Recreation Facility

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At the February 24, 2025, City Council meeting, Administration reviewed cost estimates for servicing the proposed facility and budgetary estimates obtained through the Request for Expression of Interest for facility construction. Following Administration’s recommendation to amend the facility site, Council approved Trader Ridge as the location for the proposed recreation facility.

Council directed Administration to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design, engineering and construction of an air-supported structure to accommodate a FIFA regulation-size soccer field, with flexibility for various sports activities.

Council further directed Administration to purchase the Facility Site, subject to the terms and conditions of an offer to purchase, for a total cost of $2,384,904 and amend the 2025 Capital Plan to reflect the land acquisition, funded through Public Reserve and Council Strategic Initiatives.




Benefits of the new facility:

The new facility will accommodate soccer, football, rugby, and other field sports while supporting sport tourism and economic growth by attracting regional and provincial competitions.

Spanning 135,000 sq. ft., it will include a full-size FIFA regulation field with flexible configurations, an auxiliary building with locker rooms, public washrooms, a reception area, and storage. Additional features may include a perimeter track and portable bleachers.

The site layout prioritizes parking efficiency while minimizing disruptions to surrounding areas. The removal of the planned 139 Avenue connection will reduce shortcutting and overflow parking in nearby neighborhoods, while pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained, similar to the Community Knowledge Campus design.

Next steps

The RFP was issued on February 25th, with contract awards expected in April 2025. Construction is set to start in July 2025, with completion anticipated in spring 2026. Required amendments to statutory planning documents for Trader Ridge and Arbour Hills will be pursued concurrently.

Project background:

On January 9, 2023, Swan City Football Club (Swan City F.C.) addressed City Council regarding the impact of demolishing the Leisure Centre on sports, including soccer, in Grande Prairie. The club proposed constructing an air-supported dome near the outdoor soccer fields to accommodate various sports and activities.

Potential locations were presented at the Public and Protective Services Committee meeting on January 31, 2023, with additional details shared on March 28, 2023. On April 3, 2023, City Council granted preliminary approval for up to $10 million in debenture funding for an indoor recreation facility.

In October 2023, multiple site layout options were reviewed by both the Committee and City Council. Council then selected two layouts to guide public engagement efforts.

Public engagement sessions held in November 2023 revealed strong community support for the facility and its ability to address gaps in indoor recreation. The Public and Protective Services Committee received the What We Heard report for information in January 2024.

On May 6, 2024, a site selection report and facility update were presented to City Council. Council identified Site 4, located north of the pickleball courts, as the preferred location and instructed Administration to continue negotiations with the relevant school division for the site's development. Additionally, Council directed Administration to issue a Request for Expression of Interest to gather cost estimates for both a dome and a fabric structure, and investigate off-site servicing costs.

The City of Grande Prairie is committed to enhancing recreational opportunities, fostering community engagement, and supporting local sports through the development of this community facility.

At the February 24, 2025, City Council meeting, Administration reviewed cost estimates for servicing the proposed facility and budgetary estimates obtained through the Request for Expression of Interest for facility construction. Following Administration’s recommendation to amend the facility site, Council approved Trader Ridge as the location for the proposed recreation facility.

Council directed Administration to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design, engineering and construction of an air-supported structure to accommodate a FIFA regulation-size soccer field, with flexibility for various sports activities.

Council further directed Administration to purchase the Facility Site, subject to the terms and conditions of an offer to purchase, for a total cost of $2,384,904 and amend the 2025 Capital Plan to reflect the land acquisition, funded through Public Reserve and Council Strategic Initiatives.




Benefits of the new facility:

The new facility will accommodate soccer, football, rugby, and other field sports while supporting sport tourism and economic growth by attracting regional and provincial competitions.

Spanning 135,000 sq. ft., it will include a full-size FIFA regulation field with flexible configurations, an auxiliary building with locker rooms, public washrooms, a reception area, and storage. Additional features may include a perimeter track and portable bleachers.

The site layout prioritizes parking efficiency while minimizing disruptions to surrounding areas. The removal of the planned 139 Avenue connection will reduce shortcutting and overflow parking in nearby neighborhoods, while pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained, similar to the Community Knowledge Campus design.

Next steps

The RFP was issued on February 25th, with contract awards expected in April 2025. Construction is set to start in July 2025, with completion anticipated in spring 2026. Required amendments to statutory planning documents for Trader Ridge and Arbour Hills will be pursued concurrently.

Project background:

On January 9, 2023, Swan City Football Club (Swan City F.C.) addressed City Council regarding the impact of demolishing the Leisure Centre on sports, including soccer, in Grande Prairie. The club proposed constructing an air-supported dome near the outdoor soccer fields to accommodate various sports and activities.

Potential locations were presented at the Public and Protective Services Committee meeting on January 31, 2023, with additional details shared on March 28, 2023. On April 3, 2023, City Council granted preliminary approval for up to $10 million in debenture funding for an indoor recreation facility.

In October 2023, multiple site layout options were reviewed by both the Committee and City Council. Council then selected two layouts to guide public engagement efforts.

Public engagement sessions held in November 2023 revealed strong community support for the facility and its ability to address gaps in indoor recreation. The Public and Protective Services Committee received the What We Heard report for information in January 2024.

On May 6, 2024, a site selection report and facility update were presented to City Council. Council identified Site 4, located north of the pickleball courts, as the preferred location and instructed Administration to continue negotiations with the relevant school division for the site's development. Additionally, Council directed Administration to issue a Request for Expression of Interest to gather cost estimates for both a dome and a fabric structure, and investigate off-site servicing costs.

The City of Grande Prairie is committed to enhancing recreational opportunities, fostering community engagement, and supporting local sports through the development of this community facility.

Page last updated: 05 Mar 2025, 08:37 AM