This $500-million expansion has more than doubled the facility’s rentable area, making it the largest convention center in western Canada—forecast to deliver an estimated $100 million in annual economic impact, according to the project team.

Intended to connect with the surrounding landscape and community, the expansion’s design was inspired by the region’s prairies and sculpted riverbanks, the team says. Because the project’s high ceilings required more than 80% of work at heights over 20 ft, more than 150 aerial work platforms were strategically used across all levels during the peak of both interior and exterior finishing stages, when close to 600 workers were on site per day.

The three-level expansion adds 100,000 sq ft of new exhibition space, 38 new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms and interior and exterior gathering spaces. Crews installed 10,000 metric tonnes of steel, with the longest span stretching 180 ft in length and 19 ft in depth, enabling a column-free grand ballroom.

The structure was designed to support loads up to four times greater than typical assembly-type buildings.