A car-free 17th Avenue? Neighbourhood association asks for more input

How would you feel about a car-free 17th Avenue?

The Beltline Neighbourhoods Association (BNA) is gathering input on the future of a car-free pilot project that would bring intermittent road closures to sections of the thoroughfare next summer.

The BNA is putting the question to residents and business owners to see if they would be in favour of a more walkable 17th Avenue SW. The organization is pointing to several benefits of a potential project, saying it would help drive business to local retailers, improve safety, and increase accessibility in the area.

The concept is not new, the business improvement area previously asked its members the same question, only 7 of their 23 members responded in favour. A major factor for businesses was a lack of parking in the area, and with the street shut down, the stakeholders say a big chunk of the limited parking is lost.

Matt Ostrander, general manager of Porch, says a car-free 17th would help reduce vehicle noise, add to the overall energy of the street, and fill a much-needed gap in Calgary.

“We don’t have as many areas that are pedestrian friendly,” he says. “There’s so many bars, so many shopping areas, for us personally, as a business it’s very good for us.”

The BNA notes other major Canadian cities are finding success with pedestrian streets, citing examples in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.

One area resident started an online petition calling for such a project in April. He says it could mean businesses would be able to expand their patios and generate more revenue.

“As Calgary continues to grow, we are not able to build as many new restaurants,” says Christopher Chiasson.

The Pedestrianize Calgary’s 17th Avenue petition has received just over 400 signatures since its inception in April.

Harry Dimitriadis is part owner of Jameson Pub, he says he doesn’t see any harm in at least trying out a car-free pilot project, adding it could create a “kind of street festival vibe.”

“I think that’s great vibe if you can do it,” he says. “Anything that’s good for businesses in the area, makes the city more lively, I would be all for it.”

The new survey will be available until the end of the summer and the results will be released afterwards.