This story is part of a series sharing how ENMAX is preparing Calgary’s electricity system to keep pace with record growth and evolving customer needs.

Calgary is growing and changing, and it’s not just about expanding into new communities, but also long-established neighbourhoods that are evolving and densifying. From new residential buildings to major civic investments like Scotia Place, Calgary’s new events centre, ENMAX ensures the city’s electrical system can keep pace with development.

Powering the new events centre 

Work is well underway to connect Scotia Place to Calgary’s grid, a complex, multi-year project for ENMAX that began with planning and design in 2023 and is scheduled for completion early in 2027. When the puck drops for the Calgary’s Flames first home game in the new arena, our work will already have helped bring the lights, system and amenities of the new facility to life.

Although much of the necessary infrastructure already exists in the area, crews spent the Fall installing new underground duct work in the area to support Scotia Place and future planned development in the Culture + Entertainment District. The majority of the route builds on existing systems, using current capacity of the electrical system.

“It’s a significant project, not only because of its scale, but because of the coordination it takes,” says project manager, Edward Dizon. “We’re working alongside partners including Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Calgary Sport and Entertainment Corporation, Calgary Stampede and the City of Calgary, aligning our work with all the different timelines to keep things on track and deliver this project for Calgarians.”

Beneath the city’s streets, particularly in these well-established areas like Victoria Park, are a network of utilities, from water and sewer to telecommunications and they all share space. Close coordination with other providers including Rogers, TELUS, ATCO and The City helps ensure the project moves forward efficiently and safely.

“This part of the city has a lot of history,” said Dizon. “When we open up the ground, we occasionally uncover infrastructure that dates back more than a century. It’s a reminder of how much Calgary has grown and how important it is to build with the future in mind.”

Keeping pace with a growing city

Supporting city-building projects like Scotia Place demonstrates just one of the ways ENMAX has been there supporting Calgary’s success for more than 100 years.  As Calgary continues to evolve, we’re focused on delivering safe, reliable electricity to both new and established communities. In addition to major projects, we also review development permits to make sure the system can maintain safety and reliability through a massive population boom. In 2024, we received and approved nearly 3,300 permits from The City of Calgary – up 28 per cent compared to previous years – and we’re trending similarly in 2025. It’s a reflection of how quickly Calgary is growing and how critical it is that the city’s electrical system can keep up. 

We also make strategic investments in upgrades and maintenance of the electricity system. By planning ahead and using data to anticipate future demand, we’re keeping pace with a city that’s growing and changing fast. As more Calgarians move in and choose electric vehicles, install solar panels, or switch to electric heating and cooling, we’re building a flexible, reliable grid that can support how our city lives, works and grows. 

“Whether it’s a landmark project like Scotia Place, or densified residential development, we’re proud to help power what’s next for Calgary,” says Greg Retzer, EVP ENMAX Power. “Our teams work closely with partners and industry to make sure growth happens safely, reliably and with as little disruption as possible.”