While the SW Recreation Centre (SWRC) site master plan will be selected by council in spring, What We Heard report regarding SWRC update was provided before city council on May 6.
In preparation for site master planning, GGA-Architecture conducted engagement to gather feedback from the community on anticipated uses of the future multi-purpose recreation centre.
There were several key themes identified between both sport user group interviews and resident survey along with open house responses.
The first being space for swimming lessons and competitive swimming-- both prioritized lane pool space over family play features.
Second being more ice for community use-- both indicated a preference for a triple arena in comparison to a twin arena with a spectator bowl for semi-professional sports and entertainment opportunities.
A greater number of resident engagement respondents placed importance on spectator seating spaces, food vendors and casual seating spaces.
However, resident engagement results frequently cited semi-professional sports and entertainment opportunities as "somewhat or very important" even considering a decrease in ice availability for community use.
Both sport user groups and resident feedback indicated that multi-use or dryland spaces in the arenas are as important to their use of the arena spaces in the facility.
Lastly, parking-- both commonly referenced a need for parking to be carefully considered.
Many residents, especially the sports user groups expressed dissatisfaction with a phased construction strategy, voicing a need for Phase Two and Phase Three to be built faster to meet their existing needs.
The resident engagement results outlined multi-use courts as family play spaces, free weight and cardio equipment areas in the fitness area, availability of lockers and access to private showers and change stalls, as high importance features for consideration in Phase One.
Responses of Phase Three sport user group engagement highlighted the importance of accommodating multiple sports with considerations in ceiling height and lighting requested.
The resident engagement referred to an online survey on the city’s engagement site, involve.airdrie.ca, which ran from Feb. 24 to Mar. 12, 2025. It also included an in-person open house that was held at Genesis Place on Mar. 5, 2025.
Through the online survey, 1,416 responses were received, whereas 197 responses came through the open house.
The information received through the various mediums of engagement will be incorporated into three site master plan options for SWRC, which will be presented to council in spring.
Council will then be directed to select a site master plan they feel best balances project considerations such as capital funding, sustainability and sports tourism with the needs of the community.
