By Charles Lefebvre

Calgary’s BMO Centre to expand following provincial announcement

Dec 18, 2018 | 4:34 PM

CALGARY, AB — The provincial government has announced they’re extending a business development levy in Calgary to help downtown revitalization in the city.

Premier Rachel Notley announced Alberta is extending the Calgary Rivers District Community Revitalization Levy until 2026, which which would allow for the expansion of the BMO Centre and other upgrades to the East Victoria Park area.

“East Victoria Park, which includes Stampede Park and BMO Centre, has long stood as the city’s cultural epicentre,” said Notley in a statement. “With this announcement, we are going to kick-start urban renewal in Calgary’s downtown, create thousands of jobs, and increase tourism, business development and investment in Calgary.”

The BMO Centre expansion will create 2,250 jobs and contribute $223 million a year to the provincial economy. The expansion will double the size of the BMO Centre, and make it the second largest convention centre in Canada.

The BMO Centre hosts more than 1,200 events per year, according to a news release.

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The expansion of the levy will also allow for $140 million in infrastructure upgrades in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, and allow for future transformation of the Arts Commons area, which includes the Jack Singer Concert Hall and the Max Bell Theatre.

“This CRL has been one of the most successful in the world, and the new vibrancy of the East Village is testament to that,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi in a statement. “Extending it for a further 20 years after 2026 will allow us to craft even better neighbourhoods, particularly south of the tracks in East Victoria Park where we are crafting a great cultural and entertainment district for Calgary.”