Development permit approved for Calgary’s new event centre [Video]

Construction on Calgary’s new event centre is one step closer to reality after the city’s planning commission unanimously approved the project’s final development permit on Thursday afternoon.

More detailed plans for Scotia Place, which will be the new home for the Flames, Wranglers, Roughnecks and Hitmen, provide an idea of what the $900-million arena will look like when completed.

“After years of going after this, we’re at the stage right now whereby Calgarians will see what this new event centre looks like, in terms of the 18,400 seats that are going to be proposed there,” said Coun. Terry Wong.

“But it’s not just about that; it’s also about the public realm. It’s also about the entertainment district.”

Site preparation in Victoria Park is well underway, with the centre’s footprint evident next to the Saddledome and newly expanded BMO Centre.

“I think what you’re going to find is just the interaction …