New design of Calgary's Olympic Plaza unveiled

It's been an iconic place in downtown Calgary since the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, where the Olympic medals were handed out, serving as well as a gathering place where families skated in the winter and had picnics in the warmer months. 

It’s where the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders rallied after winning the championships of the NHL and CFL respectively and it ‘hosted’ the infamous Occupy Calgary protesters in 2018. 

Those days are in the past for Olympic Plaza, while Calgary officials expect a new, revitalized Olympic Plaza will continue to be a place where Calgarians congregate. 

“Calgary’s Olympic Plaza has long been a destination for culture and civic gathering. While the Olympic Games remain one of the best-known chapters in the plaza’s history, this revitalization ensures that the space will continue to serve as a modern, accessible and inclusive public gathering space for generations to come,” said Kate Thompson, president and CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) development manager for the Arts Common and Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) projects.

“CMLC and our partners have been working with the design team since 2023 to develop a plaza design that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Arts Commons campus, that honours the plaza’s Olympic legacy, serving as a public space for Calgarians to enjoy day-to-day and year-round.” 

The plaza’s new design, from the partnership of gh3 Architecture, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture; CCxA Landscape Architecture and Urban Design; and Belleville Placemaking, was based on public engagements in 2016 and 2024, said Thompson. 

The new design is large enough for groups of up to 5,000 people, while also accommodating the footprint of the Arts Commons Transformation expansion. 

“The revitalized Olympic Plaza embodies a growing Calgary’s evolving civic values as a landmark in downtown, an important destination in the heart of the city,” said Marc Halle, co-president, Landscape Architect, CCxA.

“The inspiration for the plaza’s design is born of the iconography of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the ‘sunflake’, which is represented thematically in the radiating stone pavers of the plaza, and more literally in the design of the central water feature, a 12-metre tall structure the colour of Olympic gold medals that serves as a fountain in summer, a centrepiece for the skating rink in winter, and a landmark through all seasons.” 

“The pavilion on the plaza’s east edge creates an indoor gathering place activated with a food and beverage service and public washrooms, and the green space on the plaza’s north edge offers a sloped green space.”  

Demolition of the plaza began in January 2025, with reconstruction beginning in 2027 and an expectation of being completed in 2028. 

The cost of the upgrade to Olympic Plaza is $70 million, part of the $660 million transformation of the Arts Commons campus, which also includes the Arts Commons Transformation Expansion and Modernization, and a $50 million Arts Commons endowment.  

OPT is funded by the Government of Alberta, the City of Calgary, and Dave Werklund and family. 

“Alberta’s government recognizes the incredible impact the arts have on Alberta’s economic growth and cultural identity,” said Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and status of women.

“From visual and applied arts to live performance, these industries not only drive our economy by supporting local tourism and hospitality but also reflect the dynamic, innovative and vibrant spirit of our province”.  

“Alberta’s government is proud to maintain our $103 million commitment to the Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza Transformation to ensure Calgary’s arts and culture sector continue to thrive.” 

The new plaza is part of the City of Calgary’s plan for a refreshed downtown core.  

“The transformation of Olympic Plaza builds on The City of Calgary’s investment in the revitalization of our downtown to improve livability and vibrancy, and to attract investment and talent to our city,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.  

The public funds have been joined by private funds from the Werklund family. 

“As long-time supporters of our city and of the arts, my family and I are honoured to support Arts Commons in its audacious city-changing transformation,” said Dave Werklund.

“The transformation of Olympic Plaza represents the future of the arts and the future of our great city, and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our partners today.”