Rocky View County Pauses Recreation Projects While Developing Long-Term Recreation Strategy

Council directed Administration to pause four conditionally approved recreation projects in Langdon, Indus, and two in Springbank at their current stage and to review them through the development of a County-wide strategy.

No. They are being paused at their current stage while the County determines how to fund and sequence recreation investments in a sustainable way.

Rocky View County must plan recreation investments alongside other major capital priorities such as roads, utilities, fire halls and other essential infrastructure. Administration estimates the total cost of the currently contemplated recreation projects at approximately $111 million at full construction. This pause gives the County time to ensure these investments are fiscally attainable and aligned within one capital planning process rather than being considered in isolation.

Council previously approved preliminary steps for these projects, including land acquisition and design work. While the projects are at different stages, none of the four has received approval for construction.  Future construction decisions will require Council approval, and will depend on factors such as affordability, financial sustainability, partnership opportunities, operating plans, and alignment with County priorities.

All previously approved reserve allocations will be maintained as directed by Council and considered as part of the funding strategy in future decisions.

Large recreation facilities are long-term commitments that affect budgets, property taxes, staffing, partnerships, and future flexibility. The County must make those decisions carefully and in alignment with other major infrastructure priorities, including roads, utilities and fire halls,

Fairness means using clear criteria to determine where and when recreation investments are made.  It does not mean every community will receive the same facility. Instead, decisions will be based on local needs, access to services, costs, long-term sustainability and County-wide priorities, using a transparent and consistent process.

Rocky View County surrounds several major urban centres with established recreation amenities, and many residents already rely on local, community-run, and regional facilities. This work will help clarify how County facilities, community-run assets, and regional partnerships work together to support access across the County.

The recreation strategy will guide how recreation projects are prioritized, sequenced, and funded over time, while considering affordability, partnerships, long-term staffing, operating requirements, and sustainability.

The County will proceed with developing the recreation strategy, including analysis, and recommendations. Once complete, Council will consider future recreation investments, including the paused projects, within this framework.