The Alberta government has approved a $45-million nordic spa near Calgary, which is expected to create around 400 full-time and part-time jobs.
According to a government news release, the spa will be the largest in Canada once completed.
Alberta’s Tourism parliamentary secretary, Miranda Rosin, says the United Conservative Party government has ushered in a tremendous economic turnaround through intentional government policy direction, deregulation and tax reduction.
“Our world-famous tourism industry is a key driver of this economic momentum, and projects like this Nordic spa will help to further grow our tourism product offerings while strengthening the Calgary-Banff economic corridor,” Rosin told The Counter Signal.
“I have full confidence that this spa will be an icon for southern Alberta, and yet another draw for families from all over the country and world to visit our beautiful province.”
There’s already one nordic thermal spa about one hour southwest of Calgary in Kananaskis.
According to the Calgary Herald, the Harmony spa is the Groupe Nordik’s fourth in Canada. It’s expected draw between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors annually.
It will overlook the Canadian Rockies.
Rosin also said Travel Alberta and Groupe Nordik have shown how government and the private sector can work together to create memorable experiences.
“I am excited for the thousands of people who will soon have the opportunity to make new lifelong memories in our Alberta.”
The spa will be completed between 2023-2025.
Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants to work with the City of Calgary to develop hydrogen-powered trains to Banff.
In a letter to Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek last month, Smith asked to consider an expansion of Calgary’s LRT system to the Calgary International Airport — and to examine options around another rail link between Calgary and Canmore/Banff.
“Such a line would benefit Calgarians, Albertans and all visitors to our province in accessing one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: our provincial and national mountain park system,” Smith wrote.
“It would also significantly boost international and domestic tourism while improving road safety and reducing strain on Highway 1 between Calgary and Banff as population growth and tourist traffic continue to grow. Calgary is a world-class city; it should be connected to our province’s world-class parks.”
