Update: Symons Valley Centre project

May 23 update:

The Symons Valley Centre project will be moving into the next phase, which includes:

• engaging with residents to help build a refreshed master plan. We expect this to occur in Fall 2023
• approving the development and building permit for the library and other public infrastructure. This should occur between 2023-2024
• determining the best way to deliver affordable housing for Calgarians

You can find more information and subscribe to updates on the new online portal here.

Original article:

Recently, I met with City Administration to discuss the delay on the Symons Valley Centre project and to provide you with more information on what the City has planned to get this space built and ready to welcome residents. I was encouraged by this conversation, and I look forward to giving you regular updates on this project.

Located in Sage Hill, Symons Valley Centre will include a new library, affordable housing, transit facilities, and potentially other amenities. This will be a fantastic addition to the neighbourhood and like many of you, I’m excited to see the project move forward.

Site map of the Symons Valley Centre project

Why has the project been delayed?

Initially, construction was expected to start in Spring/Summer 2021. The project has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising construction inflation, and the need for additional coordination between City departments and partner organizations like the Calgary Public Library.

Symons Valley Centre is part of the Integrated Civic Facility Planning program, a new way of planning and building City-owned facilities. This approach seeks to reduce cost and save tax dollars for Calgarians by delivering projects that provide a wide range of public services. Symons Valley Centre is one of Calgary’s first Integrated Civic Facilities and was designated as a Learning Project to help the City develop new processes under the cost-saving program.

What’s the project’s current status?

Right now, City Administration is working with a consultant team to refine the Symons Valley Centre project’s design.

What’s next?

I will be meeting with Administration regularly to receive updates on how the project is progressing. I plan to release summaries of each of these meetings, and I expect my next meeting to occur in June. Check back here for regular updates so you can know what the next steps are for the Symons Valley Centre.