Calgary delays Stephen Ave Revitalization construction due to concerns

The City of Calgary has officially delayed construction of the Stephen Avenue Revitalization project after hearing concerns from business owners.

The first phase of construction work was supposed to start on July 14 around the popular downtown spot, with expectations of being completed by summer 2026 before that year’s Calgary Stampede.

However, because of concerns voiced by owners in the area about how construction would impact their businesses, a delay was made. It’s not clear when the city will restart construction.

For weeks, business owners in the area said it would have drastic effects on them and even threatened legal action if the city didn’t reconsider.

“We have continued to hear from some business owners that they remain concerned about how construction will impact their business operations,” a notice from the city reads.

“In response, we will be delaying construction while we continue to explore options that would help further reduce business impacts during construction.”

The city added that the project was supposed to provide much-needed upgrades, such as water pipes, electrical lines and stormwater systems.

The start of Phase 4 of the project, or the first phase of construction, was planned to take place on the block from 1 Street SE to Centre Street, and includes upgrades to Centre Street between Stephen Avenue and 9 Avenue. The budget is $36.2 million.

The city says it has had regular engagement with businesses from November 2024 onwards, following the consultation and surveys for the project in 2019-2023. There was a recent information session on June 25, 2025.

Revitalization project phases and timeline

The revitalization project began with Phase 1A in 2019, which included a public realm study involving residents and stakeholders.

The study, released in 2020, proposes an emphasis on incorporating “public life” into public spaces. Public life is defined as social activities in everyday public spaces, including streets, parks, plazas, and spaces in between buildings. Essentially, spaces outside the home, work, and vehicles.

The project is meant to attract new business to Stephen Avenue, fix deteriorating physical amenities, and redefine Calgary’s downtown.

The findings from the surveyed Calgarians included wanting more mixed-use streets with shops, residents, and everyday amenities, better safety, and inclusive space for all ages. Fifty-one per cent say they come to Stephen Avenue for drinks, food, and shopping.

According to the findings, Calgarians want Stephen Avenue to become:

• pedestrian-friendly,
• active at night,
• active over the weekend,
• safer,
• greener,
• have better lighting, and
• have a four-season design.

The-Future-of-Stephen-Avenue-Public-Realm-Study

The study also found people want to live in complete neighbourhoods downtown, retail vacancy and a need to connect with the +15 walkway system, and confusion with the current street design system.

Phase 1B included testing ideas from the study, which began in 2021. It saw the installation of pilot projects in 2021-22.

Concept and final street designs

Phase 2 saw a conceptual streetscape master plan, a guide for Stephen Avenue’s look. It also saw consultation with over 4,000 Calgarians, stakeholders, and interested parties, which was released in 2023.

This also included targeted engagement sessions with business owners impacted by the project.

Stephen-Avenue-Streetscape-Master-Plan-Revised

Three kinds of streets were designed using the data gathered from Phase 1A.

The first is a ‘shared street,’ which includes pedestrian priority design; a ‘transition street’ would still be pedestrian-focused but have a transition to driving and other road transportation; and a ‘multimodal street,’ which would include vehicles and pedestrians around residential spaces.

The areas, starting with City Hall and continuing to Mewata Armoury on 11 Street SW, start with an arts and culture section, commercial and retail, and emerging residential.

A final, detailed street design makes up Phase 3.

Information on the phases of construction and the timeline can be found on the City of Calgary website.