The project included:

• modernization (replacement) of the existing ice surface to NHL standards
• addition of a second ice surface
• addition of a north entrance to the building
• site access off of 67 Street
• improved site traffic flow
• additional parking on the north side of the site
• site servicing
• expansion of fitness/programming space (including a running track)
• an outdoor spray park and washroom facility on the northeast quadrant of the property.

With the G.H. Dawe Community Centre ice surface open, the Kinex Arena will be decommissioned. The Kinex Arena has reached the end of its lifespan and would require significant investment to update the facility for community sport purposes. A thorough assessment was conducted in 2018 to determine the future viability of the building. Based on the cost estimates, a recommendation was made to maintain the Kinex as needed until the completion of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre project. The City has no current plan for the continued operation of the Kinex Arena. 

View renderings of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre.

The project cost $44 million. The project is being funded jointly by the federal, provincial and municipal government:

• $15.1 million from the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
• $12.8 million from the Alberta Government through Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding.
• Red Deer City Council:
• In November 2018, City Council approved $2.469 million as part of the 2019 capital budget for detail design.
• In November 2019, City Council approved $5 million for site servicing as part of 2020 Capital Budget deliberations. 
• In December 2020, City Council approved the 2021 and 2022 municipal portion of the project budget for $7.566 million, having approved $7.739 million in previous capital budgets.

With the Kinex Arena nearing the end of its useful life, the G.H. Dawe Community Centre project was prioritized in an effort to maintain the number of ice surfaces available to our community. It was prioritized in an effort to balance equitable ice distribution, geographical needs and recreation opportunities across Red Deer, while considering the need to provide flexible and unstructured activities in a sustainable way.