Serving our community through recreation
SLS Centre is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of active citizens and stakeholders in the community. The facilities are co-owned by the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County.
As one of Alberta’s largest multi-use recreation facilities, SLS Centre is home to the Cochrane Arena and serves residents of Cochrane and the greater Rocky View County area. The Centre offers a wide range of recreational amenities, including:
- Aquatic and climbing centres
- Curling and fitness facilities
- Arenas and gymnasiums, with an indoor track and sport courts
- Fitness classes, play care and more
Recreation facilities review
Status: In progress
Timeline: April 2026 to early 2027
Project overview
The Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County are conducting a joint review of SLS Centre and Cochrane Arena. Both facilities are co-owned by the Town and Rocky View County. The review is examining facility condition, use, operations and funding, along with long-term maintenance and investment needs. The findings will help inform future planning and decision-making for the facilities.
An independent consultant is leading the review. Work began in April 2026 and will continue into early 2027.
What is being reviewed
- Building condition and long-term maintenance needs
- Facility use and programming
- Financial and operational practices
- Reporting and accountability under the current operating agreement
Project update – Sept. 21, 2026
The review continues to move forward, with work underway to better understand the facilities, their operations and future needs.
To date, the consultant has:
- Completed several onsite walkthroughs to review facility operations and physical infrastructure
- Met with senior staff from the Town of Cochrane, Rocky View County and Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Society
- Reviewed operational information related to finances, maintenance, staffing, training, health and safety, programming and marketing
- Reviewed building condition assessments and supporting technical reports for both facilities
- Reviewed relevant research and planning work, including the Town’s Parks, Culture and Active Living Master Plan
Additional interviews with project partners and stakeholders will continue throughout the fall.
What happens next
Formal engagement with facility users and community members is expected to begin in late October.
The consultant will connect with key user groups, vendors and community members to gather feedback about how the facilities are used and experienced.
Major leaseholders and sport partners may also be contacted directly and invited to provide feedback as part of the review.
What to expect
- Both facilities will remain open and operate as usual during the review
- Programs and services are not expected to be disrupted
- Facility users, community organizations, major leaseholders and sport partners may be invited to provide feedback
- Updates will be shared as the review progresses
- Work will continue into early 2027, with findings informing future planning and decision-making
Learn more
Residents can review the Town of Cochrane Council report for additional details about the project. For questions or more information, contact: community.services@cochrane.ca.