Calgary’s Convention Centre Becomes Western Canada’s Premier Event Destination

Funding provided through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects (inactive).

Calgary, Alberta, already known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, vibrant cultural attractions, and festivals, got even better. Thanks to federal support, the BMO Centre at Stampede Park has undergone an expansion, enhancing Calgary's reputation as a premier event destination. The 52,490 square metres addition includes new conference, meeting, exhibition, and support spaces, making the BMO Centre the largest and most modern convention hub in Western Canada. This means more events and more jobs, while contributing to a thriving downtown core!

The expanded BMO Centre opens Calgary’s doors to larger conventions, exciting exhibitions, and dynamic events, drawing visitors from across the globe, year-round. With more than 500 conventions and events already booked since its opening, the influx of guests is creating a ripple effect that benefits hotels, restaurants, and local shops. Calgary’s economy is getting a significant boost, solidifying its place on the map as a top-tier destination for world-class events.

To ensure the expansion was designed with best practices in inclusivity, a local accessibility consultant was brought on to guide the barrier-free and inclusive gathering space. Inside, features like universal washrooms with barrier-free stalls, wider hallways, automatic doors, elevators, contrasting materials on paths with low visibility, tactile guides on handrails, warning strips near stairs, braille signage, and cane detectable barriers all help ensure that everyone can take part in Calgary’s biggest events. Outside, larger sidewalks with intuitive wayfinding patterns in the paving stones help direct visitors to the entrance.

But the benefits don’t stop there. This project is also creating jobs! From the experts who helped build the expansion to the growing opportunities in hospitality, catering, event management, and more, the BMO Centre is helping more Calgarians find work.

And for those who know Calgary for the iconic Stampede, the BMO Centre expansion only enhances the experience. Located on Stampede Park, the centre offers even more space to celebrate Canada’s western heritage, culture, and community spirit at the world-famous annual celebration.

"Calgary's BMO Centre is a spectacular piece of infrastructure. With its boutique hotel ambiance and state-of-the-art facilities, the BMO Centre is an incredible asset for Calgary and Canada. Its recent upgrades will allow us to host our Energy Disruptors: UNITE summit here for the next decade."

Federal investments are helping lay the groundwork for brighter, more inclusive futures for Canadians. The expanded BMO Centre is an example of how the Government of Canada is helping build vibrant communities—one square metre at a time! Calgary’s event calendar just got a whole lot bigger, and we can’t wait to see how this architectural landmark will continue to elevate the city and benefit Canadians for years to come.

Quick facts:

• The BMO Centre is 20 kms from Calgary’s International Airport and 3 blocks from Calgary’s Downtown Core.
• The Centre includes more than 46,000 square metres of available rentable conference and event space, and 32,000 square metres of contiguous exhibit space, more than double the previous rentable area.
• The New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects (PTIC-NRP) provided funding to support infrastructure projects of national and regional significance that contributed to economic growth, a clean environment and stronger communities.  The Province of Alberta and City of Calgary shared equally in funding this project.

For more information, visit:

• Federal Infrastructure investments in Alberta
• The BMO Centre at Stampede Park
• Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)
• The City of Calgary
• Calgary Stampede