Calgary’s Telus Convention Centre is celebrating a half-century in operation by looking back to the past and into the future.
To commemorate the occasion, a time capsule, deftly placed inside the concrete base of Colonel James Walker’s bronze bust, was revealed and added to at an event held Monday in Calgary.
The building officially opened Nov. 15, 1974, with former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in Calgary for the event. At that time, it was the first purpose-built convention centre in the country.
Kurby Court, president and CEO of the Calgary Telus Convention Centre said that it was incredible foresight from prior civic leaders to envision a place where people from all over Calgary, Canada and the world could be connected.
“Today, we’re not only taking a look through history and opening the time capsule, but we’re celebrating a milestone that occurred right here in this building 50 years ago, which changed the landscape the business events industry in Canada forever,” Court said.
“The vision of civic leaders at the time to build a convention center in a central location connected to what was then the Four Seasons Hotel.”
Court said the direct connection to hotel space, food options along Stephen Avenue, the CTrain a block away and the Glenbow Museum is something that made it a great location then and will service it for the next 50 years.
“In the past half century, we’ve welcomed and connected countless pioneers, thought leaders, visionaries through our doors,” he said.
“We’ve been the vessel that enabled groundbreaking discoveries, transformative discussions and moments of inspiration that have shaped the course of industries, societies and various communities, from scientific breakthroughs to cultural milestones.”
Court said five years after it opened, the Calgary Convention Centre hosted Canada’s first-ever, million-dollar fundraiser (that actually raised $2 million) and laid the groundwork for the Calgary Foundation, which provides support to various Calgary charities.
Adding to the time capsule
There had been a legend that a time capsule existed on the premises, which few current employees knew. Devin McLaughlin, who has been with the Telus Convention Centre for 13 years, said he learned of it during the 40th anniversary event.
“It took a lot of research through newspaper archives to determine that there was a time capsule already, or the process put in place back in 1975,” he said.
“Then, once we knew it was in here, we actually didn’t know how to open it. There was no easy access panel. It was in the front here, but we had to bring in the City of Calgary Arts department.”
Inside was a phone book from that year, a printed T-shirt, and ballots for the Citizen of the Century. Colonel James Walker was selected, and the bust was made, with the time capsule added. Some of the guests were invited to add items to the time capsule, and there were a couple of other commemorative items. Among those items was a Rubik’s Cube, which also turns 50 this year.
“I think that we did get some really interesting items, it would have been more interesting to find some more,” McLaughlin said.
“That’s why we decided to put some more meaningful things into for the next 50 or so when they open it up.”
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek attended Monday’s event, and she added a letter to Calgarians, and a naloxone kit. She hoped that in 50 years, no one would know what it is.
“I hope they open it up and read the instructions and think to themselves, ‘Oh my goodness, we have done great work in the last 50 years investing in people’s care and treatment and recovery and supporting people with addictions and that we have a place where everyone can live with dignity and everyone can live with the supports, they need to have a complete life,” she said.
Her letter was a message to future Calgarians telling how hard the city as a whole has worked to make sure Calgary was a city where everyone felt like they belonged and were welcome. It also talks about some of the major accomplishments that the city has had.
Future of the Convention Centre
While celebrating 50 years for the Telus Convention Centre on Monday, Mayor Gondek will attend the official opening of the BMO Centre on Wednesday. It’s another convention centre space opening up to the world.
She said it shows a lot about Calgary. We have incredible spaces for people to gather, the mayor said.
“We were the first ones to do a convention center in Canada and it worked so well, we’re opening another facility,” she said.
“We are the premier location to host folks when it comes together and talk about what’s important to their businesses as well as their social organizations.”
Court said he doesn’t see it as competition with the BMO Centre – it’s more like “co-opetition,” because it’s shining a positive light on Calgary. Particularly as they host international convention professionals this week for a conference.
“All of our competitors are coming to see, so now what are we going to be competing with in Calgary,” he said.
“That is probably the biggest compliment we could receive as a destination.”
The Telus Convention Centre plans more activations around its location in the coming months as it continues to celebrate its 50th year.
