Work to expand BMO Centre at Calgary’s Stampede Park is entering a new phase with the completion of Exhibit Hall F — 100,000 square feet of exhibition space on the north side of the existing convention centre.
“Over the past 18 months, our project team has made significant progress on the preparatory work required to support the successful delivery of the BMO Centre expansion,” says Kate Thompson, president and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC). “While we’ve certainly had to adapt and respond to health guidelines brought forward from the pandemic, we are now moving into the next stage, which lays the groundwork for the expansion to be built — it’s a major step for the project and the realization of Calgary’s culture and entertainment district.”
To begin this month, the project will see the removal of the Stampede Corral and BMO Centre Exhibition Hall A. In preparation for the external demolition, crews have been working to remove materials from the interior of both buildings, upgrading and relocating underground utilities and technology services, and removing the Plus 15 walkway on the south side of the Corral.
“As we prepare to say goodbye to the Corral, we are proud to be building the future of Stampede Park with the BMO Centre as a catalyst for Calgary’s continued economic growth and diversity,” says Jim Laurendeau, vice-president of park planning and development at the Calgary Stampede. “We continue to receive interest from around the world, with the unique western culture and community spirit of Calgary a significant attraction for those planning future events. Despite the current challenges, there remains no better way to learn and share ideas than to do so gathered together in person.”
Valued at $500 million, with funds coming equally from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the BMO Centre expansion will significantly grow and modernize the facility to become the largest convention centre in western Canada, enabling Calgary to host major international events. The project will also create thousands of jobs for the community, both during construction and after its completion.
The Calgary Stampede and development partner CMLC selected three architectural firms in May 2019 to lead the project. Edmonton-based design and consulting company, Stantec, is the prime consultant and architect of record. Global architectural firm Populous is the architectural design lead and S2 Architecture is leading the construction administration team.
PCL Construction is providing construction management.
The ground-breaking for construction of the BMO Centre expansion remains on schedule for spring 2021, with project completion in 2024.
