Calgary events centre plans show new signs of life
The project was terminated earlier this year but a new deal could be in the works.
A rendering shows a Calgary arena project that was scrapped earlier this year.
Key Takeaways:
- Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation are looking to start fresh after previous plans fell apart.
- Moving forward, the city will be represented by CAA ICON which will get support from Altus Group’s local office.
- Officials believe a new arena could help revitalize the city’s downtown.
The Whole Story:
Calgary is looking for a fresh start on plans to build a new event centre.
City officials and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) announced that they have agreed to begin formal discussions with a fresh start towards a new event centre.
“We’re at the beginning of an important stage,” said Councillor Sonya Sharp, chair of the Event Centre Committee. “A new event centre for our city will attract investment and international events. It will have enormous benefits for visitors and for Calgarians. We look forward to working with CSEC for our mutual benefit and for a result that works for everyone.”
Moving forward, the city will now be represented by CAA ICON, who officials say are experts in structuring deals for major sports and entertainment venues in North America and Europe. CAA ICON will have local support from Altus Group’s Calgary office.
Officials noted that CAA ICON has experience representing municipalities, as well as sports teams, in structuring deals and developing financing plans for event centres, stadiums and other public assembly facilities.
“This new team has the right expertise to get the best outcome possible for Calgary,” said Sharp. “Our environment has changed quite a bit over the past couple years. With everything we have learned, I am confident that CAA ICON representing The City is our best path forward and reflects how important this project is.”
The city and CSEC stated that they believe time is of the essence to reach a formal agreement on a new event centre, while ensuring they take the time necessary to reach an agreement that will meet Calgary’s and CSEC’s needs.
“I must emphasize this point,” said Stuart Dalgleish, general manager of planning and development services for the city. “We must do this right, which means we will need space and we will need time to work on a successful agreement. We will be keeping our discussions confidential and reporting to the Event Centre Committee when the time is right.”
The new facility will be a year-round community destination the city believes could attract people, events, investment and development. Home to the Calgary Flames and other professional sport teams, the new event centre will host global and local art and entertainment events.
Work on an events centre was set to start earlier this year, but the deal was terminated over budget disputes.
