Stantec selected as part of project team on BMO Centre expansion in Calgary
Design and engineering consultancy Stantec, along with architecture firms Populous and S2, have been selected as primary consultants for the $500-million BMO Centre expansion in Calgary, Alberta.
It’s generally a good idea to diversify your portfolio. Saudi Arabia, an oil-centric economy if there ever was one, has put in place an ambitious modernization and economic diversification program (Vision 2030) to route oil proceeds into building up the country’s technology industry, among other areas. Most global cities meanwhile, are trying to figure out how to transform themselves in technology hubs, if they aren’t one already.
The oil money that built out Calgary is an increasingly tenuous prospect, as businesses and locals observe the effects of lower prices in the last few years, as well as changing consumption patterns and shifting trends to renewables. Increased diversification of the local economy isn’t a bad gambit.
To that end, the expansion of the BMO Centre into a modern and international venue is part of a strategy by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), the Calgary Stampede, and the City of Calgary to develop trade and tourism in the region. The $500-million project is a key component of the redevelopment of downtown Calgary’s east end into a new Culture & Entertainment district – bringing in new hospitality, tourism, and entertainment jobs.
Opened in 1982, the BMO Centre is the city’s top venue for trade shows, special events, meetings, and conferences. The venue has gone through two previous expansions, and the current one will allow it to compete with top-tier global convention centres.
“The BMO Centre expansion is a transformational project that will make significant direct and indirect contributions to the growing energy and excitement in east Victoria Park,” Michael Brown, president and CEO, CMLC, said. “It’s a signal to the world that Calgary is coming into its own as a first-class destination for international visitors.”
The CMLC and Calgary Stampede have now selected a team composed of Stantec, Populous, and S2 Architecture to consult on the expansion project. Stantec will act as prime consultant and architect of record (AOR), while Populous will serve as architectural design lead and S2 will lead the construction admin team. Stantec will also deliver mechanical and electrical engineering services, as well as other specialty advisory support.
Stantec recently upgraded two Major League Baseball facilities (Wrigleyville in Chicago and McGregor Square in Denver), while Populous has worked with more than 50 convention center clients over the past 20 years. S2 recently delivered a creative corporate campus in Calgary.
“The team at Stantec, Populous, and S2 Architecture offer unparalleled expertise in not only the building’s design, but how it will interact and integrate with the surrounding community and Stampede Park,” Dana Peers, president and chairman of the board of the Calgary Stampede, said. “After years of planning, it is very exciting to bring this team on board to realize our vision.”
The team beat out 11 other proposals from firms across the globe. The three-firm team will begin design work immediately.
