RECAP: 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee

At the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee meeting on November 6, a number of items were presented and discussed, including:

• The conclusion of the public engagement program
• The cost-benefit report by Ernst & Young
• The Calgary 2026 proposal on a Cultural Olympiad
• A Calgary 2026 update

Public engagement program
Our public engagement program closed on October 28. The What We Heard report is now available. The report is a summary of the public engagement process and what participants told us. Thank you to all the citizens who made time in their busy days to learn more about the proposed bid and talk with us about why Calgary should or should not host the Games.

Cost-benefit analysis
We hired Ernst & Young to complete a cost-benefit analysis of the Calgary 2026 Draft Hosting Plan Concept. The analysis weighs both the advantages (benefits) and disadvantages (costs) of hosting the Games. The analysis looked at five categories:

• Government financial
• Environmental
• Social
• Resident consumer
• Economic development

Results show both costs and benefits to hosting the Games in Calgary. You can read and review the report and Ernst & Young’s presentation for more information.

Culture and education - Calgary 2026
Calgary 2026’s approach to culture and education realizes one of the three pillars of the Olympic movement (Sport, Culture and Sustainability). Its objectives include:

• increasing cultural understanding through creativity; and
• building better relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Traditionally, the cultural programming kicks off with the Flag Handover Ceremony at the closing ceremonies of the previous Games. It’s followed by a Cultural Olympiad, educational events, and youth programs, which can take place over the next four years, leading up to and during the proposed 50 days of celebration during the next Games. Calgary 2026’s draft hosting plan includes $30 million to fund these programs.

Calgary 2026 update - risk management and cost overrun insurance
Calgary 2026 presented an update on its approach to risk management, including a discussion about insurance to mitigate the risk of cost overruns. An example of construction cost overrun was provided.

Your chance to help Council decide - Vote 2018
Your chance to vote on whether Calgary should host or not host the Games is on Tuesday, November 13. To find out when and where to vote and voter eligibility requirements, visit calgary.ca/Vote2018.

City Secretariat report to Committee
We will continue to work diligently to ensure you have balanced information. Please check our blog series and visit calgary.ca/2026Games for more information.

Public engagement begins on the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games potential bid

In this post, you’ll learn about The City of Calgary’s public engagement program and a summary of what was presented and decided at the September 11 combined Council meeting.

Public engagement opportunities begin October 1

The Engagement Advisory Sub-Committee hired an external vendor to carry out a public engagement program before the November 13 vote of the electors. Starting October 1, the program will include in-person opportunities such as open houses, intercept surveys and pop-up events as well as online engagement. This program will provide opportunities for Calgarians to hear about and provide feedback on Calgary 2026 bid corporation’s draft hosting plan concept. This public engagement program has three goals:

1. Inform and educate the public about the bid process.
2. Seek public input into whether Calgary should submit a bid.
3. Identify issues, concerns and opportunities of a potential bid, and respond to questions.

Visit calgary.ca/gamesbid for information about events you can attend and participate in. 

Council update

On September 11, Council heard a presentation from Calgary 2026 and an update from the City Secretariat. They confirmed November 13, 2018 as the date for the vote of the electors, and voted in favour of continuing to explore a bid for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Calgary 2026

CEO Mary Moran and her team from Calgary 2026 presented their draft hosting plan concept, which included a proposed budget and games information, such as where events might be hosted.

Secretariat update

The City Secretariat then provided Council with a report that included analysis of Calgary 2026’s Draft Hosting Plan Concept. The analysis included information about:

• Opportunities, benefits and legacies for Calgary and Calgarians.
• Affordable housing and recreation benefits and legacies for Calgarians.
• Comparison to the Calgary Bid Exploration Committee (CBEC) report.
• Programming of event sites during the Games. 
• Calgary 2026 alignment to citizen priorities, Council directives and elements of value.
• Review of the Calgary 2026 draft hosting plan: alignment with Council policies, strategies and plans.
• Law’s response to Olympic BidCo transparency and accountability exploration notion of motion.

Council approved the City Secretariat’s recommendations to:

• Confirm the vote of the electors be held on November 13, 2018.
• Continue the due diligence review of Calgary 2026’s Draft Hosting Plan Concept.
• Continue to negotiate agreements with the other orders of government on funding the potential 2026 Games.

Moving forward, we will continue to make sure Calgarians have accurate, balanced and timely information. Please check our blog series and visit calgary.ca/gamesbid for more information.

RECAP: 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Meeting – June 26

On June 26, the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee met to discuss:

• Potential cultural and educational components to advance Calgary’s cultural plan
• Public engagement

Here’s our full presentation to the committee.

Culture and the Olympics

Culture is one of three pillars of the Olympic Movement, along with Sport and Sustainability. It is central to the Olympic mandate:

• Showcases the culture of the host city and nation.
• Captures the opportunity of a global Olympic gathering to create intercultural exchanges, further intercultural understanding and promote the prospects for world peace.

If Calgary were to host another Olympics and Paralympics, there would be a culture component to hosting the Games. It would include events, programs and celebrations that showcase Calgary, Alberta and Canada’s culture to the world, including a focus on Indigenous people. These cultural experiences are one way a host city can help achieve its cultural plan goals and build excitement for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.


The culture component to the Olympics and Paralympics is generally a four-year program that begins with the flag handover ceremony at the previous Games’ closing ceremony. For the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the ceremony will take place at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games in 2022. Cultural programs during the Games are organized by the Organizing Committee, as well as by government partners and sponsors.

Starting in 2022, the following four years would see cultural events and programming underway, typically beginning with regional events. These events and programming gain momentum, concluding in an international Cultural Olympiad for 60 days, which takes place before and during the Games. It concludes at the closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Winter Games.

Culture events and programming could include many options:

• School and youth programming
• Ticketed events
• Commissioning local artists for art or exhibits
• Torch relay, events in the streets
• Medal ceremonies
• Concerts or shows
• Community-based and initiated celebrations at the neighbourhood level

Culture events and programming would provide experiences for citizens and visitors outside the sporting events. They would also provide an opportunity to engage all Calgary communities.

Part of determining whether we should bid on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is making sure a bid advances all five strategic priorities of Calgary's cultural plan:

1. Maximize Calgary’s diversity advantage
2. Grow Calgary’s cultural sector and creative industries
3. Activate culturally vibrant neighbourhoods and districts
4. Reinvigorate centre city as a culture heart of the city
5. Conserve and celebrate Calgary’s built, natural and indigenous heritage

Funding sources and investing in the host city’s arts and culture

The culture feature of an Olympic bid rests within the operational cost to host an Olympic and Paralympic Games. The operational costs are typically covered through a combination of funding sources: ticket sales, private sponsorships and government. They are supported through partners and sponsors, in addition to the events provided by the host committee.

Looking back at the ’88 Calgary Games, there were both sporting legacies, such as the Winsport facilities, Olympic Oval, Nakiska ski hill, and Canmore Nordic Centre, as well as culture legacies. Examples include construction of the Olympic Plaza, and major funding towards Arts Commons and many Calgary arts organizations, such as the Calgary Philharmonic, Calgary Opera, Alberta Theatre Projects and One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre.

As part of The City’s public engagement events, there will be opportunities for you to talk with us about Calgary’s culture scene and whether hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games could fit with our city.

Public engagement

It is important citizens have the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the bid process and the components of Calgary’s bid through the engagement process.

We are planning our public engagement to begin in September. Engagement opportunities will continue leading up to the vote of the electors, taking place in the fall.

Committee meeting recaps

June 19 meeting recap
June 12 meeting recap
June 5 meeting recap
May 29 meeting recap
May 15 meeting recap



For more information about the Olympic bid project, visit calgary.ca/OlympicBid.

RECAP: 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Meeting – June 19

On June 19, the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee met for the sixth time to discuss:

• Sustainability
• Public engagement update

Here’s our full presentation to the committee.

Sustainability

Sustainability is part of Calgary’s potential bid, by both minimizing effects on our physical environment and making sure citizens and visitors can enjoy 2026 Olympic/Paralympic Winter Game venues for decades after the Games end. 



If Calgary chooses to bid on the 2026 Games, the event

needs to fit with Calgary’s vision: a great place to make

a living and a great place to make a life.


The International Olympic Committee (IOC) added sustainability to their Agenda 2020 strategic direction, which includes 40 recommendations on reducing the complexity and cost for a candidate city to host the games.

We strive to reach Calgary's vision everyday, with Council-approved strategies that map out Calgary’s future, how we build and shape our city and grow our economy:

• imagineCALGARY
• Municipal Development Plan
• Calgary Transportation Plan
• Calgary Economic Development Strategy

Draft Sustainability Framework

To align with Calgary’s vision, plans, and strategies, Calgary 2026 created a draft sustainability framework, consisting of eight components. The draft framework is intended to be the foundation on which the potential 2026 OPWG bid will be developed. Some components of the draft framework support the development of the potential bid. Other components will be developed if we choose to bid and are chosen to host the 2026 OPWG. Collectively, the components represent a comprehensive approach to sustainability that is expected by the IOC.

If we can achieve a sustainable 2026 Games, the return on investment to Calgary could last for decades, including, but not limited to:

• Increasing affordable housing
• Improving recreation and community facilities
• Lowering carbon footprints (both the 2026 Games and Calgary as a city)
• Exposing Calgary to larger markets, including economic investment, job creation and increased tourism.

As Paris continues to plan for their 2024 Olympic/Paralympic Summer Games, we’re in a unique position to include their learnings and plans on sustainability into planning the 2026 OPWG, if we choose to bid and are chosen to host.

Public engagement update

We want to hear from Calgarians and talk with you about your perspective on Calgary’s future, the 2026 Games, and whether or not there is a fit between the two. A procurement process is underway to hire an external consultant, who will lead and implement the public engagement program.

We are scheduled to have a more in-depth update at the June 26 assessment committee meeting.

Committee meeting recaps

• June 12 meeting recap
• June 5 meeting recap
• May 29 meeting recap
• May 15 meeting recap

For more information about the Olympic bid project, visit calgary.ca/OlympicBid.

Sports enthusiasts connect at City of Calgary facilities using PlayCity app

To help Calgarians get fit while building their social networks, The City of Calgary has joined the mobile app network PlayCity. 

“Recreation is the cornerstone of complete communities as it has a direct impact on the quality of life, well-being and resiliency of Calgarians,” says Heather Cowie, Manager of Calgary Recreation’s North and East Region. “Having our facilities listed on the PlayCity app aligns with our goal of breaking down social barriers with respect to sport and recreation activities.”

Developed by Calgarian Hafiz Mitha, PlayCity provides an easy way for adults at the same skill level to meet up locally and participate in a variety of sports. “There are so many amazing recreation facilities to check out in Calgary,” says Mitha. “I created the app to help build more diverse, connected and active neighbourhoods. PlayCity is an opportunity to meet new people, try new things and visit new sport facilities.”

The City has recreation and aquatic facilities in every quadrant listed on PlayCity. Users who download the app can connect with like-minded Calgarians to swim, work out and play a variety of sports at these athletic facilities.

The PlayCity mobile app is available to download for free on iTunes and Google Play.

RECAP: 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Meeting - May 29

On May 29, the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee met for the
third time to discuss the:

• Plebiscite (vote of electors)
• Public hearing
• Vision update
• Financial and value proposition update

Plebiscite: vote of the electorate
We are now working on the plebiscite questions and date. We discussed Vancouver’s question from the 2010 Olympic/Paralympic Winter Games and we’re considering more information within the plebiscite questions, to give more context. The Government of Alberta will also review the question(s).

In September 2018, we will provide a recommendation on the plebiscite question(s) and date. The timing of this announcement aligns with when we expect citizens will know the cost of the 2026 Games and who is committed to paying what amount.

This schedule allows citizens time to know and consider the information, so they can make an informed vote. We expect a high turnout at the plebiscite, based on statistics from past Calgary elections (58 per cent in the last municipal election).

Through summer and fall 2018, our responsibility is to communicate and promote the opportunities for citizens to participate in the public engagement events, including the plebiscite.

Public hearing
The committee voted against holding a formal public hearing and directed Administration to review what other options are available for committee members and Council to hear directly from citizens.

A public hearing is non-statutory; the committee would hear and consider all information, regardless if a majority of citizens presents a certain view on the 2026 Olympic/Paralympic bid. Council would then consider this information, when deciding on whether to bid on the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Ideas and considerations that surfaced between the committee and Administration:

• Align all public engagement efforts.
• Ensure citizens have the right information about the bid and the 2026 Games process, for an appropriate amount of time, before participating in the plebiscite.
• Include the cost and funding resources in this information.
• Confirm a specific topic for public input (e.g. bidding on the 2026 Games, hosting the 2026 Games, etc.) for a hearing of the public.
• Allow Council to hear from citizens, which can unveil what other goals and aspirations can be, or not be, realized through a bid.
• Hosting just a plebiscite doesn’t explain the “why”.
• Ensure Calgarians and Council have the right amount of information, before they decide whether Calgary bids.

Producing content will be one of our biggest challenges, as most of the information will be confirmed through early fall.

Vision
A visioning exercise is underway to establish a vision, mission and values, which will be the foundation for the Bid Corporation’s potential bid. As one of the Bid Corporation’s (BidCo) members, we will ensure the vision reflects Calgary’s own vision and values, as they define what the 2026 Games could do for Calgary (and region), beyond just hosting the sporting event.

After two visioning sessions attended by all members of BidCo and a number of stakeholders, including representation from youth, business, sport, municipal government and indigenous people; a draft vision, mission and values was created. The committee identified a stronger involvement was required from the arts community, which will be included moving forward. The vision, mission and values will be released after the BidCo, Sport Canada and the Province of Alberta review them.

Financial and value proposition overview
Knowing the value and cost of the Games to Calgary helps Council and citizens determine if we should bid, which is based on five principles for pursuing the 2026 Games. We will do a cost-benefit analysis, which considers a number of items, based on if we choose to or not to host the 2026 Games:

• Capital (construction, upgrades and maintenance of facilitates)
• Operating costs
• Risk, including mitigation strategies
• Affordable housing
• Economic activity and job creation
• Tourism
• Community involvement
• Reputation

Most importantly, all Olympic infrastructure and facilities will be considered with Calgary’s existing infrastructure priorities and needs.

If Calgary chooses to submit a bid, it requires financial commitments from all levels of government. We expect Council to know the capital and operating cost estimate for hosting the 2026 Games in July 2018.

View the May 29 presentation.

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There are lots of moving pieces on the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games bid project. We'll be publishing blog posts about the regular 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee meetings, to give you more insight into the work being done on the project.

The committee's purpose is to provide guidance to Administration, as we explore a potential 2026 Games bid. 

Committee Meeting Recaps
• May 15 meeting recap

For more information about the Olympic bid project, visit calgary.ca/OlympicBid.

RECAP: 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Meeting - May 15

There are lots of moving pieces on the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games bid project. We'll be publishing blog posts about the regular 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Assessment Committee meetings, to give you more insight into the work being done on the project.

The committee's purpose is to provide guidance to Administration, as we explore a potential 2026 Games bid. Administration has met with the committee bi-weekly through May and will meet weekly through June. 

The May 15 meeting discussed:

• Information flow and updates
• Transparency
• Value of reputation
• Budget
• Personnel
• Engagement and Advisory Sub-Committee membership (in-camera)
• Bid Corporation (BidCo) Chair Recruitment verbal update (in-camera)

Here’s a summary of the discussion:

Information flow and updates

Our goal is to get accurate information to Councillors and Calgarians as quickly as possible. Administration will meet with Councillors who are unable to attend the committee meetings as required, and will work with ward offices to address constituent questions.

Transparency

Because information on this project moves quickly, Administration meets with the committee frequently to ensure Councillors have the most up-to-date information. At every committee meeting, Administration will provide a progress update, including what we know and what we don’t know at the time.

Value of reputation and reputational risk

We’re proud of Calgary’s and Canada’s values and international reputation, and it’s important to us that we maintain that reputation. We want to make sure these values are represented in the relationship we’re building with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

It’s also important to the committee, Administration and citizens that we remain objective and balanced through this process. A report by the Ipsos Global Reputation Centre about unlocking the value of reputation was discussed, as a perspective to keep in mind as we move through this process.

Budget

From summer 2016 to end of April 2018, we've spent $5.2 million of the total $30 million BidCo budget. The work done to-date includes:

1.       Bid Development Work Streams:

a.       Venue Use & Infrastructure:

b.       Operational Themes & Bid Book Development

c.        Finance

d.       Security

e.       Vision, Legacy, Sustainability, Governments Submissions & Guarantees

f.        Coordination with Canadian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee

g.       BidCo Development

2.       City Administration Work Streams:

a.       Planning and Reporting

b.       Communications/Issues Management

c.        Legal

d.       Financial

A cost estimate of hosting the games is being developed, including operating budgets, capital budgets and impact to Calgary’s debt. We're preparing a government submission for the end of June, which will be circulated to all members for their review. The numbers will be made public in early July.

Personnel

We need the right people with the right skills overseeing the work. There’s been a mix of City staff and consultants working on the project. Consultants have provided as little as a few hours of support to as much as full-time support on the project. There are several report attachments that include more information about project personnel:

• Project Team Organizational Structure
• 2026 Olympic/Paralympic Winter Assessment Committee
• Executive Team and Advisory Panel
• City staff support 
• Consultant support 
• Bid Corporation Members Committee

We’re now focusing on staffing a permanent City team, called a City Secretariat. The members are also working together to recruit the BidCo Chair, CEO and Board of Directors.

Moving forward, The City and the BidCo will work together with citizens on the potential bid. While we are ultimately accountable to Council and our citizens, BidCo is the expert team developing and submitting a bid, if Calgary and its partners decide, and are invited by the IOC, to bid.

Closed session agenda items

Some items need to be discussed in a closed session, because they relate to specific personnel or other confidential information. At this meeting, the closed session items included:

• Engagement and Advisory Sub-Committee membership
• BidCo Chair Recruitment (verbal update)

Since this meeting, committee met on May 29 and will meet next on June 5. Stay tuned for the May 29 recap.

For more information about the Olympic bid project, visit calgary.ca/OlympicBid.

Spring and summer recreation program registration now open

Say goodbye to winter with The City’s spring and summer Recreation programs, open for registration on February 26, online, in person and over the phone.

Not sure what programs are available? Our Spring/Summer Recreation Program Guide is now available; pick up a hard-copy or browse programs online. The guide contains hundreds of recreational opportunities to get you and your family more active, more often.


"The City of Calgary has a variety of programs to help you get outside and get moving as the weather warms up in our city,” says Brad Herman, recreation program specialist with The City of Calgary.

With dozens of facilities located throughout the city, including two leisure centres, 12 aquatic & fitness centres, seven golf courses, a soccer centre, a sailing school and more, there are many convenient locations for you and your family to take part in a variety of fitness related recreational programs, close to home.

3 steps to registering

1. Create or update your account
   - Create or login to your account on calgary.ca/liveandplay
   - Make sure all information is up-to-date
   - Once you have an account, you can call 403-268-3800 to add family members
2. Find your program
   - Pick up our Recreation Program Guide or browse programs online at calgary.ca/liveandplay
   TIP: Don’t want to select a specific program date/time? Leave the date selection blank, so you can see all of the options
   - Write down your desired program course IDs
   
3. Register for your program
   - Online with a credit card (Debit & VISA debit not accepted): calgary.ca/liveandplay
   - By phone: 403-268-3800
   - In person: Calgary Recreation Customer Service, Southland Leisure Centre or Village Square Leisure Centre  

Join us and get moving!

As Rocky Ridge Recreation Facility Opens, Work Continues at Seton Facility

[From Left to right: Kurt Hanson, Manager of Community Services for The City of Calgary; Mark Asberg, Director of Service Delivery for the Calgary Public Library; Michael Connolly, MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood; Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Shannon Doram, President and CEO of YMCA Calgary]

On February 1, 2018, the Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge celebrated its grand opening, with guests including Mayor Naheed Nenshi, MLA Michael Connolly, Councillors Ward Sutherland, Joe Magloiocca and Sean Chu, YMCA Calgary President and CEO Shannon Doram, and citizens from the area.

Initial response to the new facility has been overwhelming – since opening, the facility has signed up over 9,400 new YMCA members, justifying The City of Calgary’s research that a recreation facility was sorely needed in the area.

Mayor Nenshi speaks at the Grand Opening of the Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge.

The Shane Homes YMCA is the third of four new recreation facilities to be built in underserved areas of the City. The Great Plains Recreation Facility and Remington YMCA opened in Calgary’s southeast in 2016. The City has overseen the planning, design and construction of all four new recreation facilities – a total investment of $480 million. A portion of the cost was contributed by the Government of Alberta as part of the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). In all cases, there were few recreational opportunities in the area before construction of the new facility.

The last of the four new facilities, in Seton, is currently under construction. This facility will open in early 2019 as a community hub in a dynamic area surrounded by a future high school and regional park. The new facility was designed with input from a thoughtful engagement process with local community associations and area residents.

Within the walls, construction on the 330,000 square-foot facility is moving briskly, on-time and on-budget. Amenities will include a 50-metre, 10-lane competition and diving pool, a water park and leisure pool, a surf simulator, two ice rinks, 3 gymnasia, a fitness centre with studios, a 200-metre running track, art-making and studio space, a 250-seat theatre, and a 25,000-square-foot full-service library.

The facility will be managed by the Calgary YMCA, who won a competitive bid to operate and maintain the space. This innovative model ensures the sustainability of the facility without the need for additional tax dollars to fund staffing, maintenance or other operational costs.

For more information and a full amenity list, please visit calgary.ca/recreationprojects.

Photos of Seton:

View of the main atrium and the future 25,000 square-foot library

View down the main hallway, toward the main atrium. The competition pool is on the left, and the twin arenas to the right

Looking down on the future competition pool

View of diving platforms. A temporary floor has been erected over the deep end of the pool.

The future recreation pool area, including the recreation pool (R), lazy river (centre) and posts for a waterslide (L). Behind the lazy river is the foundation for the surf simulator.

A view from the top of the future waterslide

One of the two arenas under construction

The future gymnasium space on the lower level, surrounded by the running track on the upper level.

Seton Recreation Facility – exterior under construction (October 2018).

Rocky Ridge Recreation Facility construction reaches key milestones

On October 20, the new Rocky Ridge recreation centre reached a key milestone and was handed over to the Calgary YMCA. The new facility, Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, officially opens to users on Jan. 15, 2018.

The coming months will see the facility’s new operator, YMCA Calgary, move into the space and furnish it with all the amenities it will need to open to the public. YMCA Calgary won a competitive bid to operate and maintain the space. Providing services in a City-owned facility ensures the sustainability of the facility without the direct need for additional tax dollars.

The project recently reached Substantial Completion, meaning that the facility is ready to be occupied apart from any last fixes and finishes required to ensure that the facility functions as expected. A few final pieces of the construction, such as the outdoor skatepark and finishing the park spaces, will be completed over the course of the summer of 2018.

The new facility brings much-needed recreational opportunities and public space to Calgary’s northwest. Situated in a natural park and reconstructed wetland, the 284,000-square foot building will provide individuals, families and teams access to indoor pools and a waterpark, an ice skating surface and an NHL-sized hockey rink, a fitness centre, 3 full gymnasiums, 160-metre running track, library, art making and display spaces, a 250-seat theatre, childcare and much more. The award-winning design was created with input from local community associations, aboriginal groups and residents through a thoughtful engagement process.

The Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge is the third of four facilities to be completed in communities across Calgary – a total investment of $480 million. A portion of the cost was contributed by the Government of Alberta as part of the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). The Remington YMCA and Great Plains Recreation facility opened in 2016. The Seton facility is scheduled to be completed in late 2018 and open to the public in Q1 2019.

For more information and a full amenity list, please visit calgary.ca/recreationprojects.

Exercising with a buddy can help you achieve fitness goals

It often feels that we’re bombarded with the latest health and fitness trends but did you know there is one trend that has outlasted all the rest? And has a successful track record?

There is a growing amount of evidence that supports the ‘buddy system’ as highly effective in reaching your fitness goals. In several recent studies, researchers have found that exercising with friends (or in a small group) offers many benefits beyond just the physical ones.

Patty Grant, a twenty year veteran in the fitness industry and Recreation Program Specialist with The City of Calgary says, “It’s true. People who exercise together become each other’s biggest cheerleaders. You share challenges and celebrate each other’s successes.” Additionally, adds Grant, “It can also boost our commitment levels because we don’t want to let each other down.”

While there is firm evidence on the benefits of exercising together, what about the fact that doing things together is simply more fun? This aspect is not lost on Calgary Recreation. In our latest edition of the Fall Recreation Program Guide, there’s hundreds of fun, group fitness opportunities.

Grant mentions ‘Rock Climbing for Pairs’ and “Warrior Women’ as two classes that are customized for small groups. Whereas fitness classes that accommodate larger groups such as ‘Triathlon Training’ or ‘YYC Barre’, “We encourage friends to register together.”

Bottom line she adds “When you’re having fun and working towards the same goals, you end up with both social and physical benefits.”

To search or coordinate your fall activities visit http://calgary.ca/MyRecGuide. Programs begin September, so you have some time yet to round up a buddy or some teammates!

Rocky Ridge Recreation Facility construction moves indoors

From the outside, the beautiful new Rocky Ridge Recreation facility may look complete. Inside its sculptured walls, however, construction is as busy as it ever was. Within the building contractors are finishing tile, installing machinery, and painting in advance of completion in December of 2017. The new facility will open to the public in Q1 2018.

When complete, The 284,000 square foot facility will provide individuals, families and teams from Calgary’s northwest with a unique indoor and outdoor recreation experience. The multisport fitness and recreational facility will include competition and wave pools, a waterslide, competition and leisure skating ice, 3 full gymnasiums, a fitness centre, 160m running track, library, art making and display spaces, a 250-seat theatre, skateboard park, and much more.

The new facility sits within over 75,000 square feet of natural park at Calgary’s highest natural elevation. It boasts 60,628 square feet of reconstructed wetland, complete with 4 kilometres of pathways and trails making it a destination for those seeking outdoor activity. The building itself was designed to add to the natural beauty of the surrounding foothills; the shiny exterior will develop a darker finish over time, helping the building blend into the surrounding landscape.

The City oversaw the planning, design and construction of the facility – the third of four facilities in communities across Calgary including Quarry Park, Great Plains, and Seton – representing a total investment of $480 million. A portion of the cost was contributed by the Government of Alberta as part of the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). The Seton facility is scheduled to be completed in late 2018 and open to the public in Q1 2019. Both projects are currently on-time and on-budget.

The facility will be managed by the Calgary YMCA, who won a competitive bid to operate and maintain the space. This innovative model ensures the sustainability of the facility without the need for additional tax dollars to fund staffing, maintenance or other operational costs.

Prior to the construction of the Rocky Ridge facility, there were few recreational amenities in the area. The new facility provides a much-needed community gathering space in the northwest, and was designed with input from local community associations, aboriginal groups and residents through a thoughtful engagement process.

For more information and a full amenity list, please visit calgary.ca/recreationprojects.

Rendering:

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Calgary Recreation has what you need to get up, out and active this spring and summer

As we look forward to a spring thaw, Calgary’s Spring/Summer Recreation Program Guide has hit stands at Recreation facilities around the city. In the printed guide, and online, you’ll find thousands of day camps, classes and programs designed to help you and your family shake off the winter blues and become more active and creative.

There are programs for every age, skill level and interest. Some of our popular programs include:

For children & youth:

• Day Camps – everything from sports to dance, 3D Animation to “Zombies & Ninjas.” 
• Skateboarding lessons – for beginner to intermediate skateboarders.
• Dance – including Hip-hop, Ballet, Jazz and Irish. 
• Martial Arts – try Aikido, Karate, Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, or Tai Chi. No previous experience required.
• Junior Sailing Club – learn the fundamentals of sailing surrounded by the beauty of the Glenmore Reservoir. 

For Adults:

• Whip that body into shape with Bootcamp – Beginner. There’s even a new Bridal Party Bootcamp just for women training for the big day.
• Birdwatching – learn to tell a red-winged blackbird from a red-tailed hawk at a number of Calgary parks.
• Oil Painting for the Completely Intimidated – develop the skills to capture Calgary’s beauty on canvas.

For “Together Time:”

• Stroller Fitness – Bring your baby and stroller for a unique and fun cardio workout.
• Golf – Family Beginner Series: great for new golfing families or families who want to improve their golf skills. Professionals will guide you from your first swing to your first round on the course. 

All programs are priced to be affordable, and our Fair Entry program also provides fee assistance to qualified individuals.

Registration is open now – make sure to pick up your copy of the program guide today, or customize your registration online.

Register soon so you can be on your way to fun and active times!