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Calgary is hitting the pause button on construction along Stephen Avenue. Why, you ask? A group of local business owners raised some serious red flags about the project’s timeline and how it could hurt their operations. Originally, the plan was to kick off construction right after the Calgary Stampede, but now city officials are taking a step back to rethink their approach and minimize disruptions for these businesses.
Delaying Construction: A Response to Business Concerns
The Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project was all set to get underway the Monday following this year’s Calgary Stampede. But local businesses weren’t too happy about it. They voiced significant worries about how the construction could impact their sales.
A statement from the city recognized these concerns, mentioning that they’ve been working closely with local businesses for months to craft a construction plan that would lessen negative effects on their operations. Yet, despite these collaborative efforts, some business owners weren’t convinced, leading the city to delay the project while they explore additional options to ease the impact.
Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong, who champions the business owners’ perspective, stressed the urgency of wrapping up the first phase of the project before the new Glenbow Museum opens. He noted that the city is looking into various phasing options and might consider starting construction in the fall.
However, Wong highlighted the tight timeline, indicating that if they wait until September, they’ll have to speed up the schedule, which could drive up costs.
Project Scope and Importance
This revitalization project is all about upgrading 8 Avenue, starting from the intersection of Centre and 1 Streets southeast.
What’s on the agenda? Replacing old underground utilities, including a water main that’s been around since 1910, and making surface improvements, plus adding new soil cells to help trees thrive along the avenue. The long-term vision even includes future phases that would stretch upgrades all the way to the Mewata Armoury, though funding for these later stages is still in limbo.
Why does this project matter? It’s crucial for keeping the infrastructure that supports local businesses in good shape. Wong pointed out that the utilities under high-traffic spots—like in front of the Glenbow Museum and the Telus Convention Centre—are outdated and could fail at any moment. A water main break in those areas? That could seriously disrupt business operations, making things even tougher for local shops.
Future Considerations and Business Advocacy
The Calgary Downtown Association has voiced strong support for the construction work on Stephen Avenue, pushing for solutions that would lessen the impact on businesses during this period. They’re committed to helping their members and making sure that the city’s infrastructure upgrades get done without a hitch. According to the association, these upgrades are essential for replacing century-old water pipes and improving overall utility infrastructure.
As the City of Calgary works to minimize disruptions with careful planning and clear communication, they also face the challenge of addressing infrastructure needs. Notably, businesses are considering legal action after a recent $27 million class-action lawsuit was filed by Marda Loop businesses against the city, claiming damages from a long construction project in that area. This situation highlights the fine line city officials must walk between fostering necessary development and protecting the economic health of local businesses.
With ongoing discussions about coordinating construction efforts with other downtown initiatives, like the Glenbow Museum and the Arts Commons/Olympic Plaza Transformation, it’s clear that the city is eager to tackle these complexities head-on. As Calgary navigates these challenges, how the timeline for the Stephen Avenue construction unfolds will be vital—not just for local businesses, but for the city’s overall revitalization goals.
