BMO Centre expansion breaks ground
By David Malone, Associate Editor
The BMO Centre expansion has officially broken ground in Calgary’s Stampede Park. The expansion will provide provide state-of-the-art facilities for community engagement and economic benefit through job creation and tourism.
Designed by a team comprising Stantec, Populous, and S2 Architecture, the expansion will offer double the rentable space of the current BMO Centre. “The project’s design reflects the traditional history of the area, and the surrounding landscape – creating a stunning gathering place where people can connect and experience the best Calgary has to offer in the Culture + Entertainment District,” said Léo Lejeune, Senior Principal, Stantec, in a release. “Our team’s careful attention to the design of the architecture, the interiors and the landscaped public realm - we are confident this project is an example of world-class place-making at its finest.”
The expansion will include over one million square feet of total floor space, including 350,000 sf of contiguous exhibit space. Interior spaces will be large and adaptable, event spaces and public areas will be wired for instant connectivity, flexible breakout areas will facilitate human connections, and outdoor spaces will invite attendees to experience the natural surroundings and diverse amenities.
The project is slated to open in 2024 and will be the largest convention facility in western Canada and the second largest in the country overall.
