Redevelopment of Olympic Plaza: CMLC survey opens

Calgarians are being asked for their input on how to improve Olympic Plaza as the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) prepares to redevelop the landmark.

“After 35 years of service to our city, Olympic Plaza is ready for a transformation,” Keith Thompson, president and CEO of CMLC, said in a Friday news release.

“Calgarians and visitors alike have fond memories of the plaza, and this is a wonderful opportunity for Calgary to transform the plaza into a modern, inclusive, arts-focused gathering place that reflects the vibrant spirit of our community.”

CMLC launched an online survey to allow citizens to share their ideas and thoughts.

“We want to hear directly from Calgarians about how they currently use Olympic Plaza, their vision for cultural and recreational experiences in a vibrant space, and how we can ensure its continued appeal as a community asset,” said Thompson.

The survey will be open until June 5.

CMLC says the insights will be used to inform the design process.

The design of the new stadium is expected to be shared in early 2025.

Calgarys Olympic Plaza is seen in an undated photo. (CMLC) The redevelopment of Olympic Plaza also coincides with a radical transformation of the adjacent Arts Commons.

“The revitalization of Olympic Plaza is a key component of a $660 million investment in the Arts Commons, Western Canada's largest performing arts center, which also includes a 162,000-square-foot expansion and modernization of the Arts Commons. of the existing Arts Commons facility and a $50 million endowment,” explained the news release.

The estimated cost of redeveloping Olympic Plaza is $70 million, of which $40 million has been earmarked for downtown regeneration through the City of Calgary's 2023-26 budget.

The remaining necessary funds are being secured.

Olympic Plaza will be closed from late 2024 to 2028 to allow for construction on both the Arts Commons Transformation and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects.