The Event Centre committee got its first look at the building’s new design and committee chair Coun. Sonya Sharp said she likes this version more than the last concept.

The committee met for the first time since October 2023 to get a closed-session project update on the $1.2 billion plan and see the arena concept’s initial design. Earlier this year, the definitive agreements for the new Event Centre project were released, and work has already started on stripping and grading, along with utilities.

Coun. Sharp said that schematic drawings will go to the Calgary Planning Commission (CPC) later this week. That meeting will also be behind closed doors. There are some schematics with the development permit, including topography, bedrock layout, shoring and excavating plans, and what looks to be an outline of the building. The full document is at the end of this story.

“This is the point of this project and design is making sure the design, the scope, the budget are delivered, according to what we have promised Calgarians,” she said.

“I can’t provide any hints. I will say that I’m very pleased on the progress of the project, and we want to make sure that we’re delivering the most optimal project and Event Center for Calgarians.

Sharp said the process isn’t unusual; the initial designs for Arts Commons went through a similar process before the concepts were made public. She said no special treatment is being given to the Event Centre, it will go through the same process as any other project.

When the design goes to CPC, they will provide further input and potentially request changes to the design. Sharp said that the design team will then take the input from CPC and revise the concepts to be submitted for a development permit.

She expected they’ll see something in mid-June for return to the Event Centre Committee, with a development permit potentially issued in early July. It’s around that time when Calgarians will see designs.

“We want to be able to say that we’re breaking ground summer 2024. That is the momentum we have to hit.”

Public design available in due course

Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot, who sits on the Event Centre committee, said that he couldn’t speak directly about the design.

“I believe in due course people will get a chance to see it and hopefully everyone will be happy with the new proposal,” he said.

It’s moving forward efficiently, effectively. I guess the best thing we can say is we’re hoping that it’s going to remain on time and on budget.”

Chabot acknowledged that the last design was met largely with public derision. He said he’d like to see better communication on the project, including what opportunities there are with the new Event Centre, but also potential amendments to the design that come forward from CPC.

“Hopefully all that gets well communicated and hashed out in advance of any further debates on this matter,” he said.

Coun. Sharp said that they’re going to be balancing swiftly getting into the ground while being mindful of cost escalations beyond their control. Sharp said they would deliver a project based on the budget promised to Calgarians.  There has been no budget adjustment at this point, she said.

“We are delivering what we can deliver with the budget that’s been put forward and all that information is now public,” Coun. Sharp said.

As for public input on the design, Sharp said that there’s always an option for people to comment on the project, particularly through the development permit process. Lessons were learned with the last reveal, Sharp said.

Will the design be more well received? Sharp stayed mum on the details.

“I would say that I am looking forward to hearing what Calgarians think. My personal opinion is I like this one more,” she said.