The Town of Rocky Mountain House has accepted a document that will guide recreation for the next decade.

Following a series of public consultations, the town accepted the 134-page Rocky Mountain House Recreation Master Plan, that will guide future councils on everything from pools to ice rinks — from playgrounds to seniors programming.

Several projects are listed as high priority with a short timeline for work to begin (2025-2027).

• Work toward the addition of a new fieldhouse
• Maintain existing facilities, including possible renovations to the aquatic centre.
• Build new fields and sports courts
• Improve access to the North Saskatchewan River
• Advancing sports tourism

Other lower priority initiatives include refurbishments at North Saskatchewan River Park and the skate park, increasing youth programming, building an inclusive playground, and planning a heritage community celebration.

Maxwell Harrison, senior associate at Expedition Consulting Management Ltd. says the priorities set out in the plan aren’t set in stone, but can be shifted as council sees fit.

Indeed, Acting Mayor Len Phillips says it’s a ‘living document’, which simply serves as a guide for future councils.

FIELD HOUSE

The plan calls for a feasibility study on a brand new fieldhouse to be undertaken in the next few years. Suggested amenities include an indoor walking/running track, multisport courts, turf field, indoor playground, and climbing wall.

The report indicated that the only indoor court facilities in the community are in school gyms, which are often highly utilized and at capacity.

Coun. Dale Shippelt inquired about the use of the word “fieldhouse”, wanting to ensure it wouldn’t limit the inclusion of a potential new pool or ice surface. Harrison clarified, there is flexibility for council to make a decision.

SPORTS FIELDS

The report spoke of a low level of maintenance at local outdoor fields which limits their use. It adds, some soccer teams in the community report they do not host games or tournaments in Rocky Mountain House because of the marginal quality of certain fields.

The plan calls for the development of a new field that will boost the town’s tournament-hosting capacity.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

The plan calls for more public programming at recreation facilities during prime time such as the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre and the Aquatic Centre.

The reported indicated there are no regularly scheduled prime time public drop in opportunities at the ice arenas, which limits public access to these facilities and prioritizes user groups over casual users.

SPORTS TOURISM

The plan calls for the town to prioritize sports tourism, as it can benefit the community in many ways, including by building community pride, attracting overnight visitors, and injecting visitor spending into the local economy.

It adds, many actions outlined in the plan (fieldhouse, outdoor field) complement the goals of bolstering sports tourism.

CAO Dean Krause says action on the plan could get underway quickly, adding that it will be on the agenda for the town’s Service Level Review ahead of budget season.

“I’m sure this document will be revisited to set priorities for the next four years,” said Krause.

Following Service Level and Strategic Planning deliberations, Krause says any priorities would be forwarded to the town’s regional partner, Clearwater County.

In closing, Harrison commended the town for its success in achieving many of the goals laid out in its previous Recreation Master Plan.

Council unanimously accepted the 10 Year Master Plan at its Sept. 16, 2025 regular council meeting.

You can read the entire report here.