Stephen Avenue Revitalization

The City of Calgary has completed renovations of the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project between 1 Street S.E. and Centre Street, marking a major milestone in the renewal of one of Calgary’s most iconic downtown destinations.

With construction now substantially complete, patios and public spaces along the block have reopened in time for the Calgary Stampede. Calgarians and visitors will be able to fully enjoy the renewed space – walking along a curb-free block among new trees, relaxing on new benches, or enjoying a meal with friends and family on renewed patio spaces as downtown welcomes thousands of residents and guests this summer. Above ground, the renewed streetscape supports everyday use, festivals, events and outdoor dining, featuring durable granite pavers, enhanced lighting, and power outlets, making it easier to bring public events to the avenue.

Beneath the surface, the project replaced aging water, stormwater, power and lighting infrastructure to improve reliability, resiliency and long-term service in Calgary’s downtown core. Some of the utilities beneath this block of Stephen Avenue were more than 100 years old and required replacement to ensure the avenue can continue serving Calgarians in the coming years.

Stephen Avenue has been at the heart of downtown Calgary for generations. Investing in the avenue’s future is an investment in our city’s future. By replacing critical infrastructure and creating a more welcoming public space, The City is helping ensure Stephen Avenue remains a destination for residents, businesses and visitors in the years ahead.

Throughout construction, we worked closely with businesses, property owners, community partners and Calgarians to maintain access, provide regular updates and respond to operational concerns. The City is also committed to continued support for businesses along the block impacted by construction.

The completion of this work represents an important investment in the long-term future of downtown Calgary. The project’s long-term vision is to create a more vibrant, accessible and flexible Stephen Avenue in the heart of downtown throughout the year. Funding for the renovation of future blocks of Stephen Avenue will be considered as part of the next four-year budget cycle.

To learn more about the project, please visit calgary.ca/stephenavenue.