Construction is officially underway on the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project in Calgary’s downtown core, following years of advocacy, preparation and planning. The $600 million initiative is currently Canada’s largest arts-focused infrastructure venture.
Project construction will happen in phases, with an anticipated completion date in 2028. It includes building a new $270 million performing arts centre, upgrading the existing 40-year-old Arts Commons facility, and modernizing the nearby Olympic Plaza.
The $70 million outdoor public plaza will feature a star-shaped fountain in the summer months, which will be converted into a skating rink during the winter. The new design will honour the original plaza by integrating elements from the 1988 Calgary Olympics, including a 12-metre gold statue, as well as a cauldron from the winter games.
Our Colliers Project Leaders team is proudly delivering this project in collaboration with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) and the City of Calgary. Our team will continue to provide comprehensive project management support as construction begins on the ACT, which will contribute to Calgary’s social, economic and cultural development.
“To finally be able to break ground on this once-in-a-lifetime project, with such an unprecedented level of public and private support, sends a strong message to the world about the importance of arts and culture to a city’s well-being, as well as to Calgary’s position on the global stage,” said Kate Thomson, CEO and president of CMLC.
Funding for the project includes more than $320 million in existing funding, as well as an additional $103 million from the province and a $75 million contribution from the Werklund family.
We are excited to be a part of this significant revitalization of Calgary’s Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza, both of which will enhance the city’s stature on the world stage and encourage even more people to visit the downtown core.
Read more at the Journal of Commerce & Calgary Herald.
