The Calgary Stampede in Canada has broken ground on the $500m expansion of its BMO Convention Centre.
The new expansion’s design was revealed in June 2020, and will add 560,000sqft of space to the venue. It is designed by Stantec/Populous/S2 Architecture.
Crews have worked to prepare the site with extensive utilities upgrades and demolition work over the past year, readying the convention centre for the start of construction.
The project is funded through equal contributions from three orders of government and provides opportunity for economic diversification and job creation in Calgary and the surrounding region.
Steve McDonough, president & chairman of the Calgary Stampede, commented: “The BMO Centre expansion will provide state of the art facilities for community engagement and economic benefit through job creation and tourism.
“The expansion will anchor Calgary on the international map as a leading convention host, attracting larger conventions and meetings to our province.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal minister of infrastructure and communities, added: “The Calgary Stampede’s history goes back over 100 years, and it’s wonderful to see ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ continue to grow and adapt with the times and needs of Calgary, Alberta, and Canada.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support an investment of $500M for the expansion of the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. Today’s groundbreaking is the next step in this important project which will create good jobs and reinforce Calgary’s position as a top convention destination. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
