A district taking shape
Since CMLC and the Calgary Stampede first partnered to deliver a shared vision for the future of The C+E, we have been steadily working to turn that vision into reality.
What was once a vision for Calgary’s next great city neighbourhood is now taking shape as a more active, walkable, accessible and connected district – one rooted in the area’s long-standing power to bring people together and make space for celebration.
With major projects completed, underway and advancing through planning and regulatory stages, momentum continues to build across The C+E. Over the past five years, CMLC, the Calgary Stampede and The City of Calgary have delivered district-defining projects like the BMO Centre Expansion, 17 Ave S.E. Extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild project, and are now well underway with the construction of Scotia Place, Stampede Trail, the 6 Street S.E. Underpass and other Culture + Entertainment District Infrastructure improvements. Private development momentum is growing as well, with developer partner Truman currently in construction on one hotel and advancing regulatory approvals for two more.
But the evolution of The C+E is about more than physical development alone. From the beginning, the RDMP envisioned a district shaped not only by buildings, venues and streets, but by experience — one that draws on the spirit of entertainment embedded in its DNA to create a year-round gathering place for culture, business, sport and everyday city life.
Less than a decade into the implementation of the master plan, that vision is already visible across the district. The expanded BMO Centre is welcoming larger conventions and national events that Calgary could not previously host, including the recent Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships. The completion of Flores LaDue Parade has created a new front door to the district and helped enable major civic moments like the Calgary Expo’s, POW! Parade of Wonders to move through The C+E. And through temporary activations like Pixel Park, CMLC is using placemaking and programming to introduce Calgarians to the future character of the district today — creating opportunities for gathering, exploration and play while development continues around it.
These moments are not incidental. They reflect the intentional city-building and placemaking work underway across The C+E, where infrastructure investments, public realm improvements and placemaking initiatives are working together to shape how people move through, experience and connect with the district.
With hundreds of crew members at work on construction projects every day and thousands arriving for events every week, The C+E is both a district in development and a vibrant destination for culture and entertainment. Already, this master planned community is realizing its potential as a connected gathering place where culture, entertainment, business and public life come together.
Learn more about the Rivers District Master Plan and the long-term vision shaping The Culture + Entertainment District.
