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
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.
DEVELOPING Trump prosecutor focuses on 'cover-up' in closing arguments while defence attacks key witness
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.