Town of Banff

Rec Centre Ribbon Cutting

December 8, 2010
For Immediate Release                                              Download/ print PDF

Ribbon cut on Banff’s newest recreation facility

Banff, AB – Pucks dropped, brooms crossed and ribbons were cut today to mark the official opening of phase 1 of the new public recreation centre in Banff, Alberta.

Phase 1 of the centre, almost completely rebuilt from the previous aging facility on the same site, offers an overhauled 185  x 85 ft ice slab, a brand new curling rink with four sheets and associated services, along with two meeting rooms, lounges and a concourse, set in a spectacular glass and wood structure designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver standard. Phase 2, which is slated to open next spring, is a second NHL-sized ice sheet. 

The $33 million facility, which opened on time and on budget, was funded in part by a $9.4 million grant from the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative Fund, a $6 million grant from the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF), a $1.2 million Major Recreation Facility Grant, along with $400,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund for the building’s LEED initiatives. A further $14.4 million of grants has been approved by the Province under future Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding over the next few years.

“This project is an excellent example of how our Government is strengthening Alberta’s communities,” said Member of Parliament for Wild Rose Blake Richards. “This new Centre complements the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies and will help create new economic and recreational opportunities for years to come.”
 
MLA for Banff-Cochrane Janis Tarchuk joined Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen and Council in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

“Physical activity is essential for good health, and facilities like this help lay the foundation for active lives,” said MLA Tarchuk. “This project highlights our government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Alberta’s public infrastructure, building strong communities and improving Albertans’ quality of life.”

Tradition and modernity mix at the new centre. Beams from the 1958 curling rink and glulam beams from a dismantled school in Canmore were used throughout. Spectacular walls of glass flood the facility with natural light and frame inspiring views of Rundle, Sulphur and Norquay’s peaks. Stately pillars of Alaskan Yellow Cedar create dramatic entry points, and Poplar wood panels line the concourse walls in a striking pattern. The concourse will also be the future home of Banff’s Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Trees cut from the site are crafted into wooden outdoor benches to be placed next spring, rainwater and ice melt are recycled to flush the low flow toilets, while waste heat from the ice plant is used for snow melt. The new building was sited away from the 40 Mile Creek and the riparian zone, previously occupied by the outdoor ice and parking, was rehabilitated to facilitate a wildlife corridor. Other sustainability features include reusing the topsoil stripped for construction purposes in the final landscaping, the use of bioswales to capture stormwater runoff from the parking lot, and the conversion of the rink boards to allow sledge hockey.

 “This is a very proud moment in our town’s long and spirited history of sport,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “The new centre strengthens our community’s bond, offers a contemporary and fun gathering place for our residents and visitors, and celebrates our connection with the majestic nature around us. It wouldn’t have been possible without the funding from our federal and provincial partners, and we are grateful for their support.”

The new facility was designed by GEC Architects of Calgary. Stuart Olson Olsen Dominion was the construction manager and Mistaya Construction provided project and construction management services. 

Banff skaters, hockey players and curlers have been using the facility for a month. A community celebration is planned for the spring, when the second ice sheet opens. 

The Town of Banff is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 8,700 residents and greets more than three million visitors from around the world each year.

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Media Contact:
Diana Waltmann, Manager of Communications
Town of Banff
Direct: 403-762-1207
Cell: 403-431-2307
diana.waltmann@banff.ca
www.banff.ca