The BMO Centre, an integral part of Calgary's event landscape since 1982, has been the city’s primary venue for consumer and trade shows, special events, meetings and conferences for over four decades. The $500-million city-building investment to expand the complex was led by development manager Calgary Municipal Land Corporation on behalf of the Calgary Stampede and The City of Calgary and constructed by PCL. The expansion boosts its total floor space to over one million square feet, making it the largest convention center in Western Canada — a crucial step in revitalizing Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District.

PCL expertly managed a daily workforce of up to 600, amassing over two million construction hours and involving nearly 5,000 skilled tradespeople.

The 565,000-square-foot expansion, with brilliant architecture inspired by Calgary and its surrounding prairies, was designed by Stantec, Populous and S2. It features a 50-tonne public art sculpture anchoring the BMO Centre’s plaza, a striking composite metal panel facade, a 170-foot curved canopy with programmable LED lights and copper-colored cladding reflecting the region’s pioneering spirit. Intriguing design elements include leather-wrapped doors and a marquee installation of the “Neon Cowboy,” a neon-lit re-creation of the iconic cowboy that oversaw decades of events at the Stampede Corral arena, which stood on the grounds of the current BMO Centre. Inside, the facility showcases an impressive 21-meter-tall indoor fireplace – Canada’s largest – in the Exchange, a hotel lobby-like central gathering space.

With sleek design and functionality, the expanded BMO Centre sets a new standard for convention facility form and function.

PCL built the BMO Centre expansion with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. Key features include wider sidewalks with wayfinding patterns, tactile handrail cues and braille signage, and a service-animal relief area. The infrastructure embodies a holistic commitment to environmental stewardship by recycling nearly 34 million kilograms of demolition waste, utilizing natural lighting, surpassing energy efficiency guidelines and reducing indoor water usage to achieve 35%savings above LEED v4 baseline standards.

In a 39-month timeframe, PCL achieved substantial completion as planned and within budget, while keeping worker safety a top priority. The expanded BMO Centre upholds the project partners’ collective vision of enriching Calgary's tourism, convention and hospitality sectors, powering the local economy for years to come.