Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

Originally constructed for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, the Red Deer Polytechnic’s Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre is an inclusive, world class facility that integrates education and learning with sports and training in a welcoming and dynamic environment.

With programs dedicated to the health and well-being of central Albertans, the facility features a 30,000 square foot high-performance fitness space, 5,735 square foot performance gymnasium configured for single feature court events for basketball and volleyball or multi-court tournaments, 200-metre competition track with 100-meter sprint track, naturally lit wellness studio and movement studio, squash courts, and teaching and learning spaces consisting of classrooms and labs.

The bright and spacious arena was designed to maximize athletic competition experience and enhance spectator viewing. It was thoughtfully designed to inclusively accommodate all performance levels, from elite athletes to casual skaters. The arena is a convertible space that can be modified from a hybrid-sized ice surface to an Olympic-sized ice surface along with 1,100 spectator seating. Additional amenities include an outdoor athletics zone with two soccer pitches surrounded by a 400-meter track, outdoor patios and trails, great hall event space, on-site accommodations, and administration centre.

As a Design Build project, Clark Builders utilized Building Information Modeling which played a critical role in the preconstruction of the facility prior to design finalization. The preconstruction of various building assemblies, including modular curtain-wall systems, were incorporated. Also featured in this project was Alberta’s largest rooftop solar installation performed by Clark Builders’ Alternative Energy team.