Construction begins on ‘much needed’ $193 million rec centre in Seton

Construction began Friday on a new recreation centre in south Calgary.

The Seton Recreation Facility will include two multi-purpose rinks, sport and leisure pools, an integrated dive tank, a FlowRider surf simulator, three gymnasiums with multi-purpose flooring, a fitness centre, an art studio and gallery space, daycare, theatre, physiotherapy/medical clinic and a full service library.

“The new Seton facility is much-needed and will serve many thousands of Calgarians for many years to come,” Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said at a Friday groundbreaking ceremony.

The 330,000 square foot facility is the last of four new rec centres in development by the City of Calgary, and will cost $193 million to build.

Funding for all four facilities has come from various sources, including $50 million from the City of Calgary’s Community and Recreation Levy and $150 million from the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).

“Projects such as the Seton facility create jobs and are an immediate boost to the economy,” Minister of Municipal Affairs Danielle Larivee said. “We are proud to invest in recreation infrastructure that enhances quality of life, and bring members of the community together.”

When it opens in 2018, the city-built, city-owned facility will be operated by YMCA Calgary through a partnership model.