BMO Centre Expansion
Priority Capital Projects BMO Centre Expansion
The expanded BMO Centre opened on time and on budget on June 5, 2024. It has substantially increased Calgary’s ability to host conventions and conferences.
This completed project shows The City’s commitment to our community and Calgary’s future.
The project
Since 1982, the BMO Centre has been Calgary’s top venue for shows, events, and conferences. The venue has undergone two major expansions since its opening, in 2000 and again in 2009. Prior to the expansion, it consisted of 285,000 square feet of rentable exhibition halls, meeting rooms and a ballroom.
With the 565,000 square foot expansion now complete, the BMO Centre stands as Western Canada’s largest convention centre. It boasts over one million square feet of total space. The three-level building features:
- more than 100,000 square feet of new exhibition space,
- 38 state-of-the-art meeting rooms,
- two expansive ballrooms totalling 70,000 square feet, and
- a 100,000 square foot outdoor plaza as a year-round gathering space.
It also has flexible and functional gathering spaces. The modernized Tier 1 convention facility is top-notch in design and usability. It can host up to 33,000 guests, making Calgary a premier destination for large events.
Located on Stampede Park, the expanded BMO Centre is key component of Rivers District Master Plan. It invests in Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District, attracting private investment and new local businesses.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), a wholly owned affiliate of The City and steward of the Rivers District Master Plan, served as Development Manager for the BMO Centre expansion. They managed the project on behalf of The City of Calgary and the Calgary Stampede.
Map and image renderings
Investment details
The $500 million expansion is equally funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and The City.
Benefits to Calgarians
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Job creation
Ernst & Young prepared an Economic Impact Assessment on the full build out of The Culture + Entertainment District. The January 2019 report states that 4,750 full-time jobs could be created during construction. An additional 1,536 permanent jobs will be created once the new facilities open.
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Invest in Calgarians
The BMO Centre drives development in The Culture + Entertainment District. It attracts private investment and new businesses. It is a key component of the Rivers District Master Plan and supports the Downtown Strategy.
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Economic growth
The BMO Centre enables Calgary to compete for national and international meetings and conventions. The economic impact on Calgary will be around $100 million a year, creating thousands of jobs. This translates to filling restaurants, shops, ride-shares and other attractions that make Calgary unique.
Download the Ernst & Young Economic Impact Assessment.
Project partners
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