Sports organizations and community groups in Calgary are applauding a significant financial commitment within the city's newly approved 2026 capital budget. Council has greenlit a $94-million investment aimed at building new athletic complexes and revitalizing existing recreation facilities across the city.
Unanimous Council Support for Key Projects
The substantial funding injection, finalized on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, stems from two amendments put forward by Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal. Both proposals received unanimous support from city council. The amendments draw from one-time reserve funds, meaning they will not contribute to the 2026 property tax increase.
The larger of the two amendments directs $65 million from the community investment reserve to finance the first two phases of the highly anticipated Northeast Athletic Complex. This future multisport facility will be located in the community of Saddle Ridge.
The second amendment allocates $28.7 million from the fiscal stability reserve to advance the planning and design stages for major upgrades at eight existing recreation sites. The list of facilities slated for improvements includes:
- Shouldice Athletic Park
- Forest Lawn Civic Centre
- Umoja Community Mosaic Soccer Field
- New Brighton Athletic Park
- Southland Leisure Centre
- Belmont Recreation Centre and Athletic Park
- Kingsland Athletic Park
- Rocky Ridge Fieldhouse
Fulfilling a Long-Term Vision for Recreation
These projects are identified as immediate priorities within GamePLAN, the city's 25-year strategic blueprint for delivering and maintaining athletic and recreation amenities. The previous city council endorsed the strategy in February, which outlines an annual investment target of $250 million for public recreation projects.
When introducing his amendments, Councillor Dhaliwal urged his colleagues to prioritize community needs. "Put politics aside," he stated, emphasizing the direct benefit these projects will have for Calgary's youth and sports enthusiasts.
Following the successful vote, Dhaliwal expressed particular excitement about the funding secured for the Northeast Athletic Complex. He noted that the Genesis Centre, currently the only major recreation hub in Ward 5, is a privately operated facility. The new complex will represent the first large, city-funded recreation centre in his ward.
A Step Toward Equitable Access
"It's something that was long overdue," Dhaliwal told reporters after the budget approval. He highlighted the disparity in recreational infrastructure, pointing out that "if you look on the east side of Deerfoot and look north of 60th Avenue, we have one Class A pitch that is at Genesis."
The councillor framed the investment as a crucial step in bridging a longstanding gap. "The story of two cities east and west of Deerfoot has to end, and this is the start of that," Dhaliwal asserted.
The $3.8-billion capital budget, which includes this $94-million recreation package, received final approval on Wednesday, setting the stage for significant enhancements to Calgary's community sports and wellness infrastructure starting in 2026.
