Scotia Place ramps up construction after approval
Excavation work is expected to finish up this spring.
Key Takeaways
- The Calgary Planning Commission has unanimously approved the Scotia Place design, granting the final development permit.
- Construction is set to progress to the next phase after excavation completes in spring 2025, with project completion expected in 2027.
- The excavation, which began in July 2024, has lowered the event bowl by over 10 meters, creating a barrier-free experience that seamlessly integrates the main concourse with the outdoor plaza and The Culture + Entertainment District.
The Whole Story:
The Calgary Planning Commission (CPC) has unanimously approved the Scotia Place design and granted the project its final development permit. This milestone means that the next phase of construction will start once excavation is complete by spring 2025.
“With the Calgary Planning Commission’s final approval on the Scotia Place design, it is exciting to think about the amount of work that will take place over the next two and a half years. Excavating to the bottom of the site will be the first of many exciting milestones we will see between 2025 and the project’s completion in 2027,” said Bob Hunter, Project Committee Member.
Since excavation began in July 2024, crews have dug down over 10 metres to lower the event bowl of Scotia Place. This design feature gives visitors a barrier-free experience between the main concourse and the outdoor plaza, providing street level accessibility and integration with The Culture + Entertainment District.
In early 2025, Calgarians will see more materials and workers on site as underground utility work and installation of the foundation begins. Structural concrete and steel work across the entire site will occur over 2025—foundation walls will go up first, followed by below grade columns, stairs, elevator cores, and access ramps.
Over the past two years, the project team has been focused on design. Officials stated that strong alignment between The City and its partner, the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), and the development team helped to expedite the design process, ready the Scotia Place design for approval, and keep the project on schedule.
“The work that has been accomplished to allow us to arrive here today is truly remarkable,” said Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, President and CEO Robert Hayes. “We have witnessed it in the board rooms for the past year and now we see it out our windows everyday as Scotia Place is becoming a reality. We are both proud and appreciative of the teamwork displayed by the partners to create Calgary’s premier sports and entertainment destination that will be enjoyed by all Calgarians.”
Beyond hosting sporting events and concerts, the site will accommodate a wide range of indoor and outdoor community events.
