Where we are now — Phase 3

Since the Phase 1 and 2 public engagement process in 2021, the Fenlands Future has achieved the following outcomes:

1. Summer indoor turf field: The Fenlands has a summer indoor turf field. The indoor turf field, equipped with regulation futsal nets, is designed for a variety of sports, including futsal, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate, and more. The turf is Nexxfield X-Gen2, a high-quality, concussion-rated, FIFA-approved, zero-infill artificial grass. (No carpet rolls here!)
2. Small fitness room: A small fitness room now occupies the former Banff Hockey School physio space, featuring free weights, cardio machines, and stationary equipment. Banff residents have daily access to the the space, with discounted drop-in and membership passes available for individuals with lower incomes.

Public consultation showed strong support for a broader mix of programming and more efficient use of space. In Phases 1 and 2 of the Town’s engagement process, residents identified key gaps in the facility, including the need for a larger fitness area, more inclusive change spaces, social gathering spaces, areas for arts, culture and youth programming, as well as improved accessibility and signage.

Phase 3

Since fall 2024, the Town has been working with hcma, an architectural firm specializing in recreation centre design and retrofits. hcma developed the Fenlands Future Design Summary, which supports facility improvements and new amenities identified as community priorities during the 2021–2022 engagement process.

In March and February 2025, the Town checked in with Banff residents to ensure that the proposed designs reflected the community priorities identified in 2021. Feedback from these sessions was incorporated into updated designs, which were shared at focus groups on May 20 and 21.
The proposed design for the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre directly responds to opportunities and goals identified through technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, and operational feedback. It focuses on maximizing use of the existing footprint, unlocking new program potential, improving inclusivity, and enhancing user experience.

Updated improvements and additions include:

Lobby as the "Social Heart"

Artist rendering of the new, "Social Heart" lobby

At the centre of the renewal is the Social Heart—a new double-height entrance and gathering space that improves circulation, wayfinding, and visibility across program areas. It brings together different user groups and provides a place to meet, rest, or connect before and after activities. With ample natural light and a visual connection to adjacent zones, the Social Heart serves as the building’s primary orientation node, supporting informal social interaction.

Lobby café

A compact café, an offshoot of the concession café on the concourse level, is situated in the main lobby, enhancing the Social Heart and offering a gathering point with a view into Arena 1. The café will have capacity for an espresso machine, plumbing, undercounter fridge, display fridge, and provisions for a chemical dishwasher. A wraparound counter provides bar-style seating overlooking Arena 1, creating an inviting space for spectators and visitors to relax and connect.

Mezzanine Level

Accessible by three different sets of stairs and an elevator, the mezzanine level is located above the new bouldering space houses the arts + culture spaces, storage, a universal washroom with accessible stall and an ablutions station, and an expanded meeting space. It will be structurally reinforced to accommodate for additional occupant load.

Expanded Fitness Centre

Revitalized Lounge + Curling Hall

The curling lounge has been reimagined to improve flexibility, usability, and comfort—serving both curling users and a broader range of community activities. The existing space is now partitioned into two zones, allowing for simultaneous use by different groups while maintaining core curling functions.

Change room reconfiguration

The change rooms at the Fenlands have been fully reconfigured to better support inclusive design, safety, and flexibility—aligning with best practices. The redesign addresses both functional upgrades and community feedback, ensuring the spaces serve a wide range of users with comfort and dignity. All change rooms now feature private shower stalls, accessible washroom facilities, and widened hallways and doorways to accommodate adaptive ice sports. A key improvement is the separation of team meeting spaces from showers and washrooms, creating distinct zones that support privacy and help reduce barriers for participation. Each change room is organized into two areas, and an adjacent washroom zone with private stalls, showers, and sinks. This layout allows for more inclusive participation while preserving capacity and function. During the off-season, these team rooms can be easily adapted for non-ice activities such as soccer, dance events, or other community programming.

Officials’ Room

A dedicated change area for referees and officials has been incorporated into the updated facility layout, providing a comfortable and functional space for pre- and post-game use. The room includes benches, individual change stalls, lockers, and an accessible change stall to ensure it meets the needs of all users.

Arena 2 spectator seating

The seating capacity in Arena 2 has been increased, maximizing the use of available space while navigating constraints such as exit routes, practice zones, the penalty bench, and resurfacer access. New accessible platforms have been added on both sides of the rink, each reached by a gently sloped ramp, providing improved visibility and inclusive options for spectators. These enhancements support a more welcoming and functional spectator experience within the existing arena footprint.

Bouldering Wall

A new bouldering wall has been proposed as part of the reconfiguration of circulation space between the arenas, concourse, and curling wings. By reworking an existing exit stair and excavating approximately 1.6 metres, the design accommodates a climbing wall with near competition-level height and clearance, while remaining within the building’s existing structure.

Staff offices + lounge

As programming at the Fenlands has expanded— both through increased daily usage and broader community initiatives—the need for additional staff support space has become clear. In response, the design reclaims a previously underutilized storage area beneath the concourse and transforms it into a dedicated staff zone.

Phase 3 Public Engagement

• Focus Group A – February 10, 2025
• Focus Group B – February 13, 2025
• Focus Group C – February 19, 2025
• Public Information Session – March 5, 2025 (2 identical sessions)
  • 1 – 3 p.m. in Town Hall
  • 5 – 7 p.m. in Town Hall
• Focus Groups – May 20 (2 identical sessions)
• Focus Group – May 21

Background

When The Fenlands was built, certain rooms were constructed for specific use by a private hockey school (the Banff Hockey Academy). The hockey school paid the Town for private use of that space. The hockey school left Banff in 2020 and that space became empty. In response, a public engagement process commenced to see how the community would like that space and others in the facility used in future years.

In Phase 1, we asked the public if we should look at changing the space to make it available for public uses, or should the Town look for a new private organization to lease/rent the space for exclusive use by the ice sports organization or business. Overall, we heard that the public would like to see this space used for and by the community.

In Phase 2, we asked the public for feedback on the concept options for the empty lease space and other under utilized spaces based on the feedback received in Phase 1.

Winter ice sports to remain – Some spaces in The Fenlands were not considered for renewal, including the curling or ice rinks for winter sports and curling lounge. But, the rinks could have different uses in the summer season.

Space limits – We did not seek feedback on activities that could not be added inside The Fenlands because of the building’s limitations. The parking area, meadow and surrounding area were also excluded.

New or temporary fieldhouse – Participants were also asked about a variety of options for a potential fieldhouse to inform future planning. Fieldhouses are typically home to indoor sporting events and activities such as soccer, lacrosse, badminton, ultimate frisbee, football and more. Options in Phase 2 included a seasonal turf field on one of the arena dry floor's in the summer.

What We Heard in Phase 1 & 2

The engagement findings were compiled into the What We Heard Report (PDF) and were presented to Council on January 10 (view agenda) and January 24 (view agenda), 2022.

What We Did after Phase 1 & 2

January 24 – Town Council Direction:

• Approve the purchase of a removable indoor turf field, and equipment to operate a drop-in cardio and free-weight room and to rent seasonal turf at The Fenlands in 2022 (Option 1), as outlined in the Report, for a total cost of $216,380 to be funded 50 per cent through the General Capital Reserve and 50 per cent through a private donation; and
• Direct that this New Service Level be reflected in The Fenlands Operating Budget by way of increasing the associated annual operating revenues and expenditures as outlined in the budget section of this Report.
• That Council direct Administration to proceed with Option 3, the Fenlands Future Project, as outlined in the Report and in the Attachment, Opinion of Probable Cost prepared by CostPlan Management Ltd., by approving design costs of $538,000 in pre-design in year 1, 2024, and $1,062,000 in detailed design in year 2, 2025.

Council Directed Administration to proceed with Option 3 of the Fenlands Future Options Report.

Phase 3 Updates – Ongoing

• Compiled the engagement findings from the February, March and May sessions.
• Updated designs based on the February and March engagements were presented at focus group meetings on May 20 and 21.
• Briefing to the Governance and Finance committee with an update on the Fenlands Future Project to summarize the work completed thus far, including the Fenlands Future Design Summary.
• Public information session with updated Fenlands Future Designs being held on September 24, 2025.