Supporting tourism and economic growth in Calgary with expansion of BMO Convention and Trade Centre

CALGARY, March 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Investing in infrastructure that supports trade and tourism is key to building strong regional economies and creating good middle-class jobs.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined by the Honourable Sandra Jansen, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure, His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, and David Sibbald, President and Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede, to announce funding for the expansion of the BMO Convention and Trade Centre in Calgary.

The project will more than double the size of the BMO Centre to almost one million square feet, transforming it into Canada's second-largest facility, and create new spaces for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and consumer shows. This will allow the Centre to host larger conventions and events, boosting southern Alberta's tourism sector and increasing traffic and spin-off benefits for local businesses.

The project is also expected to create more than 1,800 jobs during construction and 500 new full-time positions once the expansion is complete.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $166.6 million to this project through the New Building Canada Fund, while the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary are each providing $166.6 million through the extension of the Calgary Rivers District Community Revitalization Levy. The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Ltd. has previously committed $3.9 million.

Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada has approved over $4.1 billion for more than 215 projects for communities across Alberta since 2016.

Quotes

"Tourism and trade show facilities like the BMO Centre play a huge role in supporting our local economies. This project will create good middle-class jobs and a landmark attraction that will attract tourists and strengthen Calgary's economy for years to come."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"I am happy to see this significant investment in Calgary's cultural infrastructure. Projects like the BMO expansion not only foster business development and investment in Calgary, they also create thousands of new jobs building world-class facilities."

The Honourable Sandra Jansen, Minister of Infrastructure for Alberta

"This is a significant investment that will pay dividends for generations to come. An expanded convention centre is a key part of Calgary's plans for downtown. Not only will this investment in the BMO Centre create jobs, this project is an opportunity to boost Calgary's travel and tourism sector and our overall economy."

His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary

"The federal government's commitment to funding one third of the BMO Centre Expansion project is a significant milestone. This project will enhance economic diversity, trade and tourism and create jobs for Albertans. Thank you to all three levels of government for your support and the opportunity to provide a transformational project as a catalyst for the heart of Calgary's emerging Cultural and Entertainment District."

David Sibbald, President and Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Once open, the expanded BMO Convention and Trade Centre is expected to generate an annual economic benefit of $267 million, which includes $223 million in Alberta.
• Since 2016, the Government  has invested in projects that will support the creation of good middle class jobs in Alberta, including:
• more than $1.5 billion for the Calgary Green Line Light Rail Transit Project to connect new areas of the city to convenient, accessible transit;
• over $29 million for the construction of a new wastewater transmission system to provide residents of Lacombe, Blackfalds and Lacombe County with reliable services; and
• more than $47 million for the expansion of Fort Edmonton Park to boost tourism and create dynamic new cultural and learning spaces.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/ab-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada