Inside Olympic Plaza, Werklund Centre transformation in Downtown Calgary
Posted Sep 17, 2026 5:04 pm.
Officials offered a closer look at the ongoing transformation of Olympic Plaza and the neighbouring Werklund Centre, as construction continues behind the fencing across from Calgary City Hall.
A Thursday news conference revealed the foundations for the redesigned plaza are almost finished.
“The foundations are nearly complete and we’ll see some more infrastructure work in the months to come,” said Kate Thompson, president and CEO of CMLC.
Renderings released at the update show the plaza will keep its winter skating rink, which will convert into a fountain during warmer months.
Work on the Werklund Centre expansion is even further along, with the new cultural facility set to include a 1,000‑seat theatre and a smaller 200‑seat venue.
Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson said the new performance spaces will strengthen Calgary’s arts community.
“Those kinds of spaces really allow for the local arts community to come in and take root and build the kind of art scene that really thrives,” he said.
The 200‑seat theatre will be named after the McCann family, following a $4 million donation. Donor Rodney J. McCann said the project will support a wide range of creators.
“Will create an unparalleled space that will allow a multitude of diverse artists, performers and presenters to call it home,” he said.
Both the revitalized Olympic Plaza and the Werklund Centre expansion remain on track for completion in 2028.
