Leduc sets amenity priorities for upcoming rec centre

LEDUC -- Leduc City Council has decided on the top amenity priorities for the upcoming West Campus Rec Centre.

The new facility is being planned as a means to address growing recreational demand in the City of Leduc and is slated to be constructed as part of a multi-phase project. Following a vote on May 4, 2026, Council determined that the initial phase of the project should include a new twin arena and field house. A new aquatic centre and gymnasium will be pursued as part of phase two.

"It is a really hard choice, and I would have loved to have seen the aquatics in phase one," said Councillor Jill Spinks. "But it feels like our current situation with arenas is really a pressure point." 

Many residents, as well as community organizations came forward in recent weeks stating the need for more ice space, including the Leduc Minor Hockey Association, which has reported that they will be forced to cap registration numbers for the upcoming season if they aren't able to secure more ice availability.

"The reason for the arenas is that we do have a lot of people traveling out of the City, including kids, even traveling on their own, to play in another location," said Councillor Laura Tillack. "I understand that we have these already, but how long will we have the Alex Arena for, and if that does go down then we will be in a lot of trouble."

Council's rationale for the field house is that if it’s included in the initial phase of the West Campus Project, the current field house at the Leduc Recreation Centre could potentially be repurposed into a gymnasium. 

With the priorities set for the first two phases of the project, Leduc staff will now pursue conceptual design and site planning, refine capital and operating cost estimates, and establish a flexible planning framework that supports future cost refinement. 

For the supplemental amenities, which will be pursued in later phases of construction, Council listed their priorities as:

1) climbing gym
2) multi-use program spaces
3) track
4) spray park
5) skateboard park
6) fitness centre
7) leisure ice

Leduc staff note that the upcoming conceptual design will further evaluate opportunities for shared systems, efficient circulation, parking strategies, servicing requirements, and future expansion without disruption. They add that maintaining flexibility at this stage reduces the risk of cost escalation and scope changes later in the project.