Key Takeaways:
- Truman and Marriott International will develop a W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary, and an Autograph Collection Hotel in the Culture + Entertainment District, with openings slated between 2028 and 2030.
- The $1.47-billion development is projected to create over 9,100 construction jobs and more than 2,000 permanent positions, with an estimated annual GDP contribution of over $230 million and $76 million in government revenues.
- The luxury hotels will support venues like the expanded BMO Centre and forthcoming Scotiabank Place, strengthening Calgary’s position as a competitive host city for conventions, tourism, and major events.
The Whole Story:
A trio of high-profile hotel projects is set to reshape Calgary’s skyline and hospitality sector as local developer Truman and Marriott International unveiled plans to bring three new hotel brands to the city’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District.
The $1.47-billion development includes Western Canada’s first W Hotel, a JW Marriott, and a new Autograph Collection Hotel located within Stampede Park. The three properties are scheduled to open between 2028 and 2030 and will collectively add more than 700 high-end hotel rooms and nearly 360 branded residences to Calgary’s core.
The project is being led by Calgary-based partners Truman and Louson and is expected to create more than 9,100 jobs during construction, with over 2,000 permanent positions once the hotels open.
“We believe this project will be a significant catalyst for the local economy,” said Tony Trutina, Chief Operating Officer of Truman. “Beyond creating numerous construction jobs, these hotels are expected to boost tourism and support local businesses through increased visitor spending.”
The W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary will be located at 15 Avenue and Macleod Trail S.E., in what is planned to be two of the tallest residential towers in Western Canada. The 69-storey W Calgary will include 157 hotel rooms and 239 residences, while the 62-storey JW Marriott will offer 248 hotel rooms and 120 residences.
The third property, a 320-room hotel at Stampede Park, will operate under Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand. It will feature 15,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants, rooftop amenities, and leisure terraces, including an outdoor bar and pool area overlooking downtown Calgary.
“As Marriott continues to expand our hospitality options in Canada, these three properties will bring an unparalleled level of hospitality to this high-energy city,” said Paul Cahill, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International in Canada.
The announcement marks a major step in the evolution of Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District, a publicly backed redevelopment project led by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). The district is home to the newly expanded BMO Centre and the planned Scotiabank Place event centre.
“Our public investment is now attracting significant private interest and investment,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC. “These hotels will support the growing demand for meetings, conventions and major events in the district.”
According to a preliminary economic assessment, the project is expected to contribute more than $120 million annually to GDP from hotel operations and $111 million in visitor spending, generating approximately $76 million in government revenues each year.
Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, said the new hotels would enhance the city’s global appeal as a destination for major events. “These three hotel offerings dramatically elevate our competitive advantage as a host city and complement the Calgary Stampede’s world-renowned hospitality,” he said.
