April 21, 2026
Cypress County begins planning for potential new regional recreation facility
DUNMORE, ALTA. – Cypress County Council is taking an exciting step toward the future of recreation in the region by directing administration to begin preliminary planning for a potential new recreational facility in Dunmore Junction.
The proposed concept may include twin sheets of ice and up to six sheets of curling ice. Staff have been directed to prepare a conceptual plan, site plan, and high-level budget estimate for council’s consideration.
This direction reflects council’s continued focus on long-term asset management and responsible planning for recreation infrastructure. Council has determined it is important to explore whether a new facility in Dunmore Junction would provide greater long-term value for residents while also supporting future growth and economic development in the area.
“Council is committed to planning for the future in a thoughtful and responsible way,” says Mayor Dan Hamilton. “We recognize the importance of recreation facilities to our communities, and we believe this is the right time to explore a modern, long-term solution that can serve residents across the region while also creating new opportunities for growth.”
Council has also directed staff to maintain the Irvine Sports Complex at its current service levels until there is a seamless transition to any future facility. In addition, administration will undertake comprehensive community engagement regarding the future recreational programming of the Irvine Sports Complex and bring forward a report and recommendation.
“The Irvine and District Agricultural Society has long been committed to the well-being and vitality of our rural communities,” says Cody Millington, president of the Irvine & District Agricultural Society. “We believe this balanced approach, delivering a dedicated new ice facility while preserving the Irvine Sports Complex, represents a thoughtful and sustainable way to meet the diverse recreational needs of families, youth, athletes, and curlers across Cypress County. We look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have on participation in winter sports, including curling, and on community life in general. We thank Cypress County for their ongoing commitment to recreation in our region.”
Cypress County extends its sincere appreciation to the Irvine Agricultural Society for its exceptional stewardship of the Irvine Sports Complex for more than 40 years. Council remains committed to exploring continued recreational opportunities in Irvine as future planning advances.
Further updates will be shared as the project scoping and engagement process moves forward.
Council motions
From April 21, 2026 council meeting
Resolution No. 2026/170 19.1 Dunmore Recreation Facilities MOVED Councillor Vossler THAT Council direct Administration to prepare a conceptual plan, site plan, and high-level budget estimate for a recreation centre in Dunmore Junction that may include twin ice hockey sheets and potentially up to six curling sheets, with funding for this work to come from the approved capital project for the Irvine Sports Complex ice plant and slab replacement project (CP-J323). CARRIED
Resolution No. 2026/171 19.2 Irvine Sports Complex - Current Service Levels MOVED Councillor Want THAT Council direct Administration to maintain the Irvine Sports Complex at its current service level until a seamless transition to a new recreation facility in Dunmore Junction is achieved, with any required repairs to be funded from remaining funds of $130,504, previously approved capital project for Irvine Sports Complex ice plant repairs (CP-J318). CARRIED
Resolution No. 2026/172 19.3 Irvine Sports Complex - Future Recreational Programming MOVED Councillor Procter THAT Council direct Administration to undertake comprehensive community engagement on the future recreational programming of the Irvine Sports Complex and to prepare a report and recommendation for Council’s consideration. CARRIED
Resolution No. 2026/173 19.4 Irvine Sports Complex - Renovations MOVED Councillor Ritz THAT Council approves up to $250,000 for the renovations of the Irvine Arena dressing rooms, with the project funded out of the previously approved Irvine Arena Renovation capital project, with the dressing room project to be managed by the Irvine Agricultural Society. CARRIED