Bow Valley College moves to acquire former Central Library block for health care training hub
CALGARY, AB, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- Following a generous grant of $5million for planning and development from the Government of Alberta, Bow Valley College is moving ahead with plans to acquire Block 40 in downtown Calgary and turn it into a new home for its Health Care Centre of Excellence. Today the College is releasing the first concept renderings for the project.
"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 External Engagement at Bow Valley College.
Bow Valley College is advancing negotiations with the City of Calgary to acquire the property, which includes the former W.R. Castell Central Library and the former Calgary Police Service arrest processing building. The College plans to renovate the existing buildings rather than demolish them, creating about roughly 316,000 square feet of space for health care education, research, and innovation. Adaptive reuse of the site will significantly speed up expansion and make efficient use of all resources.
"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."
"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."
"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 Myles McDougall, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education.
The expansion will allow the College to serve about 11,000 full load equivalents in health care programs by the 2035-36 academic year, which is nearly 5,300 more than it could serve without the new space. The first student intake is targeted for September 2031, and the College is looking for every opportunity to shorten that timeline.
A labour market study EY Canada prepared for the College forecasts demand for more than 77,000 skilled professionals in Alberta's key health care occupations between 2025 and 2033. Calgary accounts for about 39 per cent of the province's health care workforce.
"Putting this landmark block back to work is the kind of practical result Calgarians expect," says Calgary Mayor Jeromy 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."
About Bow Valley College
For 60 years, Calgary's college has grown to prepare 14,000 students annually for meaningful careers in health care, social services, business, technology, and creative industries. Every program has a Work Integrated Learning requirement, ensuring students contribute to the workplace before they graduate. With a strong focus on advanced simulation training and Alberta's evolving needs, Bow Valley College's new Health Care Centre of Excellence is working to expand space and programs, aimed at graduating four-times as many health professionals annually by 2036. Proudly recognized as one of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges, we combine innovative learning with hands-on experience. Home to Alberta's only major e-sports arena and a state-of-the-art digital production hub. Learn more about the opportunities Bow Valley College creates for students, Calgary, and Alberta at bowvalleycollege.ca.
SOURCE Bow Valley College
For media requests and interviews, please contact: Bill Macfarlane, Media Relations and Communications Specialist, Bow Valley College, C 403-681-7393, [email protected]
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