Not in Ward 4 but many of us have travelled this road many times and it is in need of investment to allow it to continue serving Calgarians.
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Calgary’s future success relies on downtown being a place where people want to live, visit and set up businesses. With seven of the nine approved office-to-residential conversions happening along or near 8 Street, an updated streetscape is needed in that neighbourhood to help get people safely from their homes to businesses, school and retail, whether they walk, wheel or drive.
Construction is set to begin on an important piece of this work: transforming and modernizing 8 Street S.W. to create a complete community, with major improvements to its public spaces and urban design. When complete, 8 Street between 2 Avenue and 10 Avenue S.W. will be a vibrant urban destination and community connector with comfortable and inviting gathering spaces, a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape, and infrastructure for more people walking and wheeling to amenities.
Work on the $30 million project will start on May 7 at the north end of the corridor, near the Bow River Pathway, and run from 2 Avenue to 10 Avenue S.W. The multi-phase initiative will focus on enhancing accessibility and walkability for Calgarians and visitors alike, creating a vibrant and inclusive space to gather and connect, thanks in part to a Canada Community-Building Fund investment of $20.5 million from the federal government.
The Canada Community-Building Fund is a permanent source of funding that reaches communities across Canada to support investments into local infrastructure priorities. From roads and buildings, to public transit and water treatment systems, reliable and modern infrastructure provides communities with opportunities to grow and develop today so that they can be resilient and strong in the face of tomorrow.
The design was created using feedback from Calgarians, as well as technical analysis, best practices, and policy, and aligns with the vision set forward by the 8 Street S.W. Master Plan that was completed in 2016. The improvements are a foundational piece of The City’s Greater Downtown Plan to establish a green network of tree-lined, people-focused streets, further connecting Calgarians to the surrounding communities, parks, natural areas, and transit.
“The 8th Street Revitalization project is a crucial piece of the ongoing transformation in the west end of downtown that will create connection in the heart of the city,” says Thom Mahler, Director of Downtown Strategy. “We’re investing in a downtown that reflects the energy, and diversity of our city.”
Key benefits of the revitalization include:
· Comprehensive upgrades to replace aging infrastructure.
· Dedicated and protected walking and wheeling paths.
· Improved condition of the road and east-west connections downtown.
· Comfortable and inviting gathering spaces.
· Enhanced landscaping and new green infrastructure.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and support as we build something truly special together,” says David Schlaak, Project Manager with The City of Calgary. “When complete, this corridor will be a vibrant destination where Calgarians can connect and local businesses can thrive.”
Calgarians can expect construction to continue through early 2027. The construction schedule has been carefully designed to maintain access to businesses throughout the project, and we will be implementing special promotional efforts to support downtown merchants during the construction period.
We are committed to minimizing disruptions, including detailed traffic and pedestrian detour plans, and regular coordination with local businesses. Interested parties can stay informed and sign up for e-newsletter updates at calgary.ca/8StDowntown.
