Council approves accelerated approach for new SW Recreation Centre

July 7, 2026 / For Immediate Release

AIRDRIE, AB – City Council has approved an accelerated construction approach for the SW Recreation Centre, allowing the full facility to be delivered significantly sooner than originally planned.

The approved approach will see all components of the multi-purpose recreation centre, including the pool and aquatics areas, fitness centre, family activity zone, arenas, fieldhouse, gymnasium and newly added public indoor running track, constructed at once and opened together as a complete facility. Under the previous three-phase approach, these amenities would have been delivered over several years, with aquatics and fitness opening first, followed by arenas and then the fieldhouse and gymnasium. According to current projections (which have been updated to account for time for staff training and systems testing), the full facility is now projected to open in 2030.

“This decision reflects Council’s strategic focus on delivering long-term infrastructure that supports Airdrie’s growth and enhances community well-being. By accelerating the SW Recreation Centre, we are providing high-quality recreation spaces sooner, helping residents stay active, connected and supported as our community continues to grow,” said Mayor Heather Spearman.

By building the facility in a single phase, the City will reduce overall construction time, improve project efficiency and save an estimated ~6.4 to ~8.6 per cent in construction costs.

“As part of this process, we completed detailed financial modelling using refined cost estimates and construction sequencing scenarios,” said Meghan Bigney, Deputy CFO/Manager, Finance. “That analysis confirmed the project can be delivered on an accelerated timeline while maintaining stable, predictable tax impacts and achieving a meaningful reduction in total project cost.”

Recent adoption of the Community Facilities Off-Site Levy has strengthened the financial framework for growth-related infrastructure, including the SW Recreation Centre. This levy ensures that growth contributes to the cost of new infrastructure, reducing reliance on the municipal tax base and providing greater certainty in long-term funding. This improved funding clarity supports the feasibility of an accelerated construction approach

The original three phased approach was designed to minimize tax impacts during construction and early operations, when costs are highest and revenues are still ramping up. With updated modelling, the City was able to consider how timing could be adjusted while improving the overall financial impact.

The use of the City’s Tax Stabilization Reserve will continue to smooth project costs over time, with annual tax impacts related to the project expected to remain at or below two per cent. While the accelerated approach requires a higher short-term investment, it results in greater overall cost efficiency while enabling the full facility to open sooner and begin generating revenue earlier.

“Residents and sport groups have consistently told us there is strong demand for more recreation space in Airdrie,” said Aimee Johnston, Manager of Recreation Services. “Delivering the full facility sooner will help relieve pressure on existing programs and amenities, expand access and create more opportunities for people to participate in recreation across the community.”

The project will now move from schematic design into detailed design, where plans will be further refined to support construction, which is estimated to begin in 2027. Learn more about the SW Recreation Centre project at: airdrie.ca/swrecreationcentre.

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