Council asked to defer nearly $900M in 2025 capital spending, including event centre​on February 9, 2025 at 11:43 pm

City officials are recommending council remove almost $900 million from its planned 2025 capital budget and reallocate much of that funding to 2027 and beyond.

The recommended deferrals — outlined in a report to council’s executive committee — include $294.5 million for the Scotia Place event centre.

That funding would instead be pushed to 2026 ($106.9M) and 2027 ($183.6M) to align with project tendering and the construction schedule, the report states, adding completion of the event centre is still expected by the third quarter of 2027.

The 2025 capital budget recast also includes deferring $165 million earmarked for water and wastewater projects.

A further net reduction of $102 million is recommended for 2026.

The adjustments serve to more accurately reflect timing of anticipated city spending, the report from the city’s Corporate Planning and Financial Services office states, with deferrals largely attributed to project delays caused by factors such as land acquisition challenges and procurement constraints.

The proposed recalculation, to be presented at city hall Tuesday, would reduce 2025 capital budget spending to about $2.4 billion.

The recast also includes adjustments to the 2026 capital budget, with a $102-million net reduction in capital spending anticipated next year.

The cost of the 18,400-seat arena, to replace the Saddledome, is pegged at about $800 million, split between the city and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. The full project cost, including a parkade, community rink and public plazas brings the total cost up to $926 million.

The Alberta government is contributing $330 million to support public realm infrastructure improvements, as well as the community rink and demolition of the Saddledome.

The future event centre received unanimous approval from the Calgary Planning Commission in December, clearing the way for aboveground construction to begin in 2025.

The city is contributing $515 million to the project, accounting for 56 per cent of the upfront costs.

The recommended 2025 capital budget recast also includes $165.9 million deferred spending for several water infrastructure projects to account for updated project timelines. This includes delayed spending on water distribution, along with wastewater treatment and collection infrastructure. The report attributes the updated project timelines to “unforeseen circumstances” such as material delays and resource constraints.

Another $60.4 million in “Capital Investment Strategy” funds are being moved out of the 2025 budget to reflect updated project schedules for six major recreation investments, according to the report.