An air-supported structure provides a cost-effective way to deliver a large, versatile space while keeping construction and operational costs lower than a traditional facility. These structures are widely used across Canada and offer year-round accessibility with efficient heating and ventilation systems.
Community Lifestyle Centre
About the Project
The Town of Conception Bay South is developing a 100,000-square-foot, air-supported, multi-sport facility on Gateway Drive. Click here for location.
A 5,000-square-foot attached building will complete the structure. This will be a modern and versatile sports facility, which will provide year-round access to high-quality recreational spaces, enhance community wellness, support local sports organizations, and accommodate a variety of activities and events. Open to both the general public and organized groups, it will offer drop-in times, scheduled programs, and rental opportunities for teams, leagues, and community events.
This project has been made possible due to support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, who are contributing up to $8 million in funding. The 50-50 cost-shared project is estimated at approximately $16 million, with the final project costs to be determined by the outcome of the Town’s procurement process.
Facility Features
- Indoor artificial turf field: Suitable for softball, baseball, rugby, football, ultimate frisbee, soccer and more.
- Multi-use court space: Designed for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, dance, martial arts, and other activities.
- Spectator Viewing: Will include areas for spectator viewing. Depending on the event, bleacher systems may be utilized.
- Community event space: Available for birthday parties, sport competitions, community programming, and other special events.
- Year-round accessibility: The air-supported structure ensures uninterrupted programming, regardless of weather conditions.
Concept Design
The air-supported structure will cover 100,000 square feet, divided as follows:
- Court area: 100 ft x 210 ft
- Turf area: 260 ft x 210 ft
A 5,000 square foot attached building will house washrooms, change rooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.
Project Timeline
The development will take place in phases:
- Concept design – Completed
- Request for Proposals – Architect/Engineering Selection – Issued
- Tendering for site works and road upgrades – Spring 2025
- Construction for site works and road upgrades – Summer 2025
- Tendering for community centre – late Summer 2025
- Construction for community centre – Fall 2025
- Facility completion – Anticipated Fall 2026 (Updates will be provided as the project progresses.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Town’s Recreation & Cultural Master Plan identified a year-round indoor multi-sport facility as a key priority. While the community does already have a pool, there is currently no indoor court space or turf space — both of which have been identified as significant gaps in our community. Additionally, constructing and maintaining a new aquatic centre would require a much larger financial investment, costing tens of millions of dollars. Instead, the Town is investing $8 million in a facility that meets a critical need while maintaining a fiscally responsible, phased approach to enhancing recreation.
While there will not be a designated running trac. A walking track will be integrated around the indoor perimeter, similar to the track at the arena.
Yes, the structure will have climate control systems to ensure year-round comfort, including heating in winter and cooling in summer. The innovated design coupled with a snow melt system will allow snow to naturally melt efficiently.
The facility will be built to modern engineering standards. Air-supported structures are durable, safe, and used worldwide, even in high-wind and heavy snow regions.
Programming details will be determined as the project progresses.
Typically, air-supported structures have a lifespan of 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
The final schedule will be determined closer to the opening, but the facility is expected to operate daily, with extended evening and weekend hours to accommodate various activities.
Yes, the facility will require staff for operations, programming, and maintenance, creating employment opportunities within the community.
The Town is funding its $8 million contribution through existing financial planning.
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