Community and Recreation Facilities Branch

Branch Mandate

The Community Recreation and Culture branch enhances the livability and vibrancy of the city by providing places and opportunities for all Edmontonians to gather, connect, recreate and celebrate.

Branch Organization

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Arts, Heritage and Nature Experiences

This section is responsible for operating and managing the Edmonton Valley Zoo and the John Janzen Nature Centre.

With the primary focus on conservation, these attractions provide an enriching and educational experience for Edmontonians and tourists.

The Heritage Facility Operations unit includes responsibilities for the City Archives. The City Archives team works with the City Clerk’s Office to manage the archival preservation aspects of the overall Records Management system, identifying City and private records of enduring historical value and ensuring public access to these records. This group liaises with the Edmonton Historical Board, providing support for the Board’s plaque and recognition rewards program and its role in the City’s Heritage Resource Management Plan.

This section also manages operations at Prince of Wales Armouries, Northgate and Central Lions Seniors Centres, and the Artifacts Centre.

Aquatics and Community Leisure Centres

This section is responsible for all leisure centre and outdoor pool operations, with the exception of the Kinsmen Sports Centre and Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre. These facilities serve as community hubs, bringing people together in welcoming and vibrant settings. This section also manages aquatic program service delivery areas including focused effort on aquatic public education and awareness.

Civic Events and Festivals

This section coordinates the delivery of City services for festivals and events, making it easier and less time-consuming for organizers to obtain appropriate permits and access to other services they might need. The section coordinates civic services for over 800 events and festivals each year. This unit is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for community festival and event organizers, acting as the liaison between the organizer and civic services.

From major events to fundraisers and community celebrations showcasing our city’s dynamic arts and cultural scene, the Civic Events and Partnerships section help to ensure these events run safely and smoothly from start to finish.

Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, Commonwealth Stadium, Arenas and Fields

This section is responsible for the overall operations of Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, Commonwealth Stadium, and Joe Clarke Athletic Grounds.

This includes overall planning and operations support for Edmonton Elks and Canadian Football League games, and all concerts, international soccer games, and other major events occurring in Commonwealth Stadium or Joe Clarke Athletic Grounds.

The Arena Operations Team leads, manages, and coordinates operations at indoor arenas for ice and non-ice activities.

The section also provides long term strategic planning, leadership and technical operations support for branch-wide emergency preparedness and safety programs.

Customer, Analytics and Digital Transformation

Customer, Analytics and Digital Transformation is the first direct contact for current and future customers.

The section is responsible for customer services at the front counters of facilities, facility bookings and rentals, liaison with various sport users including user committees, high touch booking services at various facilities and attractions, program registrations at facilities, the Leisure Access Program, Corporate and Community Wellness, and brokering new revenue opportunities through advertising sales and sponsorship.

The section also develops business analytics that assist the branch in developing strategies and reviewing business cases related to new projects or opportunities.

Partnerships and Event Strategy

This section manages partnerships to program and develop city-wide sport and recreations facilities for citizens. They also provides leadership in aligning and harmonizing the efforts of a broad range of partners to ensure the successful implementation of the Live Active Strategy intended to ensure more Edmontonians can access a continuum of active living, active recreation and sport opportunities.

Working closely with Explore Edmonton, this unit is also responsible for the development and implementation of the Event Attraction Strategy which identifies major international event bid opportunities and uses various types of events and activities as vehicles to support these significant events. Staff work closely with large venue partners to provide meaningful event opportunities.

Physical Activity and Sports Centres

Physical Activity and Sports Centres aims to enrich quality of life and provide personal growth and development opportunities across all age groups through a wide range of programs, events and services. This section is responsible for city-wide physical activity and leisure experiences as well as art, nature and history experiences and operations for the Kinsmen Sports Centre, John Walter Museum, and the City Arts Centre.

River Valley and Horticulture Facilities

This section provides service operations for the City’s river valley parks and ravine system. This includes maintenance of formal trails year-round and support for the growing numbers of festivals, arts, cultural, and major sporting events held in these parks. Horticultural Facilities operate the Muttart Conservatory, Riverside and Rundle Golf Courses, Victoria Golf Course and Driving Range, and Municipal Cemeteries. This section also provides branch-wide coordination of Environmental Management / Enviso and Fleet Services.