Calgary 
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), in partnership with Arts Commons and The City of Calgary, has revealed the design for the Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT), a central piece in the $660 million redevelopment of Calgary’s downtown arts district.
Credit: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)
The updated plan aims to modernize the plaza while preserving its Olympic legacy.
- Design and Public Engagement: The design was developed by gh3, CCxA, and Belleville Placemaking, incorporating feedback from public consultations held in 2016 and 2024. The International Olympic Committee endorsed the project for maintaining legacy features such as the Olympic cauldron and original arches, alongside improvements like green spaces, patios, and a new pavilion.
Credit: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)
- Accessibility and Functionality: The new design retains 96% of the original plaza’s usable space and accommodates the footprint of the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project. It offers a fully accessible, barrier-free layout, supporting events of up to 5,000 people. The goal is to ensure year-round functionality for both civic events and daily public use.
- Architectural Features: Inspired by the 1988 Olympic “sunflake” symbol, the plaza includes a 12-metre gold-coloured water feature that operates seasonally as a fountain and rink centrepiece. A new pavilion on the east side will provide food service and washrooms. A sloped green space is planned for the northern edge of the plaza.
Credit: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)
- Preserved Olympic Legacy: Design elements incorporate original features such as one of Calgary’s Olympic cauldrons and portions of the original arches inscribed with the Latin Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius.” These features will be carefully integrated into the plaza’s updated design to reflect its historical importance.
- Project Scope and Funding: The OPT project is valued at $70 million and forms part of the $660 million transformation of the Arts Commons campus. The initiative also includes a $50 million endowment and a 170,000 square foot expansion. Funding is provided by the Government of Alberta ($103 million), The City of Calgary, and Dave Werklund and family.
- Construction Timeline: Demolition of the existing plaza began in January 2025 to enable work on the ACT expansion. Construction on the new plaza will commence in 2027. Completion is expected in 2028, aligning with the expansion of Arts Commons, which will be renamed the Werklund Centre in 2025.
