Historic Saddledome Stewardship

The time that the Iconic Calgary Landmark that we know as the Saddledome is slated to become a faded part of our history is soon upon us. After the city figures out how to have a new event centre built, the plans for the Saddledome are to demolish it and turn it into a parking lot at a cost of over $13 Million to us taxpayers. The retired Barry Lester from Stantec, who is very familiar with the Saddledome’s architecture, commented; “This is essentially a “free” building. Let’s not see it destroyed. It could be home to soccer, rodeo, water park, community hockey, Nashville North, livestock shows and auctions etc. Somebody just isn’t trying hard enough.” Do Calgarians want to lose another historic icon reflecting our monumental moments in the name of progress?

Much of Calgary's remaining heritage is at risk and is dwindling, some facing imminent demolition for redevelopment and others degrading beyond repair due to neglect. Most of the 320 residential properties listed on Calgary’s Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources for 2020 are historically unprotected, which didn’t prevent 10% of these historic buildings from being recently demolished. The Saddledome unfortunately is also an unprotected historic resource not even on the Evaluated Historic Resources list.

Has the Olympic Saddledome not been a vital part of Calgary’s history successfully hosting the 1988 Olympics and the arrival of the Flames? Is the unique saddle shape not a representation of Calgary’s cowboy past and the Stampede? Sure, we can’t keep all old buildings, but some are unique to monumental events in Calgary’s history and should be preserved to showcase who Calgarians are and where we came from. If any of Calgary’s iconic landmarks should be preserved as a historic resource, the Saddledome definitely qualifies as one.

Calgary does need a new event centre; however, it should not be at the expense of losing our historic iconic landmarks. The Saddledome can be converted into a self-sustainable attraction as much needed sports complex and/or mall or marketplace. A study was commissioned by the Saddledome Foundation to list possible options for the Saddledome without a major tenant. There seem to be several options in Preserving Calgary’s Historic Saddle other than turning it into a parking lot. The stewardship and sustainable preservation of iconic historic structures should be a priority over economic progress.

The originally named "Olympic Saddledome" has been an integral part of Calgary’s character and vision for over 35 years. It deserves to remain as a representation of Calgary for many more years to come. What is your opinion? Join the M.A.D. Movement with the 1-question survey to Save The Iconic Saddledome and Make A Difference. Also, don’t forget to leave your thoughts on the articles about the Saddledome. The bigger the response, the better chance of saving the Saddledome. It's up to you.