Newly Renovated Water Feature at Discovery Canyon, Red Deer, Alberta

The City of Red Deer opened the newly renovated tubing river as part of an overall $2.1M River Bend Golf and Recreation redevelopment plan in the summer of 2017. The tubing river was a regional attraction over the past thirty years but was in dire need of replacement.

The river project required demolition and replacement of the shotcrete containment vessel. The intent was to reinforce and shotcrete a new concrete vessel with smooth simulated rock outcroppings that would not scrape tubes or patrons as they float down the river. In addition to tubing, the stream connects an upper natural stone waterfall to a lower retention pond. The pond is equipped with a beach and is used as a swimming area. The rock was sculpted to resemble much of the indigenous rock in that region, specifically the stone and cliff features of Maligne Canyon. Native stone was then inserted in and around the stream to accent the feature.

COST’s VP of Project Management Greg Marks stated, “We have developed numerous rock formations over the years, but because Maligne Canyon was well known regionally, we had to deliver a very authentic simulated rock finish.” This water feature, coupled with surrounding old-growth trees, provides a picturesque park setting.

COST’s Work on Red Deer Tubing River Renovation

COST’s scope of work included shop drawings, scale model, and construction of the shotcrete shell, simulated rockwork, and stream bank textures.

The project team included Scott Builders, architect IBI Group, and COST of Canada Contractors, ULC.  An in-depth overview of the entire restoration and enhancement project is located in the Red Deer Construction Association Newsletter, specifically on pages 96-100.  Photographs are courtesy of Scott Builders.