Capital Projects FAQ
BMO Centre Expansion
Where is the BMO Centre Expansion located?
The expanded portion of the BMO Centre is connected to the existing facility located on Stampede Park in The Culture + Entertainment District. The expansion replaced the aging portions of the existing facility through the demolition of Hall A and the Stampede Corral.
How much will this project cost?
The BMO Centre expansion was an investment of $500 million and was delivered on budget.
How is this project funded?
The expanded BMO Centre is funded through equal contributions by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary via the Community Revitalization Levy (CRL).
What is a Community Revitalization Levy (CRL)?
The Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) is a funding initiative that allows The City of Calgary to redirect a portion of tax revenue that result from redevelopment in a designated revitalization area and direct the revenues towards approved municipal expenditures in the specified area. The Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) is managed by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary.
What service and amenities will it provide?
The expanded BMO Centre increases total floor space to over one million square feet, doubling its rentable space. As the largest facility in Western Canada, the expansion adds more than 100,000 sq. ft. of new exhibition space, 38 new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms totaling 70,000 sq. ft., and a dramatic central gathering space called the Exchange.
Outside, the expansion includes a 100,000 sq. ft. outdoor plaza—a versatile, year-round public gathering space that allows attendees to enjoy the outdoors between sessions. This plaza serves both Calgarians and visitors to Stampede Park throughout the year, including during the Stampede's 10-day event.
What is the economic and social impact of this project?
The expanded BMO Centre is expected to have a substantial annual economic impact by attracting and hosting larger conferences and conventions, thereby enhancing trade and tourism and creating jobs for Alberta.
The economic benefit to Calgary alone is projected to be around $100 million annually, providing thousands of jobs and boosting local businesses such as restaurants, shops, rideshares, and other attractions.
In addition, the BMO Centre expansion is a major catalyst project in the development of Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District in east Victoria Park, serving as an anchor to attract private investment and new local businesses.
What is The City's role on the BMO Centre expansion project?
The City of Calgary, along with the provincial and federal governments are equal-share funders of the BMO Centre expansion project.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) served as development manager for the expansion on behalf of the project partners, The City of Calgary and Calgary Stampede. The City worked closely with the Calgary Stampede and CMLC to assist in the successful execution of the project. A joint steering committee represented by each partner ensured the interest of the City were met including, ensuring the project aligned with all applicable Calgary City Council policies, including but not limited to The City of Calgary Design Guidelines for City-funded Buildings, the Sustainable Building Policy, and the Access Design Standards.
In addition, The City reviewed design drawings at specified intervals on an iterative basis and had a regulatory role through the Development Permit process.
How does this project help support Calgary's long-term economic recovery?
With the grand opening of its 565,000 sq. ft. expansion, the BMO Centre has become Western Canada’s largest convention centre. This development will attract national and international events, supporting Calgary’s tourism and hospitality industry. It aligns with the Downtown Strategy, represents an investment in Calgary’s future and economic resilience and is a key pillar in the creation of The Culture + Entertainment District in east Victoria Park.
Project milestones
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
|
March 4, 2019 |
Council approved the financial strategy for all four unfunded long-term projects (BMO Centre expansion, Event Centre, Expansion of Arts Commons, and Foothills Field House) |
|
March 12, 2019 |
Funding announced by the Government of Canada. |
|
Spring 2019 |
Enabling works on the expansion began. |
|
May 23, 2019 |
CMLC announced the project team. |
|
June 10, 2020 |
Calgary Stampede and Development partner, CMLC released architectural designs. |
|
April 29, 2021 |
Project ground breaking. |
|
November 3, 2022 |
Structural steel completion. |
|
March 13, 2024 |
Substantial completion. |
|
May 22, 2024 |
Completion of the public art installation, Spirit of Water |
|
June 5, 2024 |
Arts Commons Transformation Project
Why is this project important for Calgary?
The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts (now Arts Commons) opened in 1985 with four Resident Companies: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre Calgary. Since opening two more Resident Companies were added: One Yellow Rabbit and Downstage Performance Society.
Over the past 35 years, Calgary’s population has doubled and diversified significantly, bringing an increased need for access to a diverse range of gathering spaces.
The expansion will support the organization’s operational sustainability into the future by broadening revenue streams, addressing the changing needs of tenants and meeting growing demand. The modernization of the existing building will address critical lifecycle and safety issues.
What are the phases of this project?
In two phases, Arts Commons Transformation will both expand capacity in a new building and modernize the existing facility, bringing it up to today’s standards.
Phase one will see the expansion of Arts Commons, adding a new 1,000 seat theatre, 200-seat studio theatre and support areas.
Phase two is the modernization of the existing 560,000 square foot Arts Commons building which will address lifecycle challenges. It will also elevate the public’s experience through upgraded amenities and technology throughout the facility.
Could the current building be renovated and still achieve the same outcome?
Calgary’s population has doubled since Arts Commons was built and has diversified significantly, bringing an increased need to access a diverse range of gathering spaces. Some capacity has been added over the years, but the capacity deficit still exists. The increased capacity will come from the development of phase one.
With much of the current building’s infrastructure and technology at end of life, there is critical work that must be completed in order to maintain the existing space for all users, including Resident Companies. Pursuing the modernization of Arts Commons will help remedy those lifecycle maintenance requirements. During the design process, Arts Commons will continue to actively pursue the remaining funding of the second phase.
When was funding allocated for this portion of the project?
In March 2019, Council approved the funding strategy for the four major unfunded projects (Event Centre, Arts Commons Transformation, Foothills Field House and BMO Centre Expansion). In September 2019, Calgary City Council approved $25 million of Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding to be used toward the design process.
How is the project being funded?
Funding for the first phase of ACT comes from three sources:
- $80 million from the City of Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan
- $25 million from the City’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative
- $165 million from CMLC’s Community Revitalization Levy.
In December 2022, CMLC allocated an additional $30 million of Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) finds toward the Arts Commons Transformation project. The additional budget was allocated as a proactive measure to address the impacts of inflationary pressures and market escalation due to adverse market conditions. The additional CRL was approved by City of Calgary Council through CMLC’s 2023 Business Plan.
On June 26, 2024, Arts Commons announced a $75 million gift from Dave Werklund and his family to fund the modernization of Arts Commons, transformation of Olympic Plaza, establish the Dave Werklund Education Wing, and the creation of four funds to support Arts Commons’ key institutional priorities. Efforts are underway to secure the remaining required funds. The second phase, the modernization of the existing Arts Commons facility, will follow once full funding is secured.
What is the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI)?
The Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) is the Province of Alberta's initiative to strengthen the municipal sector and provide financial support to municipalities for infrastructure needs.
Municipalities determine which projects and activities to fund based on local priorities within the general criteria set out in the program guidelines. Municipalities may choose to contribute funds for use towards eligible MSI projects to non-profit organizations.
How is this project responding to the current economic climate?
Arts Commons Transformation is a multi-year project that supports the long-term resiliency of the arts sector and supports the sustainability of Arts Commons which plays a critical role in the economic diversity of Calgary and within our local communities. It aligns with Calgary and Alberta’s strategic objectives to build a culturally vibrant and economically resilient community. The project supports The Downtown Strategy, an investment in the economic and cultural heart of Calgary-- a livable, thriving place for people, business, innovation and creativity.
Arts Commons is a key contributor to social, economic, cultural, and intellectual life in Calgary. As Canada’s third largest arts centre, it is home to six resident companies and used by over 200 community groups - an integral part of the arts and greater community.
What is The City's role on the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project?
The Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project a tri-party development agreement between Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Arts Commons and The City of Calgary.
CMLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary and steward of the Rivers District Master Plan, is serving as Development Manager for the Arts Commons Transformation project on behalf of the project partners, Arts Commons and The City of Calgary.
When will Phase one construction begin?
Following permitting and approvals, construction of the Arts Commons expansion is anticipated to begin in late 2024.
What are the benefits of this project?
During construction, of both phases, an estimated $386 million will be added to Calgary’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition, 3,155 Jobs will be created, generating $249 million in labour income. Upon completion of both phases, Arts Commons, collectively with the resident companies will annually generate $53 million to Calgary’s GDP, support 683 Jobs that will generate $34 million in labour income (Economic Contribution Analysis, Deloitte 2019).
In a historically resource-based economy, shifting to new economic drivers is paramount to the wellbeing of the economy and the prosperity of every Calgarian. Arts Commons Transformation will also contribute millions to Canada’s GDP and provide taxes to all three orders of government, helping pay for government programs and services, such as schools, health care, and cultural activities.
Arts Commons Transformation will also have a positive social impact. The arts bring people together, increase understanding, empathy, and resilience, inspire creativity, and activate imagination, ultimately leading to new possibilities. Calgary’s youth will benefit academically, socially, and creatively, by having more ways to participate in the arts. Through Arts Commons Transformation, Arts Commons' vision of a creative and compassionate society inspired through the arts can be a reality.
See Social & Economic Impact for more information.
Project milestones
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| September 19, 2011 |
Council approved CPS2011-48 The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts - Seed Funding, where an MSI contribution of $25 million towards the renovation of the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts was approved in principle, of which $2.5 million was released for feasibility planning and design. Council also approved exploring the use of lots adjacent to Olympic Plaza for this purpose. |
| March 4, 2019 |
Council approved the financial strategy for all four unfunded long-term projects (BMO Centre Expansion, Event Centre, Phase One of Arts Commons Transformation, and Foothills Field House) |
| August 30, 2019 |
At the direction of The City of Calgary, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) completed a review of the functional program to identify project costs for the first phase of ACT. The Federal government approved $80 million in funding from the Community, Culture and Recreation program, contingent on the City and Province contributing the remaining funding. |
| September 30, 2019 |
City Council approves $22.5M in Cultural Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding ($2.5M was previously approved) for ACT, with authorization to invest $10M for Phase One and Two. |
| October 9, 2020 |
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Arts Commons and The City of Calgary sign tri-party development agreement. |
| April 26, 2021 | |
| July 13, 2021 |
CMLC releases results of ACT public engagement.
|
| February 9, 2022 | |
| September 20, 2022 | |
| March 22, 2024 |
Through Budget 2024, the Government of Alberta announced $103 million over seven years to support Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza transformations. |
| April 4, 2024 |
Architectural design renderings for ACT expansion unveiled.
|
| June 26, 2024 |
Arts Commons announced a $75 million gift from Dave Werklund and his family to fund the modernization of Arts Commons, transformation of Olympic Plaza, establish the Dave Werklund Education Wing, and the creation of four funds to support Arts Commons’ key institutional priorities. |
Foothills Fieldhouse
Why does The City of Calgary need a multisport fieldhouse?
A multisport fieldhouse has been identified as a high priority for The City and Calgarians, based on the 10-Year Strategic Plan for Sport Facility Development (2008), citizen feedback and through its high priority ranking on the Community Services Infrastructure Investment Plan list.
The facility will also address an event-ready infrastructure gap as identified by Tourism Calgary. The facility will provide spaces capable of hosting provincial, national and international athletics, rectangular field, and gymnasium court competitions.
Presently, Calgary remains the only major Canadian city without a proper indoor facility for athletics and other field sports.
Where would the multisport fieldhouse be built?
The proposed location for the multisport fieldhouse would be on the grounds of Foothills Athletic Park, which is located at 2424 University Dr. N.W. Foothills Athletic Park is directly west of Crowchild Tr. and south of 24th Ave. N.W.
How much will this project cost?
The cost of the multisport fieldhouse is estimated at $285.8 million over a five-year period, including inflation.
How long would it take to build once funding is in place?
The timeline to complete the project is estimated at five years from the time funding becomes available.
Project milestones
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2010 |
City Council approved Foothills and Glenmore Athletic Park Concept Plan CPS2010-47 and directed Administration, subject to available funding, to proceed in the planning process for Foothills and Glenmore Athletic Parks. |
| Apr. 22, 2013 | City Council approved the report: Foothills Fieldhouse – Progress Update CPS2013-0351, proposing potential funding options that support the development of a fieldhouse and approved in principle, the revised location for the Foothills Fieldhouse. |
| Jan. 28, 2019 | City Council received the report: Consideration of Unfunded Long-Term Projects C2019-0135. The Foothills Multisport Fieldhouse was identified as one of the four major unfunded projects for Council consideration and Council formed the Foothills Athletic Park Redevelopment Advisory Committee. |
| Feb. 25, 2019 | City Council approved the report: Foothills Athletic Park Redevelopment Assessment Committee (FAPRAC) terms of reference C2019-0274 with the first scheduled meeting of the Committee on March 19. |
| Apr. 29, 2019 | City Council approved the establishment of a Major Capital Projects Reserve C2019-0525 to provide a funding source for four long-term capital projects: BMO Centre expansion, event centre, one phase of Arts Commons, and a multisport fieldhouse. |
