Calgary’s new event centre, formally known as Scotia Place, has been unveiled by the City of Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), sparking excitement.

The design of this project draws inspiration from the ancestral and historical land of Indigenous Peoples. It also pays tribute to a culturally significant site that represents our collective goal of gathering. By blending Indigenous cultural perspectives with the natural beauty of Calgary and its surrounding region, the design reflects the four elements of nature: fire, ice, land, and air.

The building’s central structure is a remarkable sight, adorned with a textured flame motif that mimics the cozy ambiance of a home fire. This captivating feature becomes even more enchanting when illuminated during nighttime. Rising from the lower sections of the building, which resemble white, glacial-like forms, the home fire represents a symbol of warmth and vitality. It serves as a gathering place where people come together to share tales from the past and weave new stories for the future.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasizes that Calgary’s new world-class convention centre in the Culture + Entertainment District has already attracted envy from other cities. The inclusion of Scotia Place further highlights the city’s ability to capitalize on hospitality and hosting as fundamental strengths, enticing investors. Additionally, Mayor Gondek acknowledges and respects the integral role Indigenous communities have played for generations in shaping Calgary into a space where everyone feels included, a sentiment that extends to Scotia Place.

Scotia Place, set to debut in autumn 2027, commemorates the significance of the region as a communal hub and promises to become a prominent landmark in Calgary’s burgeoning Culture + Entertainment District. Beyond being a mere structure, this expansive 10-acre city block is thoughtfully designed to foster community and forge connections. It encompasses a community rink, both outdoor and indoor plaza areas, four restaurants, the Calgary Flames Team Store, and potential future development prospects in the northeast corner. With the aim of accommodating the 8,000 inhabitants of this upcoming downtown neighborhood, Scotia Place will serve as a gathering spot and offer an array of amenities.

Danielle Smith, Premier of the Province of Alberta, affirms that Calgary’s rich history of hosting top-tier events has consistently attracted millions of visitors annually, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses and the overall economy. She highlights the ongoing construction of the Calgary Rivers District and Event Centre as a crucial development that will breathe new life into the downtown area. This revitalization is expected to attract a greater number of thrilling events, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents of Calgary.

A development permit application for the facility was submitted on July 19, 2024. This was a significant milestone for the project team, consisting of CAA ICON, HOK-DIALOG, and CANA/Mortenson. People interested in following or commenting on the permit can find the application at Calgary.ca/dmap. The application is expected to be heard by the Calgary Planning Commission by end of 2024.

According to Councillor Sonya Sharp, Chair of the Event Centre Committee, today holds great significance for Calgary. It is not merely about the architectural designs of a building, but rather the revelation of a space that will be cherished by Calgarians and tourists alike. This place will serve as a venue for concerts, sports, and community events, where lasting memories will be created. Councillor Sharp expresses her hope that the excitement surrounding this unveiling matches that of the committee, as Scotia Place is set to become the ultimate destination within our new Culture & Entertainment District.

Robert Hayes, President and CEO of CSEC, expressed that a major aspect of their mission is to be the heart of the community, fostering connections and uniting people. He stated that Scotia Place will serve as an ideal location to achieve and fulfill this mission for all residents of Calgary. The design of the facility brings the vision of numerous contributors to life, and CSEC is grateful for the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta for their leadership and support in reaching this point. CSEC is proud to partner with Scotiabank and present Scotia Place as a remarkable and significant facility, a testament to their dedication and enthusiasm.

Aris Bogdaneris, Group Head of Canadian Banking at Scotiabank, expressed how they have witnessed the significant benefits that these partnerships bring to the local communities and their clients. He stated that Scotia Place presents an innovative and ambitious vision for Alberta’s top sports and entertainment venue. For almost two decades, Scotiabank has been a proud collaborator of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, with a shared dedication to providing fans and clients with an unforgettable experience as they enter Scotia Place.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, expresses enthusiasm for commencing the construction of essential infrastructure required for the creation of numerous residential units and the realization of Calgary’s new Culture + Entertainment district. “The province’s dedication to enhancing and upkeeping fundamental infrastructure greatly supports Calgary in materializing these initiatives, aligning with the expectations of Albertans,” affirms Dreeshen.

Recognizing the importance of the building’s placement where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet, on the ancestral territory of the Treaty 7 Peoples and the Metis Nation, The City, CSEC, HOK-DIALOG, and CAA ICON collaborated with an Indigenous Advisory Group. This group consisted of representatives from the Treaty 7 Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, and the Urban Indigenous community. Their involvement played a vital role throughout the design process.

Carmen Lasante, Captain of the Calgary Elbow Metis District, expressed her gratitude for being involved in a truly inclusive initiative that considered the perspectives of all indigenous peoples from southern Alberta. The purpose of this initiative was to design a center that would recognize the historical importance of the land to the Metis community. Carmen emphasized that inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of the Metis identity, and she commended the City for their diligent efforts in bringing together diverse histories to create this space.

According to Ira Provost, Piikani Nation Consultation, the key to successful relationship development with Indigenous communities lies in engaging in a proper manner. This is crucial because Indigenous nations have played a vital role in shaping the identity of the land currently recognized as the city of Calgary. The connection between Indigenous communities and the surrounding landscape and environment is inseparable.

Frequently emphasized during the Indigenous engagement sessions was the significant theme of “Welcome, there is ample space,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring Scotia Place is inclusive and accessible to everyone.

The design of the public plazas pays tribute to the profound bond that Indigenous Peoples have with the land. It includes depictions of the tipi, Métis Trapper’s Tent, and features inspired by Alberta’s globally recognized natural scenery.

The primary concourse and outdoor public plazas were deliberately positioned at street-level to facilitate easy movement for both Calgarians and visitors. This design choice involved lowering the event and ice surface, ensuring a seamless transition between the curb, primary concourse, and the surrounding outdoor areas.

According to Doug Cinnamon, Partner Architect at DIALOG, we are extremely excited about partnering with HOK and leveraging our distinct expertise to revolutionize Calgary’s Event Centre into a driving force for an innovative urban community.

Our vision revolves around various design principles, such as activating the public realm, incorporating indigenous influences, showcasing public art and storytelling, prioritizing sustainability, and striking a balance between the past, present, and future. The central aim is to guarantee effortless accessibility, encourage a mix of different uses, and establish lively public spaces that are accessible to all. This collaborative redesign presents a chance to attract investment into the area and elevate its cultural vibrancy, solidifying Calgary’s position as a flourishing and dynamic community hub.

Scotia Place represents an enduring investment in Calgary’s up-and-coming Culture + Entertainment District. With contemporary event facilities featuring inclusive design and incorporating eco-friendly practices for optimal efficiency and the goal of achieving net-zero status by 2050, Scotia Place is intended to cater to Calgary’s expanding community for many generations ahead.

Construction begins this week. For additional information about Scotia Place – click here