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The Beltline Neighbourhoods Association (BNA) had hoped this would be the year a stretch of 17th Avenue S.W. would go car-free, after releasing a survey last year suggesting broad support for it.
It’s not happening, but the BNA has not given up the dream.
“We’ll be looking at something of a pilot for summer of 2027,” said Peter Oliver, the BNA’s public art director.
As for what it might look like, Oliver said the goal would likely involve a stretch between Fourth and Eighth Streets, and could be limited to weekends. Details are still being worked out however, with an announcement not expected until next spring.
Oliver said the delay is due in part to moving at “the speed that [businesses are] comfortable moving.”
That’s meant listening to concerns and feedback from local businesses, which he says have largely centred around closing off car access on a popular street in an arguably car-centric city.
Oliver said it could help boost business in the area, and points to other cities pulling off pedestrian streets, like Montreal.
He says closing that stretch of 17th Ave. would affect only a small percentage of parking in the area. And he points to another potential bonus: minimizing loud vehicle noise.
“If we want more people to move here, if we want more customers for these local businesses and shops, you have to pay attention to the livability of the area around the street,” Oliver said.
“And the current situation right now with cars parading, making all sorts of traffic and congestion and noise and air pollution, it’s really a detriment to that goal.”
Not all businesses in favour
The City of Calgary said there are no plans in the works to pedestrianize part of 17th Avenue, and doing so would require strong support from businesses.
“A program of this scale would require significant planning, engagement and analysis, including transportation, emergency access and community impacts, as well as support from local businesses,” the city said in a statement.
Oliver says he’s heard from businesses that are on board — but reviews seem to be a bit mixed.
Ernie Tsu heads the Alberta Hospitality Association and owns Trolley 5 Brewpub, located on the stretch of 17th Avenue the BNA is considering for the pilot.
“I can’t see it happening unless there is a definitive plan coming from the [BNA] as to how this is going to be safely executed,” Tsu said.
The idea of making part of 17th Avenue pedestrian-only has come up over the years. The city says there are no current plans in the works, and it would require significant planning, analysis and support from businesses. (Jennifer Keiller/CBC)
He points to the issue of disorder on Calgary’s most recognizable downtown pedestrianized street, Stephen Avenue. Last week, Calgary police announced they will step up foot patrols this summer along Stephen Avenue and throughout the East Village.
“[If the pilot happens] will there be more security hired by the city between the hours of 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.? These questions have to be asked, because these are the issues coming from our members that are on Stephen Avenue,” said Tsu.
In recent years, Inglewood tested car-free Sundays, closing part of Ninth Avenue S.E. for part of the day in August, but that program has ended.
“The feedback that we heard from businesses, most of it was not in favour, and that’s why it was removed as an event,” said Kristen Shima, executive director of the Inglewood Business Improvement Area.
She said closing the street without a clear purpose, like say a festival, didn’t fully make sense to businesses, and some reported that sales took a hit.
But despite it not being the “right fit for Inglewood,” Shima said it’s worth trying it out.
“For 17th Ave., it could work there,” she said. “I would definitely recommend trying it, but if it doesn’t work and if it’s more of a hindrance to businesses, it’s just something good to know.”