Belmont Recreation Centre: Johnston Confirms New Community Hub in the Works

CALGARY, AB — Belmont residents are getting a recreation centre. Councillor Landon Johnston confirmed today that the City of Calgary is planning a new recreation facility and community hub in the southeast community, part of the city's GamePLAN strategy to expand public recreation access across Calgary.

What's Coming to Belmont

The Belmont Recreation Centre and Community Hub will provide residents with swimming facilities, fitness spaces, and programming designed to keep the growing community connected. Johnston framed the project as a direct response to demand in a neighbourhood that's seen rapid residential development over the past decade.

'Residents need more places to swim, stay active and connect,' Johnston said in his announcement. The facility is slated to join a broader pipeline of recreation investments guided by GamePLAN, the 25-year vision for public recreation that City Council adopted in February 2025.

GamePLAN in Action

GamePLAN was designed to address the strain on Calgary's aging recreation infrastructure and rising demand. The strategy established service level standards under the 'Making Waves' scenario, which prioritizes consistent investment in facilities, programs, and amenities to match population growth.

Council directed Administration to present a Capital Project Prioritization List in Q1 2026, outlining specific investments for the next budget cycle. The Belmont hub is expected to be part of that roadmap, though final timelines and budget allocations have not been released.

Why It Matters

For Belmont, this isn't just about a pool. It's about infrastructure keeping pace with population. The community has grown significantly without a dedicated recreation facility, forcing residents to travel to neighbouring areas for programs and services.

The hub also signals a shift in how the City is planning recreation investment. Rather than reactive maintenance, GamePLAN aims to build capacity ahead of demand, ensuring communities aren't left waiting years for basic amenities.

Johnston's update didn't include a construction timeline or budget figure, but the project is now on the official planning radar. For a community that's been waiting, that's a start.