With funding in place, construction on the BMO Centre expansion will begin almost immediately and will be phased in over the next five years. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $166.6 million to this project through the New Building Canada Fund, while the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary are each providing $166.6 million through the extension of the Calgary Rivers District Community Revitalization Levy. The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Ltd. has previously committed $3.9 million. Once open, the expanded BMO Convention and Trade Centre is expected to generate an annual economic benefit of $267 million, which includes $223 million in Alberta. “This is a significant investment that will pay dividends for generations to come,” said Nenshi. “An expanded convention centre is a key part of Calgary’s plans for downtown. Not only will this investment in the BMO Centre create jobs, this project is an opportunity to boost Calgary’s travel and tourism sector and our overall economy.”