Partner-operated facilities

The City owns more than 200 recreation facilities or amenities that are operated by partners. Examples include:

  • YMCAs such as the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
  • Recreation centres such as MNP Community & Sport Centre, Vivo for Healthier Generations, the Genesis Centre, Trico Centre and Westside Recreation Centre
  • Outdoor pools run by the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pool Association
  • Over 180 Community Associations

The City also supports over 50 social recreation organizations (SROs), like Sport Calgary, Calgary Minor Soccer Association, Calgary United Soccer Association, Calgary and District Amateur Softball Association, Calgary Curling Club and Calgary Lawn Bowling Club.

Why do we need GamePLAN?

Calgary’s public recreation system is under strain from aging facilities, rising costs and growing demand. Investments in public recreation have not kept pace with population growth, accessibility needs and diversification. Without investment and a plan, the system will degrade, facilities will close and services will decline.

What does GamePLAN aim to do?

Guide service decisions to help remove barriers to participation

Inform policies to adapt and grow services

Strengthen partnerships with service providers and communities

Improve access and services in the inner and outer city

Secure dedicated funding for the future

Promote a new role for public recreation in civic life

Council-approved service level: Making Waves

On Feb. 25, 2025, City Council approved the Making Waves service level scenario. This is a significant step forward in revitalizing public recreation in Calgary. Making Waves requires an annual investment of $200M to $250M and sets the direction for future budget cycles. The Making Waves service level will:

  • Increase services to match population growth

  • Build more pools, ice rinks, fieldhouses and athletic parks

  • Provide up to 40% more swim lessons per capita

  • Increase the number of Calgarians living within 5km of a pool

  • Allow for 25% more bookable hours at ice rinks

  • Increase bookable hours at indoor fields and athletic parks by 2.5 times

  • Rebuild inner-city recreation centres like Bob Bahan, Renfrew & Killarney

How GamePLAN will improve public recreation

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Who helped us develop GamePLAN?

Between November 2022 and February 2024, we surveyed more than 6,000 members of the public about their perceptions of, experiences with and desires for the public recreation system in Calgary.

We also hosted several engagement opportunities for community and sport partners, including workshops, webinars, empathy interviews, one-on-one meetings and two online surveys.

Learn more about engagement

Next steps

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