Plans for the Calgary Event Center are expected by July

We're getting closer to learning more about the City of Calgary's new event center, including what it will look like.

On Monday, the city council held a closed-door meeting and the chairman of the Committee on Events, Council. Sonya Sharp says the city is right there and they're staying on budget when it comes to project timelines.

“I can't give any advice, I can say I'm very happy with the progress of the project,” he says, adding that he expects the designs to be unveiled by July, shortly after the official development permit goes through the council floor.

During the meeting, council got its first look at a schematic drawing of the complex that will be the new home of the Calgary Flames.

“Today's meeting was an opportunity for councilors to see it before it goes to the Calgary Planning Commission,” he says.

The last time the event center designs were presented to the public, they were met with some mixed reviews. Sharp said he likes the final version better and hopes Calgarians agree.

Sharp said he would like to break ground on the project in August if all goes according to plan.

Earlier this year, the city and its partners announced the final agreements for a new event center and other improvements to the Calgary Culture + Entertainment District.

The central event block will include an event center, indoor and outdoor public spaces, a public ice rink and more.

The total cost of the project is 926.4 million dollars. Calgary will pay the largest share at $515.3 million, followed by the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) at $356 million and the Province of Alberta at $55.1 million.