Stampede Corral to be demolished as next phase of BMO Centre expansion begins

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – As a part of Calgary’s future is one step closer to finishing, a piece of its history is getting ready to be taken down.

The expansion of the BMO Centre is moving into the next phase after the completion of a 100,000 square foot space on the north side of the existing centre.

“Over the past 18 months, our project team has made significant progress on the preparatory work required to support the successful delivery of the BMO Centre expansion,” said President of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Kate Thompson.

“While we’ve certainly had to adapt and respond to health guidelines brought forward from the pandemic, we are now moving into the next stage which lays the groundwork for the expansion to be built.”

Unfortunately, the next phase of construction will see the demolition of a Calgary landmark later this month.

The Stampede Corral and BMO Centre Exhibition Hall A will be torn down to make room for the future expansion.

Crews have already been working to remove materials from inside both buildings, upgrading and relocating underground utilities, and removing the Plus 15 walkway on the south side of the Corral.

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“As we prepare to say goodbye to the Corral, we are proud to be building the future of Stampede Park with the BMO Centre as a catalyst for Calgary’s continued economic growth and diversity,” said Jim Laurendeau with the Calgary Stampede.

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Some memorabilia from the Corral will be placed in storage for the time being, however, some items including the neon cowboy and the large concrete figures outside the building will be recreated in the future.

The CMLC said the BMO Centre expansion is still on schedule to be finished by 2024.