A Gathering Place to Enrich the Mind, Body and Spirit

June 28, 2012

New recreation centre, library, school and park under construction in Clareview

Construction is underway on a new facility in Clareview that will bring together a recreation centre, arena, library, multicultural centre and high school under one roof, and be surrounded by a new district park. Residents will have the opportunity to enrich their minds, bodies and spirits while connecting with friends and neighbours when the facility opens in 2014.

The City of Edmonton, Edmonton Public Library and Edmonton Catholic Schools are collaborating to bring together a broad range of services at the Clareview Community Recreation Centre and Clareview Library located at 3804-139 Avenue N.W. The $115-million project is an example of how the 3 organizations, with support from the Government of Alberta, are working with communities to create gathering spaces where people can learn, be active and connect with others.
 
“It is exciting to see the development of these innovative new facilities. Through partnerships with other organizations, we are able to provide efficient and vibrant multi-use spaces where people come together as a community to enrich their lives,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The creation of these community hubs is an important factor in the vitality of our city and one of the many reasons Edmonton is a great place to call home.”
 
The City of Edmonton is providing $87.4 million toward the project. The Government of Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) is contributing to the library, arena rehabilitation, and district park with outdoor artificial turf.
 
“Strong partnerships build strong communities, and this project is clearly being driven by a strong spirit of collaboration,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Our government is proud to help support the facility with $27.6 million through the MSI program to help make our neighbourhoods more vibrant and even better places to live and raise families.”
 
“Great libraries shape great cities,” said Dr. Carol Suddards, Vice-Chair, Edmonton Public Library Board of Trustees. “The new Clareview Library will not only help to address the demand for library services in this part of the city; for the first time it will place library services under the same roof as other services important to area residents. We are excited to be a part of what is poised to become the cornerstone of this community.”
 
“The Cardinal Collins High School Academic Centre is another example of the importance of partnerships and this ‘lease-to-own’ concept is an innovative way to provide support to students and adults for numerous programs including high school completion, work experience and career planning and support for English Language Learners while the District remains fiscally responsible,” said Debbie Engel, Board Chair, Edmonton Catholic Schools. 
 
The City has also worked closely with the Clareview District Area Council as the plans for this facility were developed. The Council helped City staff connect with the community to help ensure the centre meets the needs of residents.
 
“We’re pleased to have played an important role in ensuring this project happens,” said Angie Eleniak, president of the Clareview District Area Council. “This has been many years in the planning stages and we will be thrilled to see it open in 2014.”
 
One of the unique aspects of this new facility is the multi-cultural centre, which will provide space for multi-cultural groups to offer programs and services to the diverse cultural communities in the Clareview area.

“We are pleased to be working with the City on the development of the multi-cultural centre,” said Daniet Kidane, a representative of the area’s diverse community. “With the diversity of cultures in the Clareview district, this facility will be important in helping provide programs and services to our communities.”

The arena will open in 2013. It will include 1 NHL-sized rink and 1 Olympic-sized rink.

Opening in 2014

• A recreation centre with:
  • Aquatics centre
  • Fitness centre
  • Gymnasium
• An Edmonton Public Library branch
• The Cardinal Collins High School Academic Centre
• A multicultural centre
• A district park with artificial turf

The City is seeking to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environment (LEED) Silver certification for the building. The facility will incorporate sustainable features such as efficient mechanical systems, reduced water consumption and efficient lighting systems.
 
The facility is 1 of 4 new or significantly expanded recreation centres designed to serve as focal points in communities. Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre in southwest Edmonton opened in January 2011 while the expanded Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre near downtown opened in March 2012. Construction also began in 2011 on The Meadows Community Recreation Centre, library and district park in southeast Edmonton, with opening planned for 2014.

Illustrations of the Clareview project are online at City of Edmonton Photo Gallery.
 

For more information:

Mark Torjusen

Title	Senior Communications Advisor
Telephone	780-496-6754 780-914-8087 (cell)

Lori Nagy

Edmonton Catholic Schools

Title	Media and Community Relations
Telephone	780 441-6189

Edward Mah

Title	Senior Consultant, Marketing, Communications and Fund Development Division
Telephone	780-496-7056