Transformation of Calgary's Olympic Plaza set to get underway - Action News
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Calgary

Transformation of Calgary's Olympic Plaza set to get underway

The transformation project is a coordinated effort between the city and the CMLC. Its part of a broader revitalization of the area that includes the Arts Commons which is currently undergoing its own design and structural upgrades.

Heritage and history of the plaza to be considered during design phase

A drawing of future plans for Calgary's Olympic Plaza and Arts Commons area overlaid on an aerial photo.
The city and CMLC are moving ahead with a plan for a major overhaul of Calgary's Olympic Plaza, in conjunction with ongoing work to upgrade the adjacent Arts Commons. (CMLC)

A plan to revamp one of Calgary's most iconic landmarks has been set in motion.

Olympic Plaza, a significant culturalhuband gathering place next to City Hall, was a focal point of the 1988 Winter Games and has been a destination for celebrations in the downtown core for nearly four decades.

Now, it'spoised for a makeover.

"The city of Calgary's downtown strategy identified this initiative as a major strategic move and investment as the project builds upon the momentum of work that's already underway," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

Skaters enjoy an outdoor ice rink under the lights at night surrounded by downtown towers.
Skaters took a spin around the illuminated Olympic Plaza rink as they enjoyed the displays during the Chinook Blast winter event throughout downtown Calgary. Chinook Blast runs through the weekends in February. (Colleen De Neve for CBC)

"[It] clearly illustrates the renaissance in Calgary's downtown."

The transformation ispart of a broader revitalization of the area that includes the Arts Commons, which is currently undergoing its own multi-phase $480-million upgrade and eventual expansion.

It's a coordinated effort amongthe city, Arts Commons, and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) whichisspearheading the project.

A key to the Olympic Plaza initiative, in particular, will be connecting and preserving itsheritageto Calgary and its Olympic history, officials say.

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Both Arts Commons (shown here) and Olympic Plaza are undergoing revitalization projects. (Richard White)

Kate Thompson with CMLC saidthey're open to all ideas on how to do that, but are hopingto maintain some of the plaza's unique features.

There are a number of features in the urban park that pay homage to the '88 Calgary Games, most notably, the bricks that line the plaza and are engraved with people's names.

"In terms of the historic references to the Olympics, to the medal ceremonies, all of that will start to inform the approach to the design of the space," she said.

"And how we use the space going forward."

Over the last two years, there has been more than $189 million in private investment funds committed tomajor public space improvements in Calgary's core, the city says.

The 2023-2026 municipal budgetdesignated $108 million for the revitalization of the downtown core, of which $40 million was earmarked for the Olympic Plaza transformation.

Officials are optimistic thatit will signal the start of a new future for the inner city.

"This project represents another major step forward in the continued progression of Calgary's Downtown strategy," said Thom Mahler, the director of the City of Calgary's downtown strategy team.

"We are charting a new future for Calgary's downtown cultural, arts and entertainment identity."

Over the next few weeks, CMLC will issue a request for proposal for a design team. Once that is complete and a team is chosen, the design process itself is expected to go on between 2023 and 2024.

There is no set date as to whenconstruction will start, but CMLC said it'santicipated tobegin in 2026.

With files from Tom Ross