We are excited to announce that Westside’s largest renewal project since 2010 is coming to an end. Renovations in a number of areas are now finished, with completion of remaining items expected by May 2026.
The focus of our renovation project has been meeting increased demand in our communities and providing the best experience for our members, guests, and their families.
Westside launched an expansion and renovation project starting in May 2025. There were five key areas as part of this project: Fitness Centre Expansion; renovation of North Fitness, the Junior Studio, and resurfacing the Running Track; a new Cafe and renovated Lobby area; Plus Change Rooms refurbishment; and a new Service Elevator.
Project priorities for 2025 were decided based on facility demand and customer usage patterns, member surveys, comment cards and communication with staff, facility lifecycle requirements, and Westside’s ability to serve the community and provide member satisfaction.
The Fitness Centre was expanded by approximately 5,000 square feet, extending out over a portion of the space above the current Leisure Ice. This provided much-needed additional space for individual or small group fitness. The new area is fully outfitted with new equipment with a focus on functional fitness. The North Fitness area features new flooring and configuration, the Running Track was resurfaced, and the Junior Studio was renovated and newly outfitted as well.
We have relocated food services to the front of the building and created a new café area with modern and expanded seating, longer hours of operation, and mobile ordering capability. After consultation with experts in the industry and a competitive request-for-proposal process, Wise & Wright, a local community café operator, will be coming to Westside, featuring a health-focused menu, a craft coffee bar, and locally sourced, inspired food offerings.
Westside conducted a comprehensive and inclusive selection process inviting both current and new cafe operators to submit a proposal. Requirements included local operators, good quality, healthy food and beverage options, longer hours of operation, and mobile ordering capability. Many applications were received and the top three candidates were selected and interviewed, including some taste testing! The successful applicant, Wise & Wright, has a storefront in downtown Calgary and will open their second location at Westside when renovations are complete.
The Plus Change Rooms received their first major renovation since Westside opened in 2000. Both men’s and women’s Plus changing areas feature new lockers, washrooms, showers, steam rooms, grooming stations, fixtures and finishings.
A new service elevator has been installed on Westside’s north side. A second elevator was needed to meet usage demands and to safely carry heavy equipment and freight to the second floor. The service elevator also ensures customer accessibility and safety while we conduct repairs and lifecycle maintenance on our existing passenger elevator.
Under the direction of Westside’s CEO and Manager of Building & Projects, the expansion and renovation was designed by Gibbs Gage Architecture and executed by Graham Construction and tendered construction tradespersons. All contracts were awarded as part of competitive request-for-proposal and tender processes.
Renovations starting in May 2025 with most of the construction activity happening from June until late Fall when user levels were a bit lower. It was a phased construction project with all the different areas being worked on at different (and overlapping) times. Areas slated for renovation were scheduled to ensure our members and guests had continuous access to facilities, programs and services during the project.
Service to our members, customers and communities is our highest priority. Renovation activity was planned to minimize impact to members and guests. We took every measure to ensure continuous access to Westside facilities, programs and services.
Yes. Newly renovated spaces are open and are outfitted with best-in-class new equipment. You can be confident in renewing your membership, and you’ll want to be among the first to try out our new spaces and offerings!
Yes. Programs were planned in accordance with anticipated construction schedules. Programs may have been located in a different room or area but were still conducted in suitable spaces with appropriate equipment and activities. Our very popular day camps went on throughout the summer with the only change being the relocation of the drop-off and pickup points due to construction activities in the Leisure Ice arena.
Construction work, for the most part, was conducted on the interior of the building. Parking was mildly impacted as there were some extra vehicles in the lot due to having contract workers onsite. We also had some areas hoarded for mobilization but limited these to the north end arena parking and south end staff parking areas.
The total budget approved by Westside’s Board of Directors for this renovation project is $13.5 million. Westside has been prudent in planning for future upgrades and renovations so funding was in place to undertake this project. In addition, Westside received $118,288 from the Alberta Communities Initiative grant.
Yes. Westside is committed to providing top quality facilities, programs and services for the communities we serve, and we consider this project the first step in a larger renovation and expansion effort.
Yes, it is on our priority list. We will evaluate all areas and consider the costs, benefits, impacts to the community, and more.
Questions can be emailed to [email protected]. We will ensure your inquiry is directed to the staff member who can provide you with the best information.
Please check back periodically, timelines will be updated as more information becomes available.
