Olympic Plaza Transformation

Olympic Plaza Transformation

The Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) will see a full redesign of the plaza as an innovative, flexible and active space in the core, building on the momentum of the investment and work already underway in downtown Calgary.

The design of the new plaza celebrates the historical legacy of the plaza, while looking to the future with reimagined spaces that will serve Calgarians for generations to come.

The transformed Olympic Plaza will feature an accessible, flexible outdoor gathering space for day-to-day use that can support large-scale events of up to 5,000 people, a striking central water feature and splash pad in the summer, a skating rink in the winter, and a new pavilion with seating and amenities to support year-round gatherings.

Flythrough animation

OPT design reveal

During construction

To facilitate construction on the Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects led by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), the plaza will be closed  from January 2025 through to 2028. City services historically located in the plaza can be found nearby.

  • Public washrooms

    With the closure of the year-round washrooms at Olympic Plaza during construction, the nearest public washroom can be found across Macleod Trail on the ground floor of the Municipal Complex Atrium

    View location map

  • Public ice skating

    Nearby public ice skating (timing dependent on weather and freezing overnight temperatures) can be found at the Prince’s Island Park Lagoon, near Lot 6 (311 8 Street S.W.) and Barb Scott Park - natural ice rinks will typically open in December.

    Find opening times and locations

  • Support for people experiencing homelessness

    The Extreme Weather Response is a comprehensive and collaborative program to provide support to vulnerable and unsheltered individuals facing extreme weather conditions. Calgary Homeless Foundation coordinates this program in collaboration with The City and community partners. Visit the Calgary Homeless Foundation’s Extreme Weather Response for the resource list containing information about overnight shelters, daytime services, warming locations and supports.

    View website

  • Festivals and events

    Festivals and events are important to our city. They celebrate Calgary’s cultural diversity, are good for the local economy and make Calgary a vibrant place to live and visit year-round. Olympic Plaza has long been a vibrant hub for Calgary’s festivals and events. While the plaza is under construction, we are working closely with event organizers to ensure their events thrive at alternate locations.

    Visit festivals and events

Project background

Learn more about the Arts Commons Transformation project and the Olympic Plaza Transformation project at calgarymlc.ca.

This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​

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