Bow Valley College is advancing plans to acquire a downtown Calgary block that includes the former Central Library and convert the properties into a health-care education and research centre, with the proposed expansion expected to accommodate nearly 5,300 additional students.
The college is negotiating with the City of Calgary to acquire Block 40, where it plans to renovate existing buildings and establish its Health Care Centre of Excellence. The project follows a $5-million grant from the Alberta government for planning and development announced in the 2026 provincial budget.
The college released preliminary architectural renderings of the proposed development recently outlining plans to create approximately 316,000 square feet of space for health-care education, research and innovation.
"More than just a new building, this represents more health care workers for Alberta and more opportunities for Albertans to build better lives for their families," says Tasneem Rahim, vice-president of external engagement at Bow Valley College.
Buildings targeted for redevelopment
The proposed acquisition includes the former W.R. Castell Central Library and the former Calgary Police Service arrest processing building. Rather than demolish the properties, Bow Valley College intends to adapt and renovate the existing structures for its expanded educational operations.
The college says reusing the buildings will accelerate the expansion while making efficient use of available resources. The approach would also retain the existing downtown structures as part of the development.
"This is a major step toward training more of the health care professionals Alberta needs," says Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO of Bow Valley College. "Giving these buildings a second life is the most responsible way to get there. It saves money, keeps a downtown landmark standing, and puts thousands more future nurses, health care aides, and pharmacy technicians in the heart of Calgary."
Mwaba also acknowledged the provincial funding that has allowed the college to advance planning for the property.
"We would also like to thank the Government of Alberta for the generous grant of $5 million in budget 2026, which has allowed us to move quickly with planning for the site."
Alberta's advanced education minister Myles McDougall said the funding will support the development of a plan to expand health-care training capacity in the province.
"Albertans need more health-care professionals, and that starts with training them here at home. This $5 million will help Bow Valley College build a strong plan for a Health Care Centre of Excellence, so we can make smart decisions about preparing students for the careers our health system needs most," says McDougall.
Expansion targets 11,000 health-care students
The proposed facility is expected to significantly increase the college's capacity to educate students in health-care programs.
Bow Valley College estimates it could serve approximately 11,000 full-load equivalents in health-care programs by the 2035-36 academic year with the additional space. That represents nearly 5,300 more than the institution could accommodate without the expansion.
The first student intake at the new facility is targeted for September 2031, although the college says it is looking for opportunities to accelerate the timeline.
A labour market study prepared for the college by EY Canada forecasts demand for more than 77,000 skilled professionals across key health-care occupations in Alberta between 2025 and 2033.
Calgary accounts for approximately 39 per cent of the province's health-care workforce, according to a news release.
The planned expansion is part of the college's broader effort to increase the number of health-care professionals it graduates annually. Bow Valley College says its new centre is intended to support a goal of graduating four times as many health professionals annually by 2036.
Calgary expects downtown activity to benefit
The proposed redevelopment could also bring additional student activity to Calgary's downtown core, with the college anticipating thousands more students using the facility.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the project could contribute to downtown activity while expanding the supply of trained health-care workers.
"Putting this landmark block back to work is the kind of practical result Calgarians expect," says Farkas. "Thousands more students downtown every day will bring life to our streets, and more health care graduates will make for a stronger city. We look forward to working with Bow Valley College on the next steps."
Bow Valley College, which marks 60 years of operations in Calgary, currently prepares approximately 14,000 students annually for careers in health care, social services, business, technology and creative industries.
The acquisition remains subject to ongoing negotiations with the City of Calgary, with the college continuing planning work toward its proposed Health Care Centre of Excellence.