PCL building Western Canada’s largest convention centre in Calgary

Ontario Construction News staff writer

BMO Centre’s expansion in Calgary has begun to take its shape, with one third of the project’s 9,000 metric tonnes of steel already rising high above the Midway.

The expansion project was designed by an award-winning team of architects from Stantec, Populous and S2 Architecture. Through their collective experience, local knowledge and deep understanding of convention spaces, they have delivered a truly inspired design for the BMO Centre expansion that will

create warm and unforgettable experiences for generations to come.

PCL is leading construction on the project, which is now fully construction tendered. Currently, over 100 construction workers are on site every day, progressing with steel erection and brick veneer paneling, which is on track to be complete by end-of-year.

On schedule and on budget for its opening in June 2024, the $500 million expansion is already creating significant interest for groups vying to bring events and conventions to the facility, Calgary officials said in a news release.

Construction will be paused during the Calgary Stampede in July.

“The sheer scale of the building and its dramatic addition will be clear to guests the minute they set foot onto Stampede Park,” says Joel Cowley, CEO, Calgary Stampede. “The expanded BMO Centre will showcase both the bright future of the Stampede as well as the welcoming western hospitality that sets the Stampede apart from other convention venues.”

Featuring more than a million square feet, when the expansion is complete, the BMO Centre will be Western Canada’s largest convention centre.

“We’re thrilled to see this big, important new landmark take shape. This is an extremely complex project, in close proximity to other major construction projects, like the 17 Ave SE Extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild. It is no doubt one of the one of the most active and robust construction areas in Calgary right now.”

Funded in partnership by all three levels of government, the BMO Centre expansion is one of over $600 million in city-building projects underway in the area, modernizing Stampede Park and setting the stage for Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District. When complete, the massive BMO Centre expansion will be taller than both the Saddledome and GMC Stadium. A sprawling plaza – twice the size of Olympic Plaza – and grand staircase will welcome guests to the building from the south, creating even more opportunities for people to gather and celebrate.

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