Funding for Arts Commons expansion approved by city council

After a decade-long conversation, city council has approved $22.5 million in funding for work on a major expansion of Arts Commons.

The goal of the project is to transform and expand Arts Commons, and the first phase would see three new theatres built.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi says the move Monday clears the way for lobbying other governments to join with the city in funding the expansion.

"It was supposed to be done in 2010 in time for the 25th anniversary of the facility. In 2019, maybe we can get it started now," said the mayor.

The overall expansion of the performing arts facility is priced at $240 million. Other funding sources are still being sought.

Arts Commons, formerly the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts, is a large downtown complex immediately south of Olympic Plaza. It includes the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Max Bell Theatre and several smaller venues.

It's home to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects and One Yellow Rabbit.

Arts Commons is one of four major projects that city council has recently approved, including the BMO Centre expansion and the new arena in Victoria Park.

"This project actually has had far, far more work done for many years than any of the other three projects, in fact all of them combined," Nenshi said. "Frankly, they've been at it for so long it's ready to go."