Today, community members are invited to the Discover the G.H. Dawe Community Centre event to experience the new spaces as part of the expansion project. The project at the facility is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Alberta and the City of Red Deer, and focuses on the modernization and replacement of existing spaces, as well as the addition of new amenities.
“Community and recreational infrastructure play an important role in building healthy and resilient communities,” said the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “The completion of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre expansion project is great news for Red Deer residents, as it will increase access to recreational services and opportunities to stay active. We will work with our government partners and community members across our province to turn their visions of a brighter future into a reality for all Albertans and Canadians.”
“The Alberta Government is committed to helping build safe and sustainable communities,“ said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This recreation centre will not only improve the health of those who visit it, it will enhance the long-term wellbeing of the city as a whole as a social hub and economic driver for years to come.”
“We are so excited to welcome residents back to the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, and showcase its remarkable upgrades and enhancements,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “We remain grateful to the Provincial and Federal Governments for the financial support on this project, creating equitable ice distribution, geographical needs and recreation opportunities across all Red Deer, for all our residents. We can't wait for you to see it.”
Attendees of today’s event, and future users of the G.H. Dawe will have the opportunity to experience all that the expanded facility has to offer, including:
- Two NHL-sized arenas;
- Fitness and programming spaces including state-of-the art fitness equipment, two group fitness studios and a 230-metre fitness track; and
- Multiple public art installations.
Accessing the recreation facility is also more convenient with the outdoor upgrades which include the addition of parking and an entrance on the north side of the building, and site access off 67 Street. The G.H. Dawe Community Centre will be open with new extended operational hours, exciting new programs and adjusted admission fees Monday, March 20.
The $42 million expansion project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program ($15.1 million), the Government of Alberta through Municipal Sustainability Initiatives ($12.6 million), and the City of Red Deer’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 capital budgets ($14.2 million).
For more information on the G.H. Dawe Community Centre expansion project, please visit www.reddeer.ca/Dawe.