Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
It’s the first summer without major construction in Marda Loop in years, but some businesses and residents are now dealing with another obstacle they say is affecting their operations and lives.
Last year, the city installed permeable paving stones on certain roads — 18 Street S.W., 19 Street S.W. and 36 Avenue S.W. — to help manage stormwater drainage issues and to “reflect the character of the community.”
But businesses were recently informed that these new paving stones will require two to four days of maintenance each month between May and October. During that time, there will be no street parking.
That’s an issue at Al Frache’s Flowers, where customers often come to pick up large floral arrangements.
“Sometimes we have funeral arrangements. They are very big, very hard to handle. We have to carry them to another street to our customers to bring them to our cars,” said manager Marie Guechi.
Marie Guechi, manager at Al Frache’s Flowers, said she wants the city to remove the paving stones if it will require so much maintenance and disruption to the business. (Karina Zapata/CBC)
Al Frache’s Flowers has a few designated parking stalls, but Guechi said sometimes customers can’t enter the parking lot during maintenance periods. She said some customers have given up on visiting the store altogether because they couldn’t find street parking nearby.
“We are losing business, we’re losing money on this. This is clearly not what we want for our customers.”
Residents also affected
It isn’t only an issue for businesses.
Paige Knight lives along one of the streets with the new pavers, and she said she was disappointed to find out about the monthly maintenance through a business owner.
Resident Paige Knight took this photo of a cracked paving stone on the street right outside her house. (Submitted by Paige Knight)
“My significant other is on the list for a hip replacement. We can’t park anywhere within a block and a half of our house, and it’s every single month,” said Knight.
“I can’t understand at all how anyone could have thought that this would be a good idea in this climate.”
Lee Willis, president of the Marda Loop Communities Association, said he hasn’t heard from many frustrated businesses or residents yet.
“They do look good. The aesthetics are there. But if there’s a problem with durability, then that’s something that should be taken seriously.”
Monthly maintenance until 2027
According to the City of Calgary, the paving stones allow rainwater to permeate through the roadway into drainage layers and soil below.
Each spring, once the snow and ice melt, the space between the paving stones must be cleaned of dirt and debris to ensure water can drain through. That cleaning takes up to four days per year, according to the city.
The pavers will be inspected monthly “during the warranty period for the work,” where stones will be repaired and cleaned if needed. That process takes two to four days.
The city acknowledged this maintenance work can be noisy — it’s why they chose to do it during daytime hours rather than at night.
“We are working to minimize the impact by phasing work to avoid blocking any business for the entire two-to four-day period. In June, we were able to complete this work in only two days.
“We appreciate the patience of business owners as we maintain this infrastructure.”
When the warranty period ends in 2027, maintenance will be reduced to twice a year or less, according to the city.
Straw that broke the camel’s back
The majority of businesses in Marda Loop aren’t affected by this situation. A couple of business owners in non-affected areas told CBC News they’re finally seeing a return to normal with increased foot traffic by their stores, and they want to see that momentum continue.
But Sean Pack, dentist and owner of Altadore Dental, called this the straw that broke the camel’s back after years of construction disruptions.
“We thought that everything was done and over with,” said Pack.
Altadore Dental is located along 36 Avenue S.W. Owner Sean Pack said they’re lucky to have their own parking lot, but sometimes it’s full. He said patients often run late for their appointments because they can’t find street parking. (Karina Zapata/CBC)
He said he’s now left wondering about the city’s choices, and whether installing these paving stones is worth it.
“When we had just asphalt in front of us, I’m sure you’d get potholes here and there, but it doesn’t require as much maintenance as what we have right now. So that just makes me frustrated how things are being done in the city.”