The federal government is committing up to $33.6 million toward major sport infrastructure projects in Alberta while increasing financial support for high-performance athletes across Canada.
Sport Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden announced the investments following a two-day tour of Calgary and Canmore, where he met athletes, coaches, volunteers and sport organizations.
The funding will support upgrades to facilities used by community participants, national athletes and international competitions.
Olympic venues to receive upgrades
Federal funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund will help rehabilitate and modernize the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary.
The Alberta government is expected to provide a matching contribution toward the project.
The oval hosted speedskating events during the 1988 Olympic Winter Games and continues to serve athletes and community users.
Funding will also support improvements to the WinSport halfpipe in Calgary to help the facility meet international training standards and host additional competitions.
At the Nakiska National Ski Cross Training Centre in Kananaskis, the investment will expand snowmaking capacity and improve security measures.
“Community and Indigenous-led programs, world-class training centres and international events create opportunities for children to discover sport, for communities to connect and for athletes to pursue excellence in this province,” van Koeverden said in a release.
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New soccer pitch planned for Calgary
Calgary will also receive a new community soccer pitch through a Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities initiative.
The organization plans to construct as many as 25 pitches across Canada by 2029, supported by more than $2 million in federal funding.
The government says the projects will provide children and youth with safe places to play, build confidence and become involved in sport.
Athlete funding increased
Van Koeverden also announced a $3-million annual increase to the federal Athlete Assistance Program.
The increase brings the program’s annual funding to $43 million.
The program helps high-performance athletes cover living, education and sport-related expenses while they train and compete nationally and internationally.
The government says the additional funding is intended to help athletes remain focused on training and competition.
Alberta preparing to host major events
Ottawa is also continuing to support international and national sporting events in Alberta.
Medicine Hat will host the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in August, while Edmonton and Red Deer are preparing to host the 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in December.
Since December 2025, the federal government has provided funding for several Alberta events, including para Nordic and para biathlon World Cups in Canmore, international snowboard and freestyle ski competitions in Calgary and a women’s hockey Rivalry Series event in Edmonton.
The government says hosting major competitions supports tourism, provides Canadian athletes with opportunities to compete at home and can leave lasting infrastructure and community benefits.
Indigenous-led programs supported
Federal funding is also supporting Indigenous-led sport and recreation projects throughout Alberta.
The Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program provides funding for initiatives developed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
The government says the projects create culturally relevant sport opportunities, strengthen communities and support physical and social well-being.
The investments are part of $755 million over five years announced for Canada’s sport system in the 2026 spring economic update.
That funding includes support for hosting major events, athlete development, safe sport initiatives and efforts to increase participation among children and youth.