Calgary's Olympic Plaza Transformation Overview

Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), alongside its collaborators at Arts Commons and The City of Calgary, has unveiled the much-anticipated design for the Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) project. This marks a pivotal moment in the rejuvenation of one of Calgary’s most iconic public spaces.

Quotes from CMLC Leadership

“Calgary’s Olympic Plaza has historically served as a hub for culture and community interaction," stated Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC. "This transformation ensures it will continue to be a modern, accessible, and inclusive venue for generations to come.” Since 2023, CMLC has been collaborating closely with design teams to craft a plaza that seamlessly integrates with the broader Arts Commons campus, honoring the plaza's storied Olympic history, while paving the way for diverse programming opportunities ranging from cultural events to performances and festivals.

Design Team and Community Engagement

The design team comprises gh3 Architecture, CCxA Landscape Architecture, and Belleville Placemaking. Community engagement sessions held in 2016 and again in 2024 were instrumental in shaping the design, which honors Olympic legacy by suggesting features like returning the beloved skating rink and introducing new green spaces, patios, and covered areas for year-round activity.

International Olympic Committee Endorsement

A notable endorsement of the design came from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), emphasizing its adherence to ongoing activation of Olympic assets and celebration of Calgary’s Olympic legacy.

New Design Features

The new design optimizes the site’s capacity with a barrier-free layout that can comfortably host gatherings of up to 5,000 individuals. Impressively, the transformation will retain 96% of the old plaza's usable space while accommodating the expansion of the Arts Commons to the west.

Inspiration from Olympic History

Marc Halle, Co-President and Landscape Architect at CCxA, shared insights on the design's inspirations rooted in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, referring to the iconic 'sunflake' motif reflected in the plaza’s stone pavers. Central to the redesigned space is a striking 12-meter tall fountain that mirrors the color of an Olympic gold medal, serving multifunctional purposes as a summer water feature and a centerpiece for winter skating.

Additional Enhancements and Features

The revitalized plaza will also include an indoor gathering pavilion offering food and beverage options and public amenities, complemented by a landscaped slope on the plaza's northern edge. Collectively, these enhancements will honor the historical significance of the site while embodying the modern aspirations of Calgary’s community.

Historical Elements to Remain

Once completed in 2028, visitors will encounter familiar elements such as the historic 1988 Olympic Cauldron and an arch that features the famous Latin phrase “Citius, Altius, Fortius” ("Faster, Higher, Stronger"), which will be prominently positioned along the north edge.

Investment and Funding Support

This ambitious revitalization underscores Calgary's dedication to promoting arts and culture,” remarked Alex Sarian, President and CEO of Arts Commons. “As the largest cultural infrastructure initiative underway in Canada, this project will position Olympic Plaza as a dynamic cultural hub in Calgary's core.” The project, with an investment of $70 million from a total $660 million Arts Commons campus transformation, boasts robust funding support from The Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary, and private donations from the Werklund family.

Government Support for Arts and Culture

In her comments, Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, emphasized the transformative impact of the arts on Alberta’s economic growth and cultural identity. “We are committed to our $103 million investment in the Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza Transformation, which will empower Calgary's arts and culture sector for years to come,” she stated.

City's Vision for Downtown Calgary

As the transformation project progresses, it reflects the City of Calgary's vision to promote livability and vibrancy in downtown areas, all while attracting investment and talent. Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “This investment in beloved public spaces like Olympic Plaza will ensure accessibility to arts, culture, and recreation for Calgarians for generations.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Stay tuned as Calgary gears up for the awe-inspiring changes that will redefine its iconic Olympic Plaza, turning it into a must-visit cultural destination!