The city and county broke ground on a $16.4 million recreational centre in the Trader Ridge area on Monday.

The 135,000 square foot dome structure is expected to open in September 2026.

“We've heard the calls from local sporting groups, from families and residents who wanted a space where athletes could train and compete and connect year-round, no matter what the weather might be outside, and today, we turn that vision into action,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. 

“This dome will be much more than just a building. It will be a place where kids can take their first shot on goal, where teams will train for the next championship, and where our community will gather to celebrate sport and create lasting memories.”

The dome facility will house a FIFA regulation-size soccer field, with flexibility for various sports, a large running track, multiple change rooms and amenity spaces.

Costs

The land at the northern end of the city cost about $2.4 million, and construction is estimated to be about $14 million. 

The County of Grande Prairie is committing $2.8 million to the project. 

County Reeve Bob Marshall says the new facility will complement the County Sportsplex in Clairmont. 

He said the funds come as part of the county-city recreation and cost sharing agreement, noting that the county believes about 20 per cent of users may be coming from the county. 

“It's only right that we're contributing to these facilities as well, but we're also working with the city and our municipalities on making sure that the need is there,” said Marshall.

In February, city council decided to no longer move forward with a recreational centre in the Avondale area but rather build its soccer dome in the Trader Ridge area.

City administration said the Trader Ridge site was larger and would allow for optimal facility placement and parking needs. 

“This is a perfect location where you have industry next door; you'll see a significant berm of trees and planted as the facilities put in to create a barrier and really some beautification for the residential area to the west,” said Clayton. 

She said a lot of time and discussion took place to find a suitable location, noting the need for an area that doesn't impact residential homes or potential growth for other areas.

Swan City FC presented to the council in 2023, having turned away over 150 young soccer players due to the lack of indoor field space following the closure of the Leisure Centre. 

The club also noted it is willing to help with some capital funds for the facility. 

Clayton says Swan City will be using some of the funds to upgrade amenities within the facility for the club.

Various locations were considered across the city beyond Avondale, including Smith and Cobblestone. 

Site servicing for the Avondale site was estimated to be between $2.7 million and $6.1 million. 

According to a city report, the Avondale site included many challenges, including the structure’s size, constraints on future recreational development, and the complexity of land ownership.

Last year in May, council directed city administration to begin negotiations with Peace Wapiti Public School Division and Grande Prairie Public School Division, both of which own land where the proposed dome would be constructed in Avondale.

Sports tourism

Mayor Clayton said the facility may also continue to build the city’s reputation as a “games city.” 

“This is a FIFA-sized facility where it can host provincials and national level soccer championships, so it's something that will really be a significant asset to the region,” said Clayton.

The city has found economic benefits of hosting sporting tournaments, bringing thousands of people to the city for tournaments such as the Alberta Winter Games, the Arctic Winter Games, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, and most recently, the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.

“Each time we host one of those games or events, we welcome thousands of visitors who stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants and shop in our businesses,” she said.

Construction is expected to begin in September, with the facility fully open in July 2026.