Federal, Alberta governments invest $52 million in Calgary Olympic Oval upgrade

Calgary's Olympic Oval, famed for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics and renowned for its "fastest ice in the world," is set to undergo significant upgrades totaling $52 million. This investment, a joint effort between the federal and Alberta provincial governments, will be split equally between the two entities.

The facility, a key legacy project from the 1988 Calgary Games, has been a vital hub for community, university, and elite athletes for almost forty years. It serves as the home base for Canada's national speedskating team. However, the oval's ice-making capabilities are nearing the end of their operational life due to aging infrastructure, including increasing leaks from brine pipe connections in its floor.

The planned renovations include crucial upgrades to the ice plant, replacement of concrete and floor sections, and other improvements. Notably, enhancements will be made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The existing ice slab features approximately 400 connections to its cooling system, which have been experiencing more frequent leaks annually.

This funding injection aims to extend the operational life of the iconic speedskating venue. The federal government has also recently announced additional investments in ski and snowboard facilities across various provinces and a top-up to the Athletic Assistance Program, supporting Canada's high-performance athletes.