BMO Centre expansion on schedule, Stampede visitors to get early glimpse
A massive construction project in Stampede Park is beginning to take shape and visitors to this year's edition of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will witness its progress.
The $500-million BMO Centre expansion is slated to open in June 2024 and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) officials say it's on schedule and on budget.
"We’re thrilled to see this big, important new landmark take shape," said Kate Thompson, CMLC president and CEO, in a statement. "This is an extremely complex project, and we’ve worked tirelessly alongside our partners at the Calgary Stampede to deliver a world-class facility that’s right for Calgary, while carefully balancing the coordination of hundreds of events that take place on Stampede Park every year, and in close proximity to other major construction projects, like the 17 Ave SE extension and Victoria Park/Stampede (LRT) station rebuild.
"It is no doubt one of the one of the most active and robust construction areas in Calgary right now."
Joel Cowley, Calgary Stampede CEO, said the addition to the grounds is expected to turn heads during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.
"The sheer scale of the building and its dramatic addition will be clear to guests the minute they set foot onto Stampede Park," said Cowley in a release. "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."
Once complete, the expanded BMO Centre will be one of the largest convention centres in Western Canada, offering more than 1 million square footage of space, as well as Stampede Park's tallest permanent building.
The Calgary Stampede says it has already begun receiving booking inquires despite the fact the doors are not expected to open for two more years.
Construction on the BMO Centre as well as the neighbouring LRT station rebuild and 17 Ave extension will be halted for the duration of this year's Stampede.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.