Olympic Plaza in Calgary is getting a makeover, but what can visitors expect in the heart of downtown after it’s reimagined?

Known for being the place for cultural celebrations in the summer and romantic ice skating dates in the winter, this inner-city hub is beloved by visitors and locals alike, but it won’t be long until it has a brand new look.

Nervous?

Don’t be! Through an online survey and in-person pop-ups, the city has engaged those who frequent the area and the people have spoken!

Today, the city is one step closer to an Olympic Plaza for the people and here’s what we know.

Photo via CMLC

What might it look like?

According to CMLC, Arts Commons, and city officials, the new plaza will be familiar!

In order, the public has voted for a green space, a performance and concert area, festive lighting, an outdoor eatery, a patio, and a skating surface.

As for its purpose—programming will likely stay the same as the respondents expressed interest in keeping live entertainment at the forefront, as well as festivals, art installations, and food trucks.

“We’re grateful that so many Calgarians took the time to share their ideas and aspirations for the future of Olympic Plaza through our public engagement,” said Kate Thompson, CMLC’s President and CEO.

“The plaza has served our city well in its current form for 36 years. As we look to revitalize and modernize this critical block in the downtown core, understanding Calgarians’ feedback is critical in ensuring that the future plaza is inclusive, accessible and adaptable for as many people and uses as possible.”

Want to check out the hot spot before shovels hit the ground?

Olympic Plaza as Calgary knows it will close at the end of 2024 and remain that way until 2028 while they complete the Arts Commons Transformation expansion.

In the meantime, you’ll still be able to visit and even attend events until December.

So check it out!

Change is coming ($70M worth of change, to be exact), and you’ll want to enjoy it while you can.

Happy plaza-ing, Calgary. 2028 can’t come fast enough!

Recent Posts:
A magical event with over 10,000 glowing pumpkins is coming to Calgary
Here’s what is new & coming soon to Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

Read articles