The City of Red Deer set out to build a world-class community asset—The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. This modern, multi-functional facility needed to serve diverse community needs, host prestigious athletic events, and meet the environmental benchmark of LEED Gold certification. Scott Builders rose to the challenge, leveraging decades of expertise, innovative solutions, and meticulous project management.
From integrating advanced geothermal systems to solving structural challenges with precision-engineered trusses and hidden mechanical systems, the project was delivered on time and within budget. The result is a facility that stands as a testament to sustainable design, operational excellence, and Scott Builders’s commitment to the communities we serve.
The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre is a vital addition to the City of Red Deer, offering a flexible facility that serves as a hub for athletes, community members, and visitors alike. From inclusive recreational spaces to large-scale events, the design balances functionality, accessibility, and environmental consciousness. To bring this vision to life, the city entrusted Scott Builders—a proven leader in complex construction projects—with the responsibility of delivering a facility that meets ambitious aesthetic, operational, and sustainable standards.
The project presented several intricate hurdles:
Advanced Structural Engineering
Transporting and installing oversized steel trusses posed significant logistical and engineering challenges.
Seamless, Aesthetic Design
With a focus on clean lines and modern visuals, all mechanical and electrical systems had to be concealed within the structure.
Geothermal Energy Integration
Sustainability goals required the incorporation of a complex geothermal heating and cooling system.
Precision Solar Panel Placement
The innovative roof design created specific challenges for solar panel installation.
Strict Timeline and Budget
A hard deadline loomed for this project requiring flawless coordination and delivery.
These challenges demanded expertise, creative problem-solving, and a trusted project partner who could deliver reliable results.
Scott Builders approached this complex undertaking with innovative solutions founded on decades of experience and a commitment to excellence.
To overcome transportation challenges for the steel trusses, Scott Builders collaborated with local manufacturing teams in Red Deer to produce the vertical entrance trusses onsite. These pieces—up to 80 feet tall—were transported through the city with engineering precision, requiring temporary road closures. Tandem cranes were then deployed to lift the trusses into place, ensuring a seamless fit while maintaining the project’s tight schedule.
Meeting the aesthetic requirement for concealed mechanical and electrical systems, Scott Builders developed an elegant solution by installing conduits, cabling, and venting inside steel columns and behind panels. This meticulous approach achieved both the performance and the sleek design the client envisioned.
Sustainable innovation took center stage with the integration of a geothermal heating and cooling system. Scott Builders drilled two 200-foot geothermal piles to support the system, meeting the donor-driven sustainability goal and elevating the facility as a model for environmentally responsible construction.
Given the height of the facility, installing solar panels on the dynamic roof presented unique challenges. To efficiently solve the problem, Scott Builders utilized a helicopter for placement rather than cranes, achieving precise alignment and adherence to the project timeline.
Scott Builders’s project management team developed detailed plans and schedules to address every complexity with confidence. By leveraging strong partnerships and skilled resources, the project progressed smoothly, meeting both timeline and budget requirements without compromise.
Scott Builders delivered a facility that exceeded expectations and left a meaningful legacy for the City of Red Deer.
On-Time and On-Budget Delivery
The project reached completion as planned, enabling a seamless lead-up to the Canada Winter Games.
Community-Centered Functionality
The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre provides a wide range of facilities, including an Ice Arena, Gymnasium, Fitness Center, and Squash Courts, allowing for inclusive participation and barrier-free access for all.
Significant Community Impact
Serving up to 1,100 spectators, the facility fosters a sense of community pride and connection through events and recreational opportunities.
Leadership in Sustainability
Achieving LEED Gold certification, the geothermal system and solar energy solutions reduced the facility’s environmental footprint, setting a benchmark for sustainable construction practices in the region.
The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre has proven to be a cornerstone of Red Deer's community infrastructure. The facility's innovative geothermal system continues to deliver significant energy savings while the building's versatile design enables it to host a diverse range of events - from national sporting competitions to local community programs.
The centre successfully served as a key venue for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, demonstrating its capability to handle large-scale national events while maintaining its role as a vital community recreation hub. The LEED Gold certification stands as ongoing proof of the building's sustainable operations and environmental stewardship.
"The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre reflects a commitment to sustainability and community. With Scott Builders's expertise and problem-solving, this vision came to life on time and on budget without compromise." – Andrew Tjepkema, Senior Project Manager, Gary W. Harris Centre
The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre is a statement of Scott Builders's ability to combine ingenuity, expertise, and reliability to deliver world-class facilities. Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful design and sustainable innovation can create lasting impacts for communities.
Scott Builders remains committed to helping clients achieve ambitious goals through precision, professionalism, and innovative solutions. Together, we can transform challenges into meaningful, sustainable results.
Are you ready to bring your vision to life? Contact our team today and experience the Scott Builders difference.
Schedule a consultation to explore how we can build smarter, together.