The Olympic Plaza in Calgary is getting a new look!
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Arts Commons, and the City of Calgary have been working on plans to revitalize this local landmark for a while. Finally, the wait is over: they’ve just announced the design for the Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) project.
A new Olympic Plaza
Being one of Calgary’s most recognizable public spaces, this is no small feat. The CMLC and its partners have been working with a design team since 2023 to develop a plan for the plaza that integrates the Arts Commons campus and honours the plaza’s Olympic legacy.
The urban design, architecture, and landscape architecture were spearheaded by three Canadian firms: gh3 Architecture, CCxA Landscape Architecture, and Belleville Placemaking.
The goal was to create a space that brings the community together and offers a range of programming opportunities. This covers everything from cultural events, performances, and festivals, all while serving as an enjoyable public space for Calgarians year-round.
“Calgary’s Olympic Plaza has long been a destination for culture and civic gathering in Calgary. While the Olympic Games remain one of the best-known chapters in the plaza’s history, this revitalization ensures that the space will continue to serve as a modern, accessible and inclusive public gathering space for generations to come,” said Kate Thompson, president and CEO of CMLC, development manager for the Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects.
How was the design chosen?
One of the coolest parts about this transformation is that Calgarians had a say.
Public engagement in 2016 and 2024 helped to shape key elements of the design, such as the integration of Olympic legacy features, the skating rink, and the addition of green spaces, patios, and a pavilion to support year-round activities.
The design team also worked to maximize function and flexibility by providing a more accessible, barrier-free layout that can support gatherings of up to 5,000 people.
“The revitalized Calgary Olympic Plaza embodies a growing Calgary’s evolving civic values as a landmark in downtown – an important destination in the heart of the city,” said Marc Halle, co-president of Landscape Architect, CCxA. “The inspiration for the plaza’s design is born of the iconography of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games – the ‘sunflake’ – which is represented thematically in the radiating stone pavers of the plaza, and more literally in the design of the central water feature.”
When will the transformation be complete?
While this transformation won’t be completed until 2028, this design announcement is still pretty huge.
The transformation of Olympic Plaza itself will come at a sticker price of $70 million. This is part of the $660-million project to revitalize the Arts Commons campus, which includes the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) Expansion and Modernization and a $50-million Arts Commons endowment. The Olympic Plaza project is fully funded by the Government of Alberta, the City of Calgary, and Dave Werklund and family.
“This remarkable revitalization of Calgary’s Olympic Plaza represents a bold vision for Calgary, reflecting our city’s commitment to fostering and supporting arts and culture,” said Alex Sarian, president and CEO of Arts Commons. “It is the largest cultural infrastructure project underway in Canada, and when complete it will be a vibrant, world-class cultural hub located in the heart of Calgary.”
Where can I see more?
If the renderings aren’t enough, you can take a virtual look through the project plan with this flythrough animation on YouTube that showcases both the Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza transformation.
“The transformation of this iconic plaza builds on The City of Calgary’s investment in the revitalization of our downtown to improve livability and vibrancy, and to attract investment and talent to our city,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Investing strategically in our public spaces – especially one as central and beloved as Calgary’s Olympic Plaza – will ensure Calgarians have access to arts, culture and recreational programming for many years to come.”
What’s your take on the Olympic Plaza’s new look?
When: Project estimated to be complete in 2028
Where: 228 8th Ave. SE, Calgary
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Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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