Agreements in place to advance Calgary events centre project
Officials say construction could start as early as next year.
Key Takeaways:
- The city of Calgary, The province of Alberta, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, and Calgary Stampede have signed agreements to advance the project.
- The permit process is expected to be completed in 2024, followed by construction beginning the same year.
- Beginning this fall, the development manager, CAA ICON, will begin utility and site preparations
The Whole Story:
Calgary is one step closer to breaking ground on a new event centre.
All four parties have formally signed the final agreements, which gives the project a green light to begin the design and construction phase.
The signed agreements signify the partnership between The city of Calgary, The province of Alberta, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, and Calgary Stampede to deliver the Event Centre project. It’s a commitment that supports Calgary’s downtown revitalization and growing a vibrant and welcoming city.
The project includes new community amenities and infrastructure, including downtown’s only community rink, new public plazas and gathering places, new mobility connections and streets and public realm improvements.
City officials called the community improvements a “generational investment” in Calgary’s future.
“At this critical moment when we are seeing explosive population growth and increasing private sector interest in our city, the confirmation that the event centre project is proceeding to design and construction phases will generate strong investor confidence in our Culture + Entertainment District,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This project will create better public gathering spaces, improved transportation networks, a downtown community rink and an arena to drive events that spur hosting and tourism opportunities, along with creation of jobs in the construction, retail and entertainment sectors.”
Beginning this fall, the development manager, CAA ICON, will begin utility and site preparations to make room for the community rink, public plazas and event centre. They will also begin work for the development permit process, which includes designing the community rink, Event Centre and public gathering spaces on the Event Centre Block. The permit process is expected to be completed in 2024, followed by construction beginning the same year.
“Calgary is a city of big dreams, big projects, and big expectations. Our investment in the Rivers District is one that helps build Calgary and continues the momentum of revitalization in the downtown core,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “It’s one more shot of energy for Calgary’s culture, entertainment, and business scenes and the city and province will reap the economic benefits for decades to come.”
The Calgary Construction Association, which has long advocated for the project, stated that it is thrilled at the announcement.
“The new event centre will serve as a hub for sports and entertainment, attracting major events and acts to the region,” said Bill Black, president of the association. “This facility will not only provide a boost to the local economy through its construction, but also create follow-on jobs, investments and opportunities for businesses in the area.”
The association added that the new event centre is a prime example of how construction can play a vital role in creating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for Calgarians. It added that new event center facility promises to be a catalyst for economic development, generating job opportunities and fostering growth in the construction sector.
