Discussions may restart over new arena in Calgary

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Calgary City Council has been asked to renew the conversation about a new arena in Calgary after a presentation to a committee on Friday.

The Event Centre Assessment Committee heard an updated plan from the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation that involves a massive revitalization in Victoria Park, along with an arena and event centre. Afterwards, they voted to ask council to get discussions back underway with the Calgary Flames.

“I think it’s an idea, and I think it’s a pretty damn good idea,” said president of the CMLC Michael Brown.

It involves $150 million in infrastructure improvements, the creation of a Stampede Trail festival street, extending 17 Avenue, building a new bridge into Inglewood, adding to the Riverwalk along the Bow and more.

The 20-year vision also includes four-million square feet of new multi-use development, with a focus on local businesses being a major part.

Brown says these types of upgrades would turn Calgary into a truly modern hub.

“This is closer to what I’ve seen in some higher density areas, you know like you see with Madison Square Garden. You see Washington has a great facility, and the fact that when you pass it on the street and you don’t even know it’s a facility.”

The heart of the district would be the new Calgary Event Centre, at this point planned for 12 Avenue and 4 Street S.E. The latest renderings presented to the committee were created by ROSSETTI.

As the plan involves a complete revitalization of the aging Victoria Park community, Ward 6 Councillor Jeff Davison says Calgarians need to move away from just looking at this as an arena deal.

“We’re talking about a land deal. We’re talking about a district. From the City’s point of view, that’s really what we’re after. We’ve been talking about a cultural and entertainment district for the better part of 25 years.”

The CMLC hopes this would drive thousands of more residents into the area, along with attracting business and creating a year-round gathering place.

“When you think about all the puzzle pieces we have, we have a Green [LRT] Line we’re talking about, we have the Arts Commons, we have the library, the Rivers District in general. It’s really about completing that community,” added Davison.

Brown said one thing that holds Victoria Park back is how the Saddledome is not really a gathering place. It does encourage people to go inside but doesn’t entice people to stay in the community and spend more time there.

“Can be a little like a starship, that’s just dropped into the middle of the community. For us to be successful, in terms of the build-out of Victoria Park, we need to ensure that we have a building that really ties into the community.”

Public engagement was also sought through this process, leading to over 120,000 pieces of input. Respondents agreed there is a desire for a variety of shops, restaurants and businesses in the area, while also improving transportation, creating affordable housing and prioritizing safety.

While council is also busy discussing a possible bid for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Davison said the two subjects are independent.

“As we’ve said from the beginning, the reality is the Event Centre Assessment Committee is moving forward with looking at an event centre for Calgary — with or without the Olympics.

“The conversation for me is not whether or not there will be an event centre. There will be an event centre, it’s just when does it happen,” said Brown.

A master plan is expected to be presented in December.