$52 million in provincial and federal funding secures Olympic Oval's future for next 30 years

The Olympic Oval's future is secured. On Monday, provincial and federal officials announced a $52 million funding commitment to upgrade Calgary's premier speedskating venue, with each government contributing $26 million.

The facility, which opened in 1987 to host speedskating at the 1988 Winter Olympics, has become the training ground for 26 Olympic medalists who collectively won 40 Olympic medals, including 12 golds for Team Canada. But the aging venue faced an uncertain future after Canadian speedskaters raised concerns about brine leaks in the 400 pipe connections beneath the 400-metre oval's refrigerated concrete slab.

The funding will support replacement of that original slab, installation of a new ice plant, and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, structural, and life-safety systems. Mark Messer, the oval's director, said the renewal project is expected to cost roughly $65 million and will extend the facility's lifespan by another 30 years. "First and foremost, this saves the oval," he said.

Most of the work will begin next summer when the ice is out of commission. The oval will shut down for nine months starting in January 2028. Messer added that with most funding now secured, the project is on track, though some additional funding sources are still being explored.

The announcement comes after the University of Calgary launched a fundraising campaign last January with a goal of raising $65 million to modernize the facility. Federal Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden, a former Olympic gold medalist in kayak, said the investment ensures "the long-term operation and accessibility of the fastest oval in the world."

Four-time Olympic medalist Isabelle Weidemann, who trained at the oval after moving to Calgary at age 15, described the facility's appeal. "I had dreams of being an Olympian, and I wanted to train here," she said Monday. "That's the magic of this place, and what makes it so special."