Transformation of Calgary's Olympic Plaza set to get underway

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

Olympic Plaza, a significant cultural hub and 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's poised 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.

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

The transformation is part 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 among the city, Arts Commons, and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) — which is spearheading the project.

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

Kate Thompson with CMLC said they're open to all ideas on how to do that, but are hoping to 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 to major public space improvements in Calgary's core, the city says.

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

Officials are optimistic that it 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 when construction will start, but CMLC said it's anticipated to begin in 2026.