Whitehorse's Canada Games Centre celebrates 10-year anniversary

The Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse turned10 this weekend.

The federal and Yukon governments footedmost of the $43 million billfor the "CGC,"which was built specifically as a venue for the 2007 Canada Winter Games.

The recreation centreis now owned and operated by the City of Whitehorse.After the city successfully hosted the 2007winter games, there were concerns the centrewould be a drag on municipal financesand people wouldn't continue using it.

That scenario hasn't happened, says LindaRapp, director of community and recreation services for the city.

She says the CGC recovers just under half of its annual $6.5 million operating costs. Rapp says the city aims for a 50 per cent cost recovery on recreational facilities.

"Right now, we're at close to 3,000 people that utilize the facilityand that would be on an average fall/winter day. And the numbers really get boosted when there's special events or tournaments or special activities happening."

Rapp says the CGC is worth every penny with its two hockey rinks, indoor soccer pitch, running track, multi-use area, full gym, meeting rooms and a swimming pool with a steam room, hot tuband lazy river.

"People think of this facility often as an extension of their home. We hear people talk about coming down and gathering with friends after a workout or something in the concourse."

Rapps says in addition to serving Whitehorse residents, the centre is used regularlyby Yukoners from all the rural communities, as well Alaskans coming in from Skagway and Juneau.