Calgary event centre design could be released publicly by July
Calgary councillors have seen the first design renderings of the new event centre, but the public will have to wait until this summer to see what the new home of the Calgary Flames will look like.
A meeting behind closed doors brought members of the event centre committee up to speed on the $1.2 billion project, which includes a community rink and infrastructure improvements in the area.
"Things are moving along as planned," said Sonya Sharp, the councillor for Ward 1.
"The momentum of this timeline has always been number one and we are exactly where we need to be with this project."
Design details can't be shared publicly just yet, but Sharp said she's a fan of these concepts compared to the design of the previous arena project, released in 2021.
"My personal opinion is that I like this one more," she said.
The project will have three development permits submitted, the last of which will provide a look at the design of the building itself.
It could be released in July, just in time for the Stampede, Sharp said.
The first two development permits, submitted in February, provide an overview of the excavation of the site.
"This process creates efficiency and saves time and cost in the overall project schedule," reads part of an update released by the city.
The city will cover more than 40 per cent of the cost of the project – $537.3 million – and will own the building. Calgary Sports and Entertainment (CSEC) is paying $40 million upfront and annual payments that will escalate yearly, starting at $17 million.
The provincial government pledged $330 million to cover the infrastructure costs, half of the community rink and the demolition of the Saddledome.
According to details in the final signed agreements, the project is scheduled to be completed on Aug. 31, 2026, and turned over to CSEC the next day.
That means that, if it's on schedule, the Flames could play the 2026-27 season at the new arena.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.