The Calgary Flames are contributing 1$ million towards the expansion of the Calgary Centennial Arenas. The Calgary Flames are contributing 1$ million towards the expansion of the Calgary Centennial Arenas. (Google Street View)

The Calgary Flames are donating $1 million towards the expansion of an arena complex in the city's southwest.

The NHL team and its charitable arm, the Flames Foundation for Life, said Wedneday the gift will help pay for construction of a third rink at the Calgary Centennial Arenas on 47th Avenue S.W. beside Crowchild Trail.

The complex will also be renamed the Flames Community Arenas.

"This expansion project will offer much needed ice time for local residents," said Flames president Ken King.

"For over 30 years now, this community has supported the Calgary Flames and the Flames Foundation for Life, which has offered us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give back."

The $17-million project is scheduled to be completed by March 2011.

The arena complex is owned by a non-profit group which includes Mount Royal University, the Glenlake Minor Hockey Club, Trails West Minor Hockey Association, and several area community associations.