ENMAX powers ahead as Substation No. 1 building nears completion
Calgary, Alta. – ENMAX is nearing completion of the new Substation No. 1 building, marking a milestone in its largest transmission and distribution infrastructure project to date. With significant progress made on the 35,000 square foot facility in downtown Calgary, the project is now entering its next phase, which includes underground work to replace and relocate six high voltage transmission lines and 24 medium voltage distribution lines, along with the commissioning of high voltage electrical equipment.
“Substation No. 1 plays a critical role in providing reliable electricity to nearly half of downtown Calgary, including office towers, residential buildings, and health care facilities,” said Greg Retzer, Executive Vice President, ENMAX Power. “Completing the substation building will be a key achievement, and as we continue into the next phase of underground work, we appreciate Calgarians’ patience and support.”
In the coming months, ENMAX Power will begin landscaping around the substation, including public realm improvements such as new sidewalks and trees. Throughout 2025 traffic impacts will continue along 9 Avenue SW, 7 Street SW and 8 Street SW as crews work to complete this critical infrastructure project. ENMAX remains committed to minimizing disruptions and keeping Calgarians informed.
The replacement of Substation No. 1 ensures that Calgary’s growing downtown continues to have a reliable and modernized power supply for decades to come.
For more information, visit enmax.com/sub1.
About Calgary’s Original Substation No. 1
True to its name, Substation No. 1 is Calgary’s original substation, built in 1912 to power the early streetlights and streetcar rail system in the city.
Substation No.1 has evolved over more than 100 years and supplies power to more than half of ENMAX Power’s downtown customers—approximately 19,500—including high-rise residential buildings, commercial customers, data centres and health-care facilities.
Substation No. 1 has evolved alongside the needs of a growing city – from the turn of the 20th century when Calgary was "The City of Opportunities" to when the population expanded along with the streetcar, to the spread of substations across the region to keep up with the city’s expansion.