CALGARY, ALTA. — The Calgary Stampede and development partner Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) have released the design for the expansion of the BMO Convention Centre – the city’s largest meetings and convention venue.
According to BMO centre officials, the $500-million project will significantly grow and modernize the facility and enable Calgary to host major conventions on a global scale.
Last year, the Calgary Stampede and CMLC went through an extensive competitive process to select its design team which includes Stantec, Populous and S2 Architecture. These firms have spent the past year trying to design a facility that will help the city compete with major convention destinations around the world.
“Calgary’s citizens are world-renowned for their community spirit and their drive to achieve great things,” said Dana Peers, president and chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board, in a press release. “When complete in 2024, the expanded BMO Centre will provide Calgary and southern Alberta a significant platform for economic diversification through growth in both the convention and tourism industries.”
Calgary Stampede CEO Warren Connell explained the project would not be possible without the support of government. It will be the largest conference facility in Western Canada and the country’s second largest after Toronto.
The expansion will result in over one million square feet of total floor space, including 350,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space and more than double its current rentable area. The design includes adaptable interior spaces, wired meeting rooms, flexible breakout areas and outdoor spaces.
“As we prepare Calgary for the future, solidifying our role as the ultimate host city will be a major driver of jobs and economic activity. The expanded BMO Centre is going to be a major draw for tourism and travel,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “From design to function, I’m confident this building will capture the attention of event organizers from around the world, creating opportunities for our local economy for decades to come.”
The BMO Centre expansion is also a keystone project set to catalyze the transformation of east Victoria Park into Calgary’s culture and entertainment district.
“This project defines an incredibly important phase in realizing the Calgary Stampede’s and CMLC’s long-term vision for east Victoria Park and Stampede Park,” said Kate Thompson, CMLC president and CEO. “The mission shared by the whole BMO project team — together we will design a world-class facility that celebrates Calgary, captures the Stampede Spirit, connects the city with the Rivers District and activates the site all year long—speaks to this commitment.”
Typically in June the city would be preparing for the Calgary Stampede, but the festivities have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Project officials emphasized that despite the cancellation they remain fully committed to the project and enthusiastic about the opportunities it heralds for the city.
“This exciting project will not only enhance the world-class infrastructure in Calgary but will create jobs in this city when they are needed most. Once complete, this upgrade will continue to positively impact the Calgary economy, as conventions and events from around the world take advantage of the BMO Centre, creating jobs and supporting the hospitality sector,” said Premier Jason Kenney.
The project is on schedule to meet the projected June 2024 completion date. The development permit has been submitted and construction of Hall F (100,000 square feet of additional space) is on track for completion later this month. Crews will begin demolishing existing structures in the fall and break ground on the new building next year.
Sounds like a great project, not sure timing is right with the cost of Covid 19 impacting the economy. Seems to me the cancelled Lab Hub would have been more beneficial with what is happening in the world today.
Looks impressive, almost World Fair worthy…but what does this wooden “entrance” represent…and on the right-is the 4 storeys building part of the construct-it looks plain and uninspiring-perhaps it could use a facelift as well….Keep going Calgary…..