At least three aquatic facilities are among 17 projects that the City of Calgary has listed for upgrades as part of a strategy to meet growing demand for public recreation amenities.

The city says the Forest Lawn and Foothills aquatic and fitness centres will be redeveloped, while a new aquatic centre is planned for Belmont Athletic Park.

Westside Recreation Centre, which leases its space from the city, is also developing a master plan that includes expanded aquatic space.

The projects are prioritized under GamePLAN, the city’s 25-year blueprint to increase investment in recreation facilities, programs, and services. By 2050, Calgary envisions investing $6.25 billion to support the construction, expansion, or upgrading of athletic parks and public recreation centres.

According to the Calgary Herald, the plan aims to meet a service standard of one aquatic facility per 75,000 residents and increase swim lesson capacity by 35 per cent per capita.

The city is asking council to approve funding in four-year budget cycles to advance the projects, rather than seeking individual approval for each plan. Florent Le Berre, manager of strategy, planning, innovation, and impact with Calgary Recreation, says the 17 projects will cost $1.7 billion over 10 years. The administration will request $691 million for the next four years during budget deliberations this November, he told the Calgary Herald.