Werklund Centre modernization bid could require additional $62 million in city funding
Calgary council will be asked during November budget talks to boost funding for the downtown arts campus overhaul to $125 million, double the current commitment.
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Calgary city council may be asked to commit an additional $62 million to the Werklund Centre modernization during November's budget deliberations, raising the total city funding request to $125 million — nearly double the originally earmarked amount.
The Werklund Centre Transformation Advisory Committee will receive an update Monday on the overhaul of the downtown Arts Commons campus. According to a city report, the adjusted project scope and cost estimate have prompted administration to request a budget increase from $63 million to $125 million through the 2027-2030 capital funding cycle.
The three-part project includes construction of a new 170,000-square-foot theatre building at the corner of 7th Avenue and 1st Street S.E., featuring a 1,000-seat Osten Victor Playhouse and a 200-seat studio theatre; a $68-million Olympic Plaza revitalization; and a $345-million modernization of the existing Werklund Centre campus. The new theatre building and Olympic Plaza revitalization are fully funded and slated for completion in late 2028.
The existing campus modernization, which would increase the Werklund Centre's audience capacity by 45 percent, faces a $270.5-million funding shortfall. Design is complete, but construction cannot begin until additional funding is secured. Construction could start in 2029 if funding is confirmed by year's end and would likely take three years to complete.
The modernization represents the largest arts infrastructure project underway in Canada. The Werklund Centre is lobbying the federal government to match the $103 million the Alberta government is providing, while fundraising the remainder through a philanthropic donation campaign.
The facts
How much additional city funding is Calgary being asked to commit to the Werklund Centre?
Calgary city council may be asked to commit an additional $62 million to the Werklund Centre modernization, raising the total city funding request to $125 million from the originally earmarked $63 million.
What will the new theatre building at Werklund Centre include?
The new 170,000-square-foot theatre building at the corner of 7th Avenue and 1st Street S.E. will feature a 1,000-seat Osten Victor Playhouse and a 200-seat studio theatre.
When could construction on the existing Werklund Centre campus modernization begin?
Construction on the existing Werklund Centre campus modernization could start in 2029 if funding is confirmed by year's end and would likely take three years to complete.
When will the new theatre building and Olympic Plaza revitalization be completed?
The new theatre building and Olympic Plaza revitalization at Werklund Centre are slated for completion in late 2028.
