BMO Centre Expansion

Western Canada’s largest convention centre welcomes the world

An architectural landmark—and a new precedent for world-class convention venues.

Overview

Another big boost to Calgary’s stature on the world stage

CMLC led the delivery of the BMO Centre’s $500-million expansion, which increased the facility’s total floor space to more than one million square feet and elevated Calgary to top-tier destination status in the global meetings and conventions market. Second to none in design and functionality, the architecturally spectacular expanded BMO Centre sets a new precedent for convention facility form and function.

Location

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Western Canada’s largest convention centre

    The expansion more than doubled the rentable space in Calgary’s beloved BMO Centre, increasing its total occupancy to 33,000.

  • 2

    An undertaking of magnificent proportions

    Despite its staggering complexity and scale, with 600+ workers on site every day, CMLC delivered the project on time and on budget

  • 3

    A $500-million city-building investment

    By opening the city to a whole new market, the BMO Centre will play a vital role in bringing the world to Calgary and The C+E

  • 4

    A public art focal point for the BMO Centre’s vast outdoor plaza

    Spirit of Water—a 70-foot, 112,000-pound steel sculpture by UK-based artist Gerry Judah—anchors the BMO Centre’s outdoor gathering space.

Timeline

As development manager, CMLC kept construction of the BMO Centre expansion on schedule and on budget from well before the project broke ground in April 2021 until the fantastic new convention venue opened in June 2024. View a start-to-finish time-lapse of the BMO Centre’s construction.

Final Design

June 2020

Demolition

October 2020

Groundbreaking

April 2021

Concrete Foundation Complete

February 2022

Structural Steel Complete

November 2022

Substantial Completion

March 2024

Grand Opening

June 2024

Design

Construction

Media & Recognition

Global News
Global News Logo in White.

BMO Centre expansion project on schedule to open for 2024 Stampede Read More

Calgary Herald
Calgary Herald

Canada's largest indoor fireplace set to call the new BMO Centre home Read More

CBC
CBC

Final steel beam lifted into place at BMO Centre expansion Read More

CMLC
CMLC logo in white on a black background.

BMO Centre Expansion Timelapse: Demolition to Steel Completion Read More

Dates

Broke ground April 2021Completed June 2024

Partners

  • Calgary Stampede
    Calgary Stampede Logo
  • The City of Calgary
    The City of Calgary

Project Team10

  • Populous
    Populous
    Design Consultant
  • S2 Architecture
    S2 Architecture
    Design Consultant
  • Stantec
    Stantec
    Design Consultant, Mechanical & Electrical (supported by ME Engineers)
  • PCL Construction
    PCL Construction
    Construction Manager
  • RJC
    RJC
    Structural Engineer
  • M3 Development Management
    M3 Development Management
    Project Manager
  • MKA
    MKA
    Structural Engineer
  • Level Playing Field
    Level Playing Field
    Accessibility Consultant
  • O2 Planning & Design
    O2 Planning & Design
    Landscape Architect
  • Urban Systems
    Urban Systems
    Civil Engineer

Articles34

Resources1

  • Cover of A bold new vision for Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District

    Rivers District Engagement Report

    Published