Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Calgary City Council Approves Event Centre Investment

    · 3 min read

    Calgary City Council approves shared investment in new event centre for Culture and Entertainment District

    The start of a tremendous opportunity for Calgary’s Culture and Entertainment District moved ahead yesterday with Calgary City Council‘s positive vote to support the agreement between the City, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) and the Calgary Stampede to build a new public sports and entertainment complex in east Calgary. The boards of the Stampede and CSEC formally approved the agreement late last week, meaning yesterday’s affirmative vote by Calgary City Council gives the new event centre official go-ahead.

    Located in east Victoria Park—the focus of CMLC’s current redevelopment and placemaking efforts as described in the Rivers District Master Plan (RDMP)—the project will crystalize Calgary’s cultural nexus in this neighbourhood, already home to the BMO Centre, Stampede Park, Arts Commons, the Calgary Central Library and Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

    The RDMP, which envisions a new event centre as a vital dimension of Calgary’s burgeoning culture and entertainment district in downtown Calgary’s east end, was developed over three years in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. CMLC will serve as development manager for the new facility—a role that includes leading public consultation on its design, programming and integration into the Rivers District.

    “We’re absolutely delighted that after 14 months of thoughtful consideration, vigorous discussion, and a significant amount of work between all three parties, we have a resolution that meets the needs of all concerned—most important, our city’s citizens and visitors, says Michael Brown, President and CEO, CMLC. With its prominent place in the vision for Calgary’s culture and entertainment district, this project will be key to attracting world-class private investment and rebuilding a profound sense of community pride.”

    In addition to the new event centre, plans for the area include a dynamic outdoor festival space and infrastructure enhancements to Stampede Park. Together, these facilities will provide public gathering places for major events, attract events and performers of global stature, and serve as the new home to the Calgary Flames, Hitmen and Roughnecks.

    “While yesterday’s vote is a significant milestone after several years of negotiations, research and studies, the real work in bringing this project to life is just beginning,” adds Brown. “Coupled with CMLC’s role in stewarding the BMO Centre expansion, this is an opportunity that will enable the holistic plan to be realized. We look forward to engaging Calgarians in ongoing conversations about the new event centre and its integration into Calgary’s east-end culture and entertainment district.”

    CMLC is proud to share in this milestone for Calgary alongside our colleagues at The City of Calgary, CSEC and the Calgary Stampede whose efforts and confidence over the past number of months have been invaluable.

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