One of the City’s key projects in 2010 is the new southwest recreation centre, which will advance City Council’s goal of Edmonton becoming one of Canada’s most livable cities. The centre will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can gather to learn, exercise, relax, meet and have fun. Here’s an update on the project:
Name Selected – Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre
The recreation centre, located in the Leger District Park at the northeast corner of Terwillegar Drive and 23 Avenue in Southwest Edmonton, will be called the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre. The name, approved by the City of Edmonton Naming Committee in December 2009, identifies the centre for residents living across the city and reinforces the facility’s role as a focal point of the community.
Construction Schedule
The Terwillegar Community Recreation Centreis scheduled to open for full operation by fall of 2010.
Arena Operating Model Selected
A thorough financial analysis indicates greater cost benefit for the City to operate the four ice rinks. Senior Management Team has endorsed this model, under which the City will operate the entire complex.
This decision was reached following a Request for Proposal process managed by Corporate Services. Four proposals were received and evaluated by a cross-department committee. The top proponent was engaged in negotiations and then provided a detailed business plan supported by financial projections.
A Public Sector Comparator was prepared prior to the RFP going out. This is a standard, industry-recognized tool, was used by Finance and Treasury to compare the financial projections of the top proponent with the City. The results indicate the City’s proposal would cost less while providing an equivalent level of service.
Key stakeholders, including the Terwillegar Riverbend Advisory Council and the Arena Users Committee, are being notified of the decision to have the City operate the ice rinks.
Commercial Space - RFP for Leasing
It is anticipated an RFP for the commercial retail space within the centre will be issued by February 2010. There are up to five spaces available for lease, which could include food services, massage/physiotherapy or sports retailers. Compatibility to desired facility activities, business experience, viability and competitive position for revenue generation will be considered when making decisions about the leased space.
Other Park Site Development
Other recent developments on the Leger District Park site include:
- Leger Transit Centre opened in April 2009
- Lillian Osborne Public High School opened September 2009 along with Leger Road and two soccer fields, one baseball diamond and a combination football/soccer field in the SW corner of the park.
- Groundbreaking ceremony was held in November 2009 for Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School with construction beginning in spring 2010
- Grading, topsoil and seeding is completed for two soccer fields and one baseball diamond in the NW corner of the park, adjacent to Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School..
For more information please contact Shahriyar Khan, EFCL Community Development Officer at, shahriyar.khan@efcl.org
You can also access information about the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre available online at: