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As Werklund Centre approaches the one-year anniversary of breaking ground on the Werklund Centre Transformation (formerly Arts Commons Transformation), we are proud to share an exciting development in our journey toward a more sustainable and community-focused future. Werklund Centre is thrilled to announce a generous commitment of 1.4M from the RBC Foundation, through its Community Spaces Grant (CSG), in support of the project’s planned integration of Calgary District Heating as the primary heating source for the Werklund Centre Transformation (WCT) expansion.
Launched to support the retrofitting, repair, and construction of community spaces, CSG’s are designed to increase the sustainability and accessibility of buildings in their communities. To date, there has been a total of $24.9 million committed in single and multi-year pledges for 79 projects across Canada. This commitment to Werklund Centre is the largest gift from the Community Spaces Grant in Alberta and territories since the program launched in 2023.
RBC Foundation’s investment enables Werklund Centre not only to reduce our environmental impact, but also to achieve greater energy efficiency, operational savings, and space optimization within our expanded facility. By adopting Calgary District Heating, the need for a traditional on-site boiler will be eliminated. This not only frees up valuable square footage in the new building, but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to conventional boiler systems, the use of Calgary District Heating, powered by waste heat from a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, will achieve an estimated reduction of 6,000 gigajoules or 300 tonnes of GHG emissions annually.
“We’re excited to be able to help organizations build spaces that are more environmentally sustainable, accessible, and inspired by the needs of the communities they serve,” says Kirk Muise, Regional President, RBC Alberta and Territories.”
Entering its second year of construction, the Werklund Centre Transformation project is being led in partnership by Werklund Centre, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, and The City of Calgary. The Werklund Centre expansion will add two new state-of-the-art performance venues to our city, including the 1,000-seat Osten-Victor Playhouse, and a flexible 200-seat space contributing to Calgary’s future vibrancy.
“The expansion of Werklund Centre presents a profound opportunity to create a space that not only serves Calgarians, but is shaped by what’s important to them. This exceptional commitment from RBC allows us to go even further in our aspiration to deliver a sustainable and innovative home for the performing arts in our city,” says Alex Sarian, President and CEO of Werklund Centre. “As Calgary continues to evolve into a city defined by innovation and technology, it’s essential that this landmark project not only acknowledges that growth but embodies it, honouring the creative and entrepreneurial spirit shaping our future.”
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