'This saves the oval': Province, feds announce $52 million to upgrade Calgary's premier speedskating venue

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News 'This saves the oval': Province, feds announce $52 million to upgrade Calgary's premier speedskating venue The renewal should extend the oval's lifespan by another 30 years Author of the article: By Scott Strasser Published Jul 27, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Adam van Koeverden, federal Secretary of State for Sport, speaks during that the announcement that Canada and Alberta are investing $52 million to modernize the Olympic Oval in Calgary. The announcement was made at the oval on Monday, July 27, 2026. Gavin Young/Postmedia Article content The world’s fastest ice is getting a much-needed facelift. Article content On Monday, provincial and federal government officials announced a $52-million boost to support upgrades to the Olympic Oval — a financial injection that will preserve one of Calgary’s most iconic sports venues and a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Article content Article content The funding, which includes matching $26-million grants from the two orders of government, will go toward critical infrastructure renewals, including replacement of the original refrigerated concrete slab that supports the 400-metre skating oval, and two ice rinks. Article content Article content The project also includes installing a new ice plant and upgrading key mechanical, electrical, structural and life-safety systems. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “We will ensure the long-term operation and accessibility of the fastest oval in the world, the proud home of many Olympic medallists and countless world records,” Adam van Koeverden, federal Secretary of State for Sport and a former Olympic gold-medallist in kayak, said at a news conference. Article content The funding presents a lifeline to an aging facility whose long-term fate was recently in question. Article content In 2025, Canadian speedskaters raised concern about the oval’s ability to produce ice, due to an increasing number of brine leaks among the 400 pipe connections below its surface. Article content In January, the University of Calgary launched a fundraising…