The Future of Calgary is Now: The Top 4 Major Projects Set to Reshape The C+E in 2024
All eyes are on Calgary (and The C+E) as anticipation mounts for the completion of four major projects this year
The ambitious vision of The C+E promises to infuse new energy into Calgary, with 2024 marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
This summer, a new gateway will welcome Calgarians into Stampede Park via an extended 17th Avenue, while transit users will step off a rebuilt Victoria Park/Stampede LRT Station and gather in front of the $500M expanded BMO Centre, just feet away. Lucky conference-goers attending western Canada’s newest and largest conference centre will also be inspired during their downtime at Sam Centre, which, once complete in May, will infuse new cultural experiences into The District year-round.
These are the four major projects coming to completion in The C+E this year:
The Expanded BMO Centre
A greater way to gather in the heart of Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District
The C+E is fueled by many different kinds of energy—there are Calgarians, visitors, fans, artists and arts lovers. The expanded BMO Centre adds the buzz of conference-goers to the mix, injecting new energy, talent, and revenue into our city. A space big enough to host the world, the expanded BMO Centre brings western Canada its newest, largest and most modern convention centre (boasting more than one million sq. ft. of hosting space).
Following four years of construction that at its peak involved 600 workers per day, saw 20,000 – 30,000 sq. ft. of drywall installed daily, and in the 12 months between December 2021 – December 2022 brought in 10,000 metric tons of steel. Now as the countdown ticks toward its grand opening midway through the year, the expanded BMO Centre emerges as a game-changer for The C+E, elevating Calgary to top tier destination status in the competitive marketplace of international meetings and conventions.
The numbers speak for themselves: Upon completion, the entire building can accommodate 33,000 people with the new Champions ballroom able to host up to 5,000 people. Additionally, the combined exhibition halls are so large, they could fit a professional NFL football field. The impact of this incredible building will reverberate through our city for years to come.
2. Sam Centre
Home to Calgary’s Stampede story
Since the first Calgary Exhibition back in 1886, the stories of the Stampede and Calgary have been inextricably linked. As the city has grown and changed, so too has the Stampede – ever evolving and adapting right alongside, infusing our city with a unique community spirit each summer, and helping put the city on the map internationally. The Calgary Stampede and Stampede Park have always been a community gathering place. Alongside the expanded BMO Centre and the other exceptional venues in The District, Sam Centre is adding another year-round opportunity for community members and guests from around the world to connect with and experience the Calgary Stampede.
Opening in May 2024 and sitting at the heart of Stampede Park, next to the Rundle Ruins, Sam Centre will will share the Stampede Story through multiple mediums: exhibits, an immersive digital experience, personally facilitated moments, an artifact and archival collection space, dining, and outdoor gathering spaces. At Sam you are at the centre of the Stampede’s ongoing story — a gathering place for Calgarians and visitors from around the world.
3. The Rebuilt Victoria Park/Stampede LRT Station
Facilitating the flow of city life in and out of the District
Picture the old Victoria Park/Stampede LRT Station – and then reimagine it as a more modern, accessible train station that serves thousands of residents, hockey fans, students, and concert goers each year. This project transitions the station to an at-grade platform, allowing all modes of transportation to safely cross the C-Train tracks at a controlled crossing. Improving and reshaping access to the neighbourhood, the project kicked off in July 2021 and transformed to street-level pedestrian access in October 2021 - what had previously been a 400m pedestrian journey up the ramp and over the +15 was shortened to less than 60m straight across 17th Avenue, making the trip faster and more accessible for Calgary Transit users and visitors to Stampede Park alike.
After the demolition of the old station, a temporary outbound station was set up in October 2022 to enable transit operations. The team switched to the new station platforms and permanent tracks in December 2023. When finished, the new station, with side-loading platforms twice the size of the previous centre-loading platform, will be more modern, more accessible and better integrated with its surroundings. Barrier-free access, clearer sight lines and heated shelters will make the experience easier, safer and more comfortable for all users. There is more construction to come on the project before it is completed in concert with the BMO Centre expansion for Calgary Stampede 2024.
4. The Extension of 17th Avenue SE
Connecting communities and opening up access to Stampede Park 365 days a year
Neighbourhoods thrive when they have no borders—when people can get into and out of them effortlessly. The extension of 17th Avenue will do just that and make The C+E more accessible for a future-ready Calgary. Creating a new gateway into Stampede Park - the busiest entry point during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede - this key connector flows pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles from 17th Avenue SE and Macleod Trail through Stampede Park, connecting with the future shops and restaurants along The C+E’s main street, Stampede Trail (formerly Olympic Way/4th Street SE).
Stitching the pieces of urban life together, the extension of 17th Avenue is integral to linking the district to neighbouring communities such as the Beltline and 17th Avenue Retail District. While pedestrians and cyclists have been using the extended 17th Avenue since October 2021, the first car will drive across Macleod trail into Stampede Park in the summer of 2024.
What’s next for The District?
Building Calgary’s next great city neighbourhood
But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to these exciting project completions, we are looking forward to significant project progress and the initiation of new projects throughout 2024 as well.
The C+E is the future address of the Calgary Event Centre which will become the new home to the Calgary Flames, Hitmen, Wranglers and Roughnecks. With agreements now in place, the site is currently undergoing preparation and enabling work before designs are revealed later this year.
Work will continue on The City of Calgary's future Green Line LRT, which will see a below grade LRT station in the heart of The C+E, providing increased, easy and affordable access to The District and its attractions for residents and visitors.
Delivered in coordination with the Green Line LRT project, planning will begin on the 6th Street Underpass and supporting infrastructure, a project that will create a critical north-south connection to East Village and the downtown and allow for smooth flow onto Stampede Trail, our main street.
This is just the beginning. At build out, there will be four million square feet of residential, office and commercial development, and urban living for 8,000 new residents in a safe, walkable area that’s easily accessible from everywhere. Our story will unfold in many chapters – follow along as we shape the future.