Frame the Future is the Calgary Winter Club’s comprehensive Master Plan—a three-phase, Member-driven roadmap designed to guide long-term development, ensure strategic investment, and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

The Calgary Winter Club is entering an exciting new chapter—one shaped by Member input, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to long-term excellence.

WHAT IS THE MASTER PLAN?

The Master Plan is a long-term roadmap that guides the future development of the Club. It ensures growth and investments are Member-focused, data-driven, and aligned with our strategic plan. For the Board, it’s a practical tool for setting priorities, making decisions, and allocating resources.

The proposal presented to Members today was developed through a thoughtful process grounded in three key principles:

  • Bottom-Up, Data-Driven Planning - Like a civic needs assessment, we began with deep analysis of internal data to understand evolving Member needs. This ensured the plan was built on evidence—not assumptions—and reflects real usage and future demand.

  • Broad Membership Appeal - With investments designed to last 40–60 years, major projects must resonate across the Membership. Since a borrowing resolution requires 75% Shareholder approval, consensus is key. The plan reflects the needs of the entire community—not just specific user groups.

  • Solving Operational Challenges - Years of expansion has created layout inefficiencies and accessibility barriers. The Master Plan is a chance to fix longstanding issues, from disconnected spaces to inaccessible areas, enhancing both the Member experience and operational flow.

MASTER PLAN PROCESS

  • In fall 2024, the Calgary Winter Club hosted a series of Member Engagement Sessions to help shape the content and priorities of a comprehensive Member survey. These sessions provided an opportunity for direct interaction between Members, Leadership, and Consultants, allowing for clarification, feedback, and idea sharing.

    During these sessions, an interactive polling platform was used to collect real-time, anonymous input from attendees via smartphones or tablets. This dynamic and engaging format allowed Members to immediately see collective opinions, fostering transparency and group dialogue.

    Following the sessions, the Member Survey officially launched after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 17, 2024. This survey served as the Club’s primary tool for collecting input from Shareholder families on the future direction of the Club, touching on values, priorities, and potential improvements.

    Click here to read the Fall 2024 Member Survey Summary

  • Following the survey’s close, the Club analyzed the results alongside facility utilization data, trend reports, and historical member feedback to build a clear picture of current needs and emerging expectations.

    This analysis focused on identifying:

    • Key usage patterns across the Club’s amenities

    • Member priorities for future investments and renovations

    • Feedback on service areas and Member experiences

    • Opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and space use

    Insights gathered during this phase directly informed both the updated strategic plan and the early framework of the proposed Master Plan.

  • In parallel with the analysis, the CWC Board of Directors and Management Team undertook a comprehensive review and renewal of the Club’s Strategic Plan. This process considered the long-term mission of the Club and examined how to best align services, amenities, and infrastructure with the evolving expectations of a multi-generational membership.

    Strategic discussions were centered on:

    • Member experience and lifecycle engagement

    • Long-term financial stewardship and sustainability

    • Inclusivity, accessibility, and future readiness

    • Modernization of Club spaces and services

    The renewed strategic plan became a guiding compass for the development of the Master Plan.

    Click Here to View the Strategic Plan

  • This phase focused on exploring ideas, opportunities, and challenges identified through the engagement and analysis phases.

    Key activities included:

    • Evaluating potential solutions to address issues such as aging infrastructure, congestion, and underutilized spaces

    • Consulting with architects, engineers, and Club staff to assess feasibility and prioritize initiatives

    This stage marked the transition from broad conceptual thinking to the development of practical, member-focused design solutions for the Master Plan.

  • In spring 2025, the Calgary Winter Club entered an exciting new chapter—and members played a critical role.

    The Club hosted a second round of Member Engagement Sessions to present the Proposed Master Plan. These sessions provided opportunities for members to ask questions, offer feedback, and gain a deeper understanding of the long-range vision for the Club.

    The Proposed Master Plan reflected months of engagement, operational data, and strategic planning. It addressed key challenges such as:

    • Accessibility improvements

    • Space limitations

    • Aging infrastructure

    • Evolving Member needs across social, wellness, and youth areas

    All Shareholder Members received a personalized survey link (open May 2 - 15) and were encouraged to review the resources and consider how the proposed plan aligned with their experience and expectations before submitting their responses.

  • After the Shareholder Survey closed on May 15, the Club reviewed Member responses and finalized the Proposed Master Plan by incorporating Member input alongside operational and strategic considerations.

    This phase included:

    • Refining priorities and scope based on survey feedback

    • Confirming cost estimates, risk assessments, and design logistics

    • Preparing communication materials to support transparency and Member understanding ahead of the final vote

    As part of this process, several key Member questions and themes emerged. Here’s how they’ve been addressed in the plan:

    Aquatics
    The deep pool liner will be replaced as part of essential maintenance. Updates also include skimmer replacements, a new ramp into the beach pool for accessibility, and a small play structure, including slide replacement to enhance safety and family fun.

    Tennis
    Operational improvements like a new Tennis desk will enhance Member experience and maximize court usage by reducing no-shows. Planned upgrades include cooling systems to extend the outdoor season, along with lobby and ceiling improvements.

    Adrian, the new Manager of the Tennis Department, will focus on increasing member access and expanding junior programming opportunities over time, supporting growth and engagement across all levels of play.

    Squash
    We recognize concerns around the removal of the seventh court and the existing viewing alley. As part of our commitment to the squash community, we are doing our due diligence to explore alternative layout options that best suit the needs of Members. We don’t want to settle for less and are carefully considering ways to preserve a show court experience so we don’t lose out on exciting events like the PSA and junior tournaments.

    Thermal Spa
    The area formerly referred to as the "Nordic Spa" will now be named the Thermal Spa, emphasizing its focus on recovery and wellness. This dedicated space will feature hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms designed to support post-workout recovery through temperature-based therapy. The environment will offer a calm, spa-like atmosphere that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.

    Golf Simulators
    Family-friendly access and noise concerns are being addressed through improved acoustic separation and the addition of a secondary access door from the lobby to allow more flexible entry.

    Physiotherapy
    Originally planned to relocate into the new Wellness Centre, the Physiotherapy Clinic will instead remain adjacent to the new Fitness Centre. This decision was made in consultation with the physiotherapy team, who expressed a strong preference to stay connected to the Fitness area to support better integration with training services and Member needs.

  • The Calgary Winter Club is now proudly launching "Frame the Future"—a Member-driven Master Plan built on months of input, data analysis, and strategic planning.

    This milestone phase focuses on sharing the final plan with the membership and encouraging informed participation in the upcoming vote. The proposed Master Plan reflected a unified vision shaped by Members, for Members - one that addresses aging infrastructure, future-ready design, and a long-term commitment to excellence, community, and Member experience.

    To support awareness and engagement, the Club hosted a series of Information Sessions, both in-person and online, where Members could ask questions, share feedback, and deepen their understanding of the proposal:

    During these sessions, the Club presented the finalized Master Plan, sharing visuals, cost breakdowns, and reaffirmed the importance of each Member’s voice in framing the Club’s future.

    Voting opens on May 23 and closes at the conclusion of the Special General Meeting (SGM) on June 18. Members were encouraged to review all provided materials, attend and submit their proxy to help bring this vision to life.

  • Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    7:00 pm | Skyline Room

    Members vote on the borrowing resolution to support Frame The Future - The CWC Master Plan.

    Click here to view the SGM Information Circular & Proxy Package

PHASING STRATEGY

  • After the Shareholder Survey closed on May 15, the Club reviewed Member responses and finalized the Proposed Master Plan by incorporating Member input alongside operational and strategic considerations.

    This included:

    • Refining priorities and scope based on survey feedback

    • Confirming cost estimates, risk assessments, and design logistics

    • Reconfirming the financing structure to ensure alignment with projected costs, borrowing requirements, and long-term sustainability

    • Preparing communication materials to support transparency and Member understanding ahead of the vote. In addition to incorporating member preferences, the phasing strategy behind the Master Plan was carefully designed to reflect several key factors.

  • In addition to incorporating Member preferences, the phasing strategy behind the Master Plan was carefully designed to reflect several key factors:

    Member Preference (survey results, member & staff feedback, engagement session feedback ):

    Survey feedback directly informed the sequencing of projects, ensuring the plan prioritized areas that mattered most to Members.

    Financial Feasibility ($4.8M in projected savings):

    Strategic phasing unlocked significant savings by organizing construction in a way that maximized efficiency and minimized overlapping costs.

    Project Duration:

    The phasing approach accelerated the delivery of two key elements—the court building and locker rooms—bringing early value to members and reducing extended disruptions.

    Program Area Proximity:

    Related program spaces were grouped together to improve construction efficiency, especially in areas near the parking lot, allowing for better logistics and fewer service interruptions.

    Necessary Repairs and Maintenance:

    Addressing urgent infrastructure needs—such as the aging pool liner and associated aquatics closure—was a priority in early phases to ensure safety and operational continuity.

    Site Planning Opportunity:

    The revised layout and the potential integration of adjacent land (including the former police station site) created opportunities to optimize overall site use, access, and long-term flexibility.

    The finalized Master Plan represented a balanced vision, rooted in Member feedback and shaped by responsible financial and operational planning.

PHASING PLAN

PHASE 1

Timeline:
Begin summer 2026 | Complete summer 2028

  • Parking lot reconfiguration

  • Locker Room renovation and addition, including:

    • Expanded Universal Locker Room

  • Thermal Spa

  • Three-season patio

  • Golf simulators

  • Shop relocation

  • Development of the new North Entrance


PHASE 2

Timeline: Begin as early as 2029*

  • Construction of new court and fitness facility, including:

    • Six Badminton Courts

    • New Squash Centre

    • Expanded fitness floor

    • Dedicated Pickleball Courts

*Phase 2 will commence once funding is available—through approved borrowing limits and a successful Member voluntary bond subscription.


PHASE 3

Timeline: Pending Financing

  • Interior renovation of the Club, including:

    • Expanded Fitness Studios

    • Revamped Youth Centre

    • New co-work space and lounge

Phase 3 will commence once funding is available within the Membership-approved borrowing limits.