Calgary event centre designs expected by July

We are getting closer to learning more details about the City of Calgary’s new event centre, including what it will look like.

A closed door meeting was held at city council on Monday and Chair of the Events Committee, Coun. Sonya Sharp, says the city is right where it needs to be when it comes to the project’s timeline, and they remain on budget.

“I can’t provide any hints, I will say I am very pleased on the progress of the project,” she says, adding she expects designs to be revealed by July, shortly after the official development permit crosses the council floor.

During the meeting, council got a first hand look at the schematic drawing of the complex that will be the new home for the Calgary Flames.

“Today’s meeting was an opportunity for members of council to see that before it goes to the Calgary Planning Commission,” she says.

The last time the event centre designs were presented to the public they were met with some mixed reviews. Sharp says she like the latest version more and hopes Calgarians will agree.

Sharp says she would like to see ground break on the project sometime in August, if all goes according to plan.

Earlier this year, the city and it’s partners released the final agreements for the new event centre and other improvements to Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District.

The event centre block will house the event centre, indoor and outdoor community plazas, and a community rink, among other things.

All in, the project costs $926.4 million. Calgary will pay the largest share, at $515.3 million, followed by Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) at $356 million, and the Province of Alberta at $55.1 million.