‘A vital destination’: Stephen Avenue revitalization finished for Stampede

Revitalization work along a stretch of Stephen Avenue is done in time for the Calgary Stampede. (Courtesy of the City of Calgary)

Revitalization work along a stretch of Stephen Avenue is done in time for the Calgary Stampede.

That means the iconic pedestrian walk is ready for the arrival of a great many visitors to the city’s downtown core.

Above ground, the city says First Street S.E. to Centre Street is “curb-free,” with “new trees and benches” and “renewed patio spaces.”

Below ground, the city says the block has new “water, stormwater, power and lighting infrastructure.”

In a release issued on Monday, project manager Amy Stansky offered thanks to businesses, property owners and community partners.

“Their feedback helped us maintain access, respond to challenges and successfully deliver critical infrastructure upgrades that will support Stephen Avenue and downtown Calgary for decades,” Stansky said.

Andrew Doudican, the Calgary Downtown Association’s director of urban strategy, says this comes in time for what promises to be a busy summer.

“We know how important a vibrant, welcoming and economically resilient downtown is to all Calgarians and we look forward to seeing Calgarians and visitors enjoy everything Stephen Avenue has to offer.”

In Monday’s release, the city said additional work along portions of Stephen Avenue will be considered in the next budget cycle.

More information about the project can be found at calgary.ca/StephenAvenue.