East Village Rejuvenation Plan [Archive]

Frenzy

Oct 31, 2009, 4:08 AM

Hello All!

Im not completely sure if this thread has been done, but I don't think we have a specific thread dedicated to the East Village yet. Any comments, opinions, and general discussion is welcomed!

East Village plan unveiled
Major development aims to revitalize city’s urban core

MEREDITH O’HARA
METRO CALGARY
September 17, 2009 5:42 a.m.

A roadmap for the future of the downtown’s east side is set as the vision for the East Village’s renaissance was revealed yesterday.

The master plan for Calgary’s newest development was unveiled yesterday, including plans for RiverWalk and increased pedestrian areas.

“This is an exciting project,” said Mayor Dave Bronconnier, adding the neighbourhood would bring life back to a historic area.

“It’s the importance of bring people back to the core and that’s city council’s direction,” he said.

The master plan for the neighbourhood shows four distinct areas including River’s Edge, which will be a place for restaurants overlooking the RiverWalk park.

One member of the design team called it “a new urban village,” something between the high-rises of downtown and the span of houses in the suburbs.

Ward 7 Ald. Druh Farrell was at the event and said it’s exciting to see things moving ahead.

“I’ve been fighting for this community since before I got elected … it’s been a labour of love and it’s necessary for the well-being of Calgary,” she said.

The East Village area is now ready for construction to begin.

Chris Ollenberger, president of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, in charge of the area’s development, said now that power, water and sewage lines have been completed projects could begin tomorrow.

“With the master plan we can provide some guidance to builders and developers about where we’re going … and what the overall plan is.”

The goal is to complete East Village by 2020.

Link:http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/local/article/313164--east-village-plan-unveiled

http://media.metronews.topscms.com/images/b7/3b/96d7d6554367b333f2a86aaf6fd0.jpeg

AHvw3_7r7c0

Links
Calgary East Village, (Master Planning Firm) Broadway Malyan http://www.broadwaymalyan.com/projects/skills/masterplanningurban-design/east-village-calgary

Project website www.evexperience.com

Calgary Municipal Land Corporation www.calgarymlc.ca

Current Infrastructure Projects

Riverwalk: http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects...verwalk_video/

4th Street SE Underpass: http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects..._street_video/

8th Ave Streetscape: http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects...8th_ave_video/

Stormwater Pond: http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects...ntion_wetland/

St. Patrick's Bridge: http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects...idge_-_closed/

Enmax District Energy Plant: http://www.centrecitytalk.com/my_web...wntown-di.html

- Thanks to Wooster for providing additional links!

Halcyon

Nov 9, 2009, 2:20 AM

That was the first time I've seen the project explained in-depth... I like it. The mayor's right, it IS ambitious, but hopefully the willpower stays constant to follow through on these plans.

:tup:

Wooster

Nov 9, 2009, 2:59 AM

Good idea for a thread. There's lots more stuff on calgarymlc.ca site about riverwalk, St. Patrick's bridge that could be added too.

Lots to discuss for a long time with this project.

O-tacular

Nov 9, 2009, 3:41 AM

Drove through the EV this weekend. The new roads have definitely already made a difference.:tup:

Thinner6

Nov 9, 2009, 5:20 AM

Wow, I am loving this project. I had no idea what was planned for this area...now that I see it I am very impressed. What a difference it is going to make when entering the downtown. Just one step in the right direction for Calgary if it is to be a world class city.

Distill3d

Nov 9, 2009, 12:58 PM

Frenzy

Nov 9, 2009, 8:07 PM

Exciting project for sure! I hope we see a public square in the middle of the East Village. The only other major public square I can think of in Canada is the Yonge-Dundas square in Toronto. If so, I believe that a public square will be an excellent addition to the east village, and more so downtown Calgary. Anybody agree with me?

niwell

Nov 9, 2009, 10:13 PM

I'm really liking it and hope it actually happens. Still remember reading about East Village plans as a kid, such as the one with the canal feature.

Best aspects of this IMO are the large reliance on midrises to create an effective streetwall and the diagonal view corridor / pathway / linear park.

Does anyone know if any of the current plans call for mixed-income housing? Or some form of coherent plan to deal with the problems in the area without simply displacing everyone?

Wooster

Nov 10, 2009, 1:18 AM

Pardon me for being skeptical, but I won't believe it until its finished. I think the main issue is that this has to be all built at once in order for it to actually happen. Otherwise, in 10 years time, there's going to be one or two buildings built and then a new East Village concept coming out.

Otherwise this project looks awesome! Seems in feel like our Yaletown.

It will be phased. Urban developments of this scale ~5000+ residential units cannot be built at once. I think continuity of this master plan will last because it's a development corporation managing the construction of infrastructure and phased sale of land. I'm sure new ideas and initiatives will be added to the plan as it gets built up, but the basic framework will likey stay the same.

===========================================

You may want to add this to the first post:

The project website

www.evexperience.com

And the development corporation:

Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

www.calgarymlc.ca

Current Featured Infrastructure Projects:

Riverwalk:
http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/riverwalk/about_riverwalk/riverwalk_video/

4th Street SE Underpass:
http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/east_village/about_east_village/fourth_street_underpass/fourth_street_video/

8th Ave Streetscape:
http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/east_village/about_east_village/infrastructure/east_village_streetscapes/8th_ave_video/

Stormwater Pond:
http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/east_village/about_east_village/infrastructure/rivers_district_storm_pond_retention_wetland/

St. Patrick's Bridge:
http://calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/st._patrick%27s_bridge/conceptual_design_competition_-_st._patrick%27s_bridge_-_closed/

Enmax District Energy Plant:
http://www.centrecitytalk.com/my_weblog/2008/10/new-downtown-di.html

Frenzy

Nov 10, 2009, 1:58 AM

Thanks wooster! I will add those Links to the first post.

Wooster

Dec 5, 2009, 2:50 AM

Some more links from evexperience.com

A very interesting Historical timeline of the community:
http://www.evexperience.com/place/dateline_calgary

A video tour with the Master Planner from Broadway Malyan:
http://www.evexperience.com/plan/tour_east_village_with_the_masterplanner

Video introduction to the East Village project:
http://www.evexperience.com/plan/revitalizing_a_neighbourhood

WhipperSnapper

Dec 5, 2009, 6:01 PM

Will the land just be sold to the highest bidder or will there also be a RFP process?

Wooster

Dec 5, 2009, 6:39 PM

They haven't really talked about the land disposition process as far as I know. I'd imagine a competitive RFP similar to how the Bridges was sold off - with a set of weighted set of criteria.

This was the Bridges criteria:
Price 45%
Financial capability 20%
Offeror experience & expertise 20%
Proposed project description 15%

http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_780_237_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Corporate+Properties+and+Buildings/Projects+and+Initiatives/The+Bridges+Development/Resources/Background+Phase+1/Sales+Criteria+and+Selection+Process.htm

It was all quite an open process and in fact they published the amount of each winning bid:

Here's phase 2 land sales - it's been 4 years now since the sales were approved for phase 2 - still no project is off the ground.
http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_780_237_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Corporate+Properties+and+Buildings/Projects+and+Initiatives/The+Bridges+Development/Resources/Background+Phase+1/Approval+of+Purchase+Offers.htm

Dec 30, 2009, 8:32 PM

Full Mountain

Dec 30, 2009, 8:57 PM

Is Riverfront Pointe apart of the East Village plan, or at least in the area of East Village?

I think this is my favorite project underway in Calgary right now. This area seems to be taking a similar route of the Pearl District, and could easily end up with many similarities to it (although I'm thinking something closer to Denver's Riverfront Park). It's amazing you guys already have some stuff getting underway (Edmonton's the Quarters, which is probably the closest project to this up here has yet to have anything done, except one piece of infill and one stalled museum because it doesn't have money) ... I checked in streetview and the new cobblestone streets near the riverfront look real sleek. I also am anxious to see some really detailed renderings for the Central Square, as a few of you know, I love modern urban plazas (think Millennium Park Chicago, but there are tons of examples on a muuuch smaller scale).

Also, another question, out of curiosity is the East Village really dangerous or anything during the day? The Quarters here isn't usually, especially around major roads. But at night it tends to be.

The area that is specifically being focused on is from 4 St SE to the Fort Calgary and north from 9th ave SE to the bow parts of the work do extend past that (4 street underpass, River Walk, and some other improvements) so no it's not technically part of it

Is it dangerous during the day? for the most part no especially in the areas that have been redone and the redone areas are quite nice even at night, the areas that haven't been done suffer largely from poor lighting which makes it seem unsafe

mersar

Dec 30, 2009, 10:58 PM

Also, another question, out of curiosity is the East Village really dangerous or anything during the day? The Quarters here isn't usually, especially around major roads. But at night it tends to be.

It isn't bad anymore, once construction started on the infrastructure upgrades it forced a lot of the homeless and drug users who were the most visible presence in the area to other places. Whether they return once spring arrives now that a lot of the construction on that phase is wrapping up is to be seen.

Dec 30, 2009, 11:18 PM

^Where do they go? I mean the East Village seems like the only central neighborhood (along with Victoria Park) with enough desolateness to have people not worry as much about those types becoming the majority of the neighborhood.

Is there any construction slated for when the infrastructure improvements are done? I know the area around the river is set to continue construction for stuff like the riverfront park.

fusili

Dec 30, 2009, 11:27 PM

Dec 30, 2009, 11:48 PM

^Yeah but it makes more sense to say Victoria Park than all Beltline (including Connaught) which is in a different situation than Victoria Park.

Aegis

Dec 30, 2009, 11:56 PM

^Yeah but it makes more sense to say Victoria Park than all Beltline (including Connaught) which is in a different situation than Victoria Park.

It's stupid that the communities adopted a less unique moniker like "The Beltline Communities of X".. the reality is, West Beltline is not even close to the same as the former community of Victoria Park in terms of development or social issues. It's hard to say they're part of the same community.

DavidKuitunen

Dec 31, 2009, 6:44 PM

Has anyone heard anything about the new library being built? Is it going to be built in EV?

Frenzy

Jan 7, 2010, 10:33 PM

Has anyone heard anything about the new library being built? Is it going to be built in EV?

Im not so sure on the exact plans but I believe the new library will be linked with the 2nd phase? of BVC. Im also sure the new library will be in part of the EV as well.

Can anyone verify this?

mersar

Jan 7, 2010, 10:44 PM

Im not so sure on the exact plans but I believe the new library will be linked with the 2nd phase? of BVC. Im also sure the new library will be in part of the EV as well.

Can anyone verify this?

We've seen things indicating both, which is where the confusion is coming from I think. The plans for BVC include provisions for redeveloping the library on the same block at a future date (pretty much the parkade will be designed so the parkade for the library will share an entrance and I believe also an unloading bay). Then theres also the one page on Kasian's web site indicating they were involved in a new master plan for the library that would put it in the east village, likely where the urban campus was supposed to go.

Radley77

Jan 16, 2010, 6:35 PM

Langevin to light the way along RiverWalk Promenade
Bridge LED lighting system to debut December 23

Although the city rarely sees the Northern Lights, Calgarians will now be treated to a nightly light show as the Langevin Bridge unveils its new lighting display on December 23rd at 6:00 PM. The 110 year old bridge has been outfitted with state-of-the-art light emitting diode (LED) lighting that will turn the structure into a piece of moving modern art.

The Light Up Langevin project is one of the first steps forward in the development of the RiverWalk project, a six year initiative to redevelop four kilometers along the Bow and Elbow Rivers to allow Calgarians to reconnect with the natural beauty of the rivers. The same LED technology used on the bridge will also be featured at various focal points throughout the RiverWalk promenade, providing not only an incredible spectacle in the East Village but effective lighting to keep the area safe.

The LED lighting system, supplied by Montreal-based Lumenpulse, is composed of 156 different light assemblies that highlight every beam and truss of Langevin bridge. Lighting units are controlled by a computer program that can establish a light sequence (a light show) for each individual light or for the entire assembly unit, allowing infinite display possibilities. Each assembly unit has the ability to display over 16 million different colours, providing the bridge with a shade for every season, occasion or celebration.

“We’re proud that our RiverWalk project will mark the Alberta debut for this technology. In addition to providing elevated lighting on the bridge, the ability to program colors and sequencing makes this installation an interesting and interactive asset for East Village,” said Chris Ollenberger, CEO and President of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), “One of our key objectives for the Riverwalk project is to foster public safety along the river banks and we believe we have achieved this and more with this LED technology.”

Despite a total of over 5600 LEDs being used, the bridge lighting is expected to consume just 22,000 kilowatt hours per year, roughly equivalent to the power consumption of just three Albertan households. The LED lighting has an expected lifespan of 100,000 hours which equates to approximately 35 years of operation if the lights run for eight hours every day.

A festive light show programmed by the CMLC will be displayed during the holiday season. In addition, a special six hour New Year’s Eve light show has been developed to help ring in the new year.

CMLC is working towards developing the East Village into a vibrant community that is well integrated into the downtown core. Some of the major projects of the East Village Master Plan include the creation of the Riverwalk and the restoration of four heritage buildings within the East Village. To learn more about the East Village redevelopment project, visit www.calgarymlc.ca.

Source: Light Up Langevin - Calgary MLC (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/_uploads/dd090f26-6485-102c-96d8-003048c28980/1262809259_Final%20Langevin%20News%20release.pdf)

External Link: Lumenpulse Website (http://www.lumenpulse.com/en/)

Radley77

Mar 4, 2010, 4:10 AM

Some cool videos of the Langevin Bridge lighting!:

Langevin Bridge Highdef 30 Second Animation
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Lumenpulse Langevin Bridge Video Rendering
X8jvAAHElZA

Langevin Bridge Quick View of 16 Presets - Computer Programming
o9Z0CzQ3OpA

Videos courtesy of Youtube users: 0penh3art, Cricrileduc63, and lumenpulse's channel respectively

Zilla

Apr 10, 2010, 9:27 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4441393395_f93cae389f_b.jpg

Calgarian

Apr 13, 2010, 7:11 PM

Anyone going to the presentation tonight? if that's what it is.

DizzyEdge

Apr 18, 2010, 1:36 AM

I went, I'll try to post some tidbits/pics later this weekend.

DizzyEdge

Apr 19, 2010, 2:46 AM

From the main forum

I was at another East Village presentation this past week and it was mentioned by CMLC that they have had interest from a number of developers so far. I have two numbers in my head and not sure which one is right, but either they have had interest from 14 developers from Vancouver (and 42 in all) or interest from 14 developers in total. They mentioned that other interest was from mainly Canadian developers (from Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto), but that there has been some interest from American developers.

They said we may see a project proposed in the new East Village as early as this Fall, but it's also possible that it could take a bit longer and not see any proposed projects till next Spring. They also said that they have had significant interest in Riverfront Lane, which is the small road which aligns with the Ctrain tracks.

Chris Ollenberger also mentioned how the city didn't exactly leave the heritage buildings in proper condition before shuttering them, example one of them they shut off the gas but not the water, so pipes in the 3rd floor burst and was raining on the lower floors for MONTHS, if not more, completely flooding the bar in the basement right up to the ceiling I believe destroying it. Either the same one or one of the other ones was so damaged either from that water or the elements that one of the walls was buckling and had to be emergency reinforced. Pretty dumb situations really. That all said, as strophs mentioned there is a lot of developer interest. (I believe it was 14 total)

Radley77

Apr 23, 2010, 4:06 AM

I have been reading up on the St. Patrick's Island Master Plan. Right now the CMLC site is pretty sparce about details, but it sounds like it will be another consulation process that is open to the public. :dancingtaco

I didn't realize that the island was so low. According to the city bylaws is too low for any buildings to be constructed due to being below the 20 and 100 year floodplain levels (discussed in Matrix hydrology report). This pretty much precludes a Shakespeare in the Park amphitheatre or any other venues like the Prince's Island River Cafe from developing. After reviewing Prince's Island it is also below the flood plain as well, so I'm guessing all the current structures are grandfathered in but nothing else can be built.

Does anyone know if the "erosion control" that Mr. Ollenberger mentioned refer to floodproofing potential structures or is the island doomed to be a disc golf course\ low intensity recreational activities for eternity?

Website:

Calgary Municipal Land Company - St. Patrick's Island (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/st._patrick%27s_island/st._patrick%27s_island/)

Documents:

Cultural And Historical Context of St. Patrick's Island (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/_uploads/0d3974f6-37c7-11df-9d96-001e0b764ee4/1270564546_At_the_Meeting_of_the_Waters.pdf)

St. Patrick's Island Geological History (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/_uploads/0d3974f6-37c7-11df-9d96-001e0b764ee4/St%20Patricks%20Island%20Geology.pdf)

St. Patrick's Island Hydrology Report (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/_uploads/0d3974f6-37c7-11df-9d96-001e0b764ee4/Matrix%20Hydrology%20Report.pdf)

fusili

Apr 23, 2010, 4:19 AM

You can build stuff in the floodplain, just not most structures. I can't recall what you can build exactly, but an outdoor stage may be OK- no health issues etc.

Radley77

May 19, 2010, 1:33 AM

The St. Patrick's Island public consultation process has begun.

Calgary MLC - St. Patrick's Island (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/st._patrick%27s_island/st._patrick%27s_island/)

The website has been updated with:

Virtual Tour
Documentation including cultural and historical context, geological history, hydrology report, and ecology
Milestone Checklist
Advisory Committee Bios
Public Survey

&

The Milestone Checklist timeline is as follows:

Webpage Survey #1 (hopes/aspirations) - May 2010
Advisory Committee Meeting #1 - June 2010
Webpage Survey #2 (visual preferences) - June 2010
Growing the Vision Engagement Events - June/July 2010
Advisory Committee Meeting #2 - September 2010
Advisory Committee Meeting #3 - October 2010
Advisory Committee Meeting #4 - November 2010
Webpage Survey #3(conceptual designs) - December 2010
Draft Plan Public Open House and Display - January 2011
Advisory Committee Meeting #5 - February 2011
Final Master Plan Approval - February 2011

&

The following are members of the Advisory Committee:

Kyle Ripley - Manager Park Planning & Development Services
Constable Dom Laporte - Community Liason Officer with CPS
Jack Marshall, Lawyer - Board of Directors at Fort Calgary Preservation Society
Gareth Lukes, Businessman - Lukes Drug Store in Bridgeland
Ray Spiteri, Businessman - Redevelopment director of Inglewood Community Association
Ned Shillington, Businessman - Chair of East Village Action Committee
Beth Gignac - Manager of Arts and Culrture for the City of Calgary
Dr. Clement Lanthier - President and CEO of Calgary Zoo
Maggie Schofield, Director - Executive Director of Calgary Downtown Assoication
Druh Farrell, Alderman - Alderman for Ward 7
Chris Ollenber, Engineer - CEO of CMLC

I am definitely keen on the public consultation process, if you are interested in the project make sure you submit a response for the hopes & aspirations phase of the public survey here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/island_1). This survey phase closes on June 4th (two weeks away) and I think there is a prize draw for entering.

I am curious what people here think would be the best fit for the island, and are there any concepts out there that could be used and improved upon here? The first concept I thought that would be great would be an outdoor ice rink, which I think would be a low risk idea in terms of public demand. What other things would there be a demand for and may differentiate itself from other parks so as to become a regional purpose park?

May 19, 2010, 3:31 AM

I guess you guys are big on the specific threads than the giant Construction Page so I'll ask again here...when is the Riverwalk supposed to be completed?

Wooster

May 19, 2010, 3:34 AM

Frinkprof answered your question in the construction thread.

May 19, 2010, 3:38 AM

^Thanks. I skimmed his/her post earlier thinking frink was talking about a different project :).

MichaelS

May 19, 2010, 3:54 AM

I love the idea of an outdoor rink on St. Patrick's Island.

kw5150

May 19, 2010, 6:16 AM

I love the idea of an outdoor rink on St. Patrick's Island.

A huge, serious one... Not some awkward dinky one that would belong in a small town.... Would be cool to have skating trails as well. That island is large!

Wooster

May 19, 2010, 2:10 PM

One feature I'd like to see is a really huge playground. Something elaborate that would actually be a city-wide draw for families with young kids.

Radley77

May 19, 2010, 5:24 PM

One feature I'd like to see is a really huge playground. Something elaborate that would actually be a city-wide draw for families with young kids.

I like that idea, rafting on the Bow river is a perennial favourite. Having is as THE destination point\stopping point with a playground could be a huge draw during the summer. Marc Boutin's original bridge design had some elements of placemaking. Perhaps at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow to be visible to both rafting streams?

Wooster

May 19, 2010, 6:22 PM

The urban beach idea that was in the East Village Master Plan is also an idea strongly worth considering for the island.

More than anything, if you are familiar with the Island or have looked at the extensive virtual tour on the CMLC website, the island needs the underbrush cleared a bit - it's quite a scruffy looking place. Like Prince's Island, I think St. Patrick's should have a section that is manicured, is heavily programmed, has more recreational opportunities like the playground, water features, and another section of the island that is more natural.

kw5150

May 19, 2010, 6:25 PM

Wooster

May 19, 2010, 6:28 PM

You guys filled out the survey?

frinkprof

May 21, 2010, 10:59 AM

Nevermind.

MasterG

May 22, 2010, 11:21 PM

the urban beach idea is great! Large playground too! I think what Calgary is missing is a large venue, close to downtown that could attract hundreds of people. Eau claire was designed for a city of 600,000 people and it failed. I still go there but it is missing that city feeling. The kiddie pool at eau claire is SO small!

Isn't there a plan to redo the Eau Claire area? Im guessing the plan is shelved due to the economy for the forseeable future. I really enjoy the plaza there and the connection to the pathway system and Prince's Island, but you are right; the area doesn't do all it can to create a sense of place and a spot for people to meet.

I really like the renderings of the EV riverwalk, I think that will do a better job, assuming the area develops as planned. It would be nice to have a strip of cafes and bars/restuarants lining the riverwalk, on the EV blocks on the other side of the street.

Im really excited to see how things will turn out!

Radley77

Jun 21, 2010, 5:46 PM

Invitation to World Cafe format public engagement for St. Patrick's Island redevelopment (June 23rd & 24th, 2010)

As part of the Growing the Vision stage for St. Patrick's Island, we will be hosting a series of public engagement events designed to gather your thoughts, opinions and feedback that will inform the master plan for the St. Patrick's Island.

Togeter with Stantec, we will be hosting two World Cafe sessions on June 23 and June 24 to solicit your input. The World Cafe format consists of a three hour collaborative forum in a cafe style setting designed to provoke topic-based conversation to a series of questions.

Participants will be divided into several small groups with one facilitator to lead discussion.

World Cafe Sessions
Session 1 - June 23 6 - 9 pm
Session 2 - JUne 24 9am - 12 pm
The World Cafe sessions are by RSVP only. If you would like more information or to participate please send an email to rsvp@calgarymlc.ca

Reference: CMLC - St. Patrick's Island Redevelopment Event (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/rivers_projects/st._patrick's_island/st._patrick's_island/public_process/events_and_activities/)

I thought I would post this in case anyone is interested in attending and I know there are a lot of people on this forum that would have some great ideas to contribute.

Radley77

Jun 21, 2010, 5:47 PM

Isn't there a plan to redo the Eau Claire area? Im guessing the plan is shelved due to the economy for the forseeable future. I really enjoy the plaza there and the connection to the pathway system and Prince's Island, but you are right; the area doesn't do all it can to create a sense of place and a spot for people to meet.

I really like the renderings of the EV riverwalk, I think that will do a better job, assuming the area develops as planned. It would be nice to have a strip of cafes and bars/restuarants lining the riverwalk, on the EV blocks on the other side of the street.

Im really excited to see how things will turn out!

As for the redevelopment of Eau Claire, I have not heard anything recently from Harvard Developments regarding the proposed plans. The Barley Mill and Prego are a favourite place of mine to hit up after a long day at work. And I know the 24 hour Gold's Gym has added a lot more mix of uses to the mall. Plus the mix of uses from the community bicycle repair shop to the violinists, art gallery, theatre and architectural firms like Kasian. I was reading in a book recently how old structures are important because it allows for a mix of economic uses that are both low and high yield. I figure it takes soooo long for this kind of diversity to be generated, and it is so easy to kill, that I would be concerned that whatever replaces Eau Claire Market preserves the mix of economic uses, but improves upon the form and adds density.

DizzyEdge

Jun 21, 2010, 9:29 PM

As for the redevelopment of Eau Claire, I have not heard anything recently from Harvard Developments regarding the proposed plans. The Barley Mill and Prego are a favourite place of mine to hit up after a long day at work. And I know the 24 hour Gold's Gym has added a lot more mix of uses to the mall. Plus the mix of uses from the community bicycle repair shop to the violinists, art gallery, theatre and architectural firms like Kasian. I was reading in a book recently how old structures are important because it allows for a mix of economic uses that are both low and high yield. I figure it takes soooo long for this kind of diversity to be generated, and it is so easy to kill, that I would be concerned that whatever replaces Eau Claire Market preserves the mix of economic uses, but improves upon the form and adds density.

What book was it?

And yes, the irony is that by the time redevelopment of Eau Claire actually gets going there may finally be enough people living in the area for the mall to have actually done well. My concern is that new retail will try to be an outdoor "Core", full of the high end retailers that the actual "The Core" mall isn't necessarily getting due to competition from Chinook. The retail in EC really needs to be neighbourhood retail, grocery, services, etc etc, not just lunch-hour executive shopping. Perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised though.

Radley77

Jun 22, 2010, 12:08 AM

What book was it?

And yes, the irony is that by the time redevelopment of Eau Claire actually gets going there may finally be enough people living in the area for the mall to have actually done well. My concern is that new retail will try to be an outdoor "Core", full of the high end retailers that the actual "The Core" mall isn't necessarily getting due to competition from Chinook. The retail in EC really needs to be neighbourhood retail, grocery, services, etc etc, not just lunch-hour executive shopping. Perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised though.

The book is the "Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs. The chapter about the generators of diversity she had cited as four indispensable conditions for exuberant diversity that it must have more than one primary function, blocks must be short, district must mingle old buildings, and that there must be a sufficiently dense concentration of people who are there because of residence.

I would be concerned that things like the Latin Corner Dance Studio might not be able to attract a high enough revenue to be economic in a completely redeveloped Eau Claire Market...

In addition, competition from Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew would be fierce, particularly considering that Eau Claire only has a population of less than 2,000 so would never be able to support a high end fashion area on it's own accord. Even a high-rise tower that adds 200 persons, it would still take decades to get to a district that has a substantial residential base.

Wooster

Jul 27, 2010, 5:06 PM

Help Design the Island!

Want to contribute to the design of St. Patrick's Island?

Participate in our second public survey and be entered to win one of three $100 gift certificates to the River Cafe.

St. Patrick's Island needs you. This 30-acre island is currently one of the least used parks in Calgary and we want to know how you'd like to see that changed. Situated in the Bow River and adjacent to the Calgary Zoo this small island is ready for a new life and that is where you come in.

As part of the master plan process the St. Patrick's Island Master Plan team is committed to public engagement and understanding what is important to all Calgarians. For the past six weeks we have conducted a series of public consultation events, including an online survey, two stakeholder World Cafe sessions, a display at Fort Calgary on Canada Day and Idea Studios on Princes Island and St. Patrick's Island.

This is the second of three surveys planned as part of the master plan process to capture the imagination, ideas and opinions of Calgarians. The images you will see within this survey are examples of what is possible on the island. You will be asked to prioritize your preference on a series of images depicting a wide array of activities and designs.

The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Once completed you can enter to win one of three $100 gift cards to River Cafe*.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/small_island2

Your input is vital and we appreciate your time in completing this survey. This survey will remain open until September 6 at 11:59pm. * Full contest details online.

Through a competitive RFP process, Stantec Consulting has been retained to assist CMLC with the master plan for St. Patrick's Island and the associated public participation program.

For more details, please visit calgarymlc.ca/island or call Terry Koch, Public Participation Consultant, at Stantec (403) 716-8298.

East Village is being developed by CMLC - passionate,
experienced placemakers who inspire communities to
build, grow and believe. calgarymlc.ca

Radley77

Jul 27, 2010, 5:13 PM

CorporateWhore

Jul 27, 2010, 6:03 PM

Done. After having tried River Cafe for the first time in my life last week, I better win this gift card, cause I gotta go back!

CorporateWhore

Jul 27, 2010, 6:05 PM

I just filled it out! :tup:

I had read through the previous survey results which are no longer available online. Apparantly, there had been a large volume of skateboard park enthusiasts who wanted a new skateboard park.

Maybe because I don't skate, but St. Patrick's island and skateboarding don't seem to be that great of a fit. It's a more natural/green setting that doesn't seem to mesh with the vibe/needs of the sport.

Also I think one skate park downtown is probably enough.

SubwayRev

Jul 27, 2010, 6:36 PM

Maybe because I don't skate, but St. Patrick's island and skateboarding don't seem to be that great of a fit. It's a more natural/green setting that doesn't seem to mesh with the vibe/needs of the sport.

Also I think one skate park downtown is probably enough.

While I agree that St. Patrick's might not be the best location, I disagree that one park is enough, and I don't skate at all. That skateboard park is busy pretty much around the clock, and the city desperately needs more. Downtown could easily support one or two more, and then the suburbs would need them scattered throughout as well, preferrably close to LRT stations, providing kids with easy access.

I believe Edmonton has 11, while Calgary has the one. This is a very popular activity for the City's youth and I think we need to embrace it, rather than push it to the fringes or undesireable locations.

Wooster

Jul 27, 2010, 7:03 PM

^ I agree Calgary needs more, but perhaps not on St. Patrick's Island. I think actually the open space at Fort Calgary would be a more suitable skate-park location for this part of town.

CorporateWhore

Jul 27, 2010, 7:09 PM

I guess I always thought skateboarding was one of those things you could just do anywhere on the streets, or setup some ramps in the alley. But I guess with today's safety culture, even skateboarding needs to be supervised by mommy's in a dedicated area, ha.

Personally, I'd rather something else get some love. I'd love to see some more effort into rafting/kayaking (how cool with an inner-city kayak obstacle course be). Or maybe something weird like a velodrome!

Wooster

Jul 27, 2010, 7:19 PM

Personally, I'd rather something else get some love. I'd love to see some more effort into rafting/kayaking (how cool with an inner-city kayak obstacle course be). Or maybe something weird like a velodrome!

With the reconfiguration of the Weir that sort of short white rapids obstacle course becomes possible in that location. Would be cool.

I'm really keen to see an urban beach on a river.

Either way, it is nice to see such an engaging process that CMLC has roled out to design this park. :tup:

Doug_Cgy

Jul 27, 2010, 8:59 PM

With the reconfiguration of the Weir that sort of short white rapids obstacle course becomes possible in that location. Would be cool.

I'm really keen to see an urban beach on a river.

Either way, it is nice to see such an engaging process that CMLC has roled out to design this park. :tup:

Are there plans to create a sand beach on the river?? That would be sweet!

Wooster

Jul 27, 2010, 9:04 PM

Are there plans to create a sand beach on the river?? That would be sweet!

The Broadway Malyan East Village master plan showed the notion of a sand beach on St. Patrick's Island. This survey also seemed illustrate it as an option for the park's edge on the river, so I assume it's a feature they are seriously considering.

freeweed

Jul 27, 2010, 9:35 PM

Are there plans to create a sand beach on the river?? That would be sweet!

It would be, but I can't see this working. The Bow has an incredible flow rate and with the spring flow raising the level so much... I just picture a beach that has to be re-created every summer.

Maybe some of the slower parts of the Elbow, or something like the protected lagoon at Prince's Island?

CorporateWhore

Jul 27, 2010, 10:02 PM

A beach would be fantastic, but a nice outdoor pool/skating rink on the edge of the park in the park would be great as well.

kw5150

Jul 27, 2010, 11:04 PM

How about an engineered side stream with a series of open spaces and sand beaches that people could raft through? Something that wouldn't attact as many geese and ducks as eau claire....but similar..... The water current is quite strong along the south side of saint patricks island and it drops off right away....it may be hard to figure out a beach in that area. I guess if the wier is getting bulit.....anything is possible?? Maybe some small inlets and bays could be engineered like bowness park.

I always wish that someday they would build really large urban beach along the elbow as well. I know it functions as one here and there but we could probably make it more of a city wide destination. I raft down the elbow all the time so I know all of the areas down there. I dont think they are large enough though. Anyway......an obvious side point.

kw5150

Jul 27, 2010, 11:13 PM

Isn't there a plan to redo the Eau Claire area? Im guessing the plan is shelved due to the economy for the forseeable future. I really enjoy the plaza there and the connection to the pathway system and Prince's Island, but you are right; the area doesn't do all it can to create a sense of place and a spot for people to meet.

I really like the renderings of the EV riverwalk, I think that will do a better job, assuming the area develops as planned. It would be nice to have a strip of cafes and bars/restuarants lining the riverwalk, on the EV blocks on the other side of the street.

Im really excited to see how things will turn out!

It took me a couple of months to answer your question but I will try..... For the Eau claire development, the want to rip out the entire thing (trees and all) and start fresh. Not the island, just the plaza. The space will be scaled more to the size of calgary and will be almost all open.

I think the complete removal of everything is a little bit ridicoulous and I dont think they are allowing a large enough kiddie pool/water park which is crazy. The designers are kind of hiding the design because they dont want to scare the public. I really wish they would show the public the plans for the space.

I dont really like the design at all.....just the fact that it will be a HUGE open space. They are also planning on removing all of the trees on each side of the bridge to allow for a 6m wide pedestrian bridge. That bridge is a good thing as well but I wish those tall pines that have finally grown tall enough to flank the bridge could some how stay. I know, I am a tree hugger, but in some cities they really do value mature trees. All we have is baby trees in many areas of this city.

DizzyEdge

Jul 28, 2010, 5:38 PM

^^

How do they expect the 'wide open space' to solve whatever is perceived to be the issues with the site now?

You Need A Thneed

Jul 28, 2010, 8:55 PM

There's never going to be a sand beach on a river in Calgary. The sand would be gone every spring. If the city is going to have more sandy beach, it would be something similar to another Sikome Lake - Protected from the river.

Plus, the rivers are silty enough every spring, never mind adding a bunch of sand to the banks.

kw5150

Jul 28, 2010, 9:34 PM

^^

How do they expect the 'wide open space' to solve whatever is perceived to be the issues with the site now?

I guess they want it to be more scaled to a city of 1,000,000 + and not a city of 500,000 which is what it was designed for. The also want more visibility to Prince's Island Park. They are also calling for the removal of all of the buildings, inlcluding the entire market and theatre which kind of blows my mind. The will apparently be moving the old 1890 cafe (or whatever that awesome place is called) in front of the YMCA which is a very odd juxtaposition of building scale in my opinion!

Jul 28, 2010, 9:45 PM

While I agree that St. Patrick's might not be the best location, I disagree that one park is enough, and I don't skate at all. That skateboard park is busy pretty much around the clock, and the city desperately needs more. Downtown could easily support one or two more, and then the suburbs would need them scattered throughout as well, preferrably close to LRT stations, providing kids with easy access.

I believe Edmonton has 11, while Calgary has the one. This is a very popular activity for the City's youth and I think we need to embrace it, rather than push it to the fringes or undesireable locations.

At least Calgary has one Downtown.

fusili

Jul 28, 2010, 10:00 PM

At least Calgary has one Downtown.

Ah, the sheer beauty of monocentric cities.

kw5150

Jul 28, 2010, 10:11 PM

Ah, the sheer beauty of monocentric cities.

Im pretty sure he meant that our skatepark is downtown.....not that we only have one downtown core.

fusili

Jul 28, 2010, 10:28 PM

Im pretty sure he meant that our skatepark is downtown.....not that we only have one downtown core.

Ha ha. I totally misread that.

DizzyEdge

Jul 29, 2010, 12:31 AM

I guess they want it to be more scaled to a city of 1,000,000 + and not a city of 500,000 which is what it was designed for. The also want more visibility to Prince's Island Park. They are also calling for the removal of all of the buildings, inlcluding the entire market and theatre which kind of blows my mind. The will apparently be moving the old 1890 cafe (or whatever that awesome place is called) in front of the YMCA which is a very odd juxtaposition of building scale in my opinion!

Call me a skeptic. Does that mean if we had 10 million people we should have a 3 block by 3 block open area? :)

atlas_inc

Jul 29, 2010, 1:03 AM

I hear that a couple of developers have purchased land in the East Village. Good news for the future, for sure!

artvandelay

Jul 29, 2010, 1:45 AM

I did the survey and said that I would really love to see an urban beach combined with a boardwalk, similar to this one in T.O:
http://cf.juggle-images.com/fit/white/600x600/wg-toronto-1-8.jpg
This way there wouldn't be any erosion to worry about. We have enough "natural" riverfront in the city - a more urban seawall or boardwalk should be incorporated into the island.
Also, I hope they put in a hockey rink with boards, the inner city is lacking in these, and I'm sure it would draw a lot of people to the island on cold winter nights.

Wooster

Jul 29, 2010, 3:21 AM

On st. patricks's the beach could simply be stepped up slightly above the level of the water.

You Need A Thneed

Jul 29, 2010, 2:43 PM

On st. patricks's the beach could simply be stepped up slightly above the level of the water.

The problem with that is that they would have to put it above the 100 year flood level. I bet that's a long ways away from where the shore is most of the time.

I would think that a good part of the island is under water at the 100 year flood level.

kw5150

Jul 29, 2010, 3:23 PM

Call me a skeptic. Does that mean if we had 10 million people we should have a 3 block by 3 block open area? :)

Sure, why not? All of the great cities around the world have a large open square like the plans for Eau Claire. The designers are taking precedents from mojor cities around the world. Barcelona, Paris, Chicago, New York all have an example of these large, open urban squares. I guess this plaza, with the new design, would be pretty permanent and it would serve the city well for the next 100 years.

What would you propose for the space?

DizzyEdge

Jul 29, 2010, 3:41 PM

The problem with that is that they would have to put it above the 100 year flood level. I bet that's a long ways away from where the shore is most of the time.

I would think that a good part of the island is under water at the 100 year flood level.

Or just accept that we would need to redo the beach every 100 years, which I think is acceptable.

CorporateWhore

Jul 29, 2010, 4:32 PM

Sure, why not? All of the great cities around the world have a large open square like the plans for Eau Claire.

In Calgary we call them parking lots.

kw5150

Jul 29, 2010, 5:00 PM

In Calgary we call them parking lots.

Just imagine a central park in calgary........ We even have enough buildings to wrap around the whole thing. It is obviously too late for the that in our core! Central park is just so damn amazing. I am off topic again, what a surprise.....

fusili

Jul 29, 2010, 5:06 PM

Prince's Island is a pretty awesome big park.

kw5150

Jul 29, 2010, 5:26 PM

Prince's Island is a pretty awesome big park.

yes, it is. I think Central Park is about 15 times larger. We have a big satellite image on the wall of our office and it blows my mind.

If we combine Eau Claire, the river pathway around the core, Fort Calgary, St Andrews Island. The Zoo and the stampede grounds I think that is about the same size as Central park.

After thinking about that and the fact that we will be linking most of those together in the next few years, that is really quite amazing for our city.

kw5150

Jul 29, 2010, 5:29 PM

Does anyone know the finish date for the new weir? I cant wait to break it in.......

freeweed

Jul 29, 2010, 5:42 PM

Or just accept that we would need to redo the beach every 100 years, which I think is acceptable.

You'd still have to build pretty high up from the low water level. I don't know the exact figures but from watching the river throughout the year, it looks like it rises at least several feet every spring vs the low summer level. So we'd have to have a beach that just stops, with what - grass or something going down to the water. Kinda silly.

I think a boardwalk as pictured above is the only way to go. With maybe steps leading down to the actual water, steps that would be under water for much of the spring.

The other thing to contend with is bad ice years. In a cold winter, and especially in springs when the ice breaks up in a nasty fashion, huge pieces of ice get thrown up onto the banks. Much higher than the actual high water level. Imagine what would happen to the beach unless it was very carefully engineered.

Otherwise we'd be redoing it every year.

freeweed

Jul 29, 2010, 5:55 PM

Does anyone know the finish date for the new weir? I cant wait to break it in.......

2011. Not sure when but hopefully July at the latest.

I haven't had a chance to go rafting this year so I'm really hoping the next time I go, I can ride the weir. :tup:

kw5150

Jul 29, 2010, 6:03 PM

2011. Not sure when but hopefully July at the latest.

I haven't had a chance to go rafting this year so I'm really hoping the next time I go, I can ride the weir. :tup:

Thanks, I was hoping it wasn't near copmpletion yet anyway as the current is still fairly dangerous. This is one of the most exciting projects on a river in Canada for sure.

I haven't rated this year either yet!!! We are so spoiled with great rivers to raft in Alberta.

Riise

Jul 29, 2010, 6:18 PM

I think a boardwalk as pictured above is the only way to go. With maybe steps leading down to the actual water, steps that would be under water for much of the spring.

I'd definitely be on board with a similar one. I simply adore the temporary beach that Paris has in the summer and I'm a big fan of the concrete board/river-walks; the project pictured combines both of them to provide a decent amount of awesomeness.

MichaelS

Jul 29, 2010, 10:20 PM

kw5150

Jul 29, 2010, 10:28 PM

Perhaps we can do what they did in Brisbane, Australia. Their South Bank neighbourhood on their river has a pretty awesome urban beach, that is on a pool, well elevated above the Brisbane River.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=-27.478468,153.023608&spn=0.002865,0.004125&t=h&z=18

I have to say i am rather excited for the future of calgary. It seems like many people are on the same wavelength and that is what we need for a great place to live.

outoftheice

Aug 1, 2010, 6:13 PM

Does anybody know if the CMLC will have any control over the design quality of the new developments happening in the East Village? I've been in the UK for the last few weeks and have been able to see some of the more modern designs being used over here that really make a statement to the casual observer. I'd love to see something similar appear anywhere in Calgary and the East Village is probably the best spot for that to happen. I'd just hate to see the area dominated by boring stucco/brick buildings that seem to make up the majority of low rise/mid rise development in Calgary.

kw5150

Aug 1, 2010, 7:07 PM

DizzyEdge

Aug 2, 2010, 12:15 AM

Hopefully they do something interesting and not just big box stores and stampitecture.

Are trying to tell me that you wouldn't want an entire community full of this?? http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=calgary&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=52.77044,114.169922&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Calgary,+Division+No.+6,+Alberta,+Canada&ll=51.037845,-114.016628&spn=0.005168,0.013937&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=51.037813,-114.016887&panoid=iIvD2n9tbg7Z2lDdEr7EIg&cbp=12,3.32,,0,-1.65

Radley77

Aug 4, 2010, 7:04 PM

I had a couple of ideas for programming that could take place on St. Patrick's Island that would help to bring more eyes on the park, as well as encourage different uses during differing times of the day (particularly evening):

1. Al Fresco Movie Theatre
- Right now there are 553 members on facebook that would support a drive-in theatre for Calgary, I bet there are a ton of people in Calgary that would go to an outdoor movie theatre. A specialized user group would make this a truly regional park, and be a hit in the evenings when the park really needs more eyes in the park. It could occupy the same space as the ice rink so that the park is well utilized during the winter, as well as summer evenings, with a reduced footprint. I could envision myself going to a movie park like this once a week. I hope the park has programming that earns routine users.
2. Horsedrawn Carriage
- Again, something that is not available anywhere else in Calgary, and may be a good fit for the natural environment, as well as help keep more eyes in the park during the evenings

Calgary MLC has also posted the first survey results here:
They also posted the results of the first survey here:

A Master Plan for St. Patrick's Island: Survey 1, Little Island looking for Big Ideas, Findings and Analysis (http://www.calgarymlc.ca/_uploads/9b1fa336-3820-11df-9b57-001e0b764ee4/St%20Pats%20Island%20Web%20survey%20findings.pdf)

ginsberg

Aug 8, 2010, 3:44 PM

East Village resident longs for 'peace and quiet' as area changes

From her usually serene perch on a bench in an East Village park, Mary Mitchell's chat with a friend Saturday was nearly drowned out as the sounds of a street party competed with the noise of construction equipment.

Hundreds of people ambled up to the annual community celebration hosted by the city and service providers, and enjoyed free food and entertainment as they discussed the changing face of the area.

Mitchell was among the celebrants. The 63-year-old has rented her low-income seniors apartment on 8th Avenue S.E. for 3 1/2 years and has had no problems living in what was Calgary's grimiest neighbourhood. That is, until an ambitious redevelopment plan set out to remove that title.

The initial stages of the process -- replacing and flood-proofing roads, sidewalks and utilities, which should be complete enough to allow for actual development this year -- has taken a toll on some of the 2,200 existing residents, many of whom are seniors.

"I haven't had any peace and quiet for over a year now," said Mitchell, a former office clerk.

Her chief grievance, though, is the paving stones used on some streets and sidewalks, which she said provide a "treacherous" surface in the winter and one that is difficult year-round for people in wheelchairs and on scooters.

The neighbourhood's facelift so far "looks nice," she allowed, "but you've got to think about the practicality of it and who's using this stuff."

Ald. Druh Farrell, whose Ward 7 encompasses the East Village, said the redevelopment plan, initiated in 2007, is on track and "has ignited a lot of interest" from developers, whose projects will eventually blend residential, commercial and institutional spaces.

"There will be some news in the fall" on that front, she promised.

The area's abandoned buildings and vacant lots already stand in stark contrast to a handful of shiny new mixed-use buildings along streets lined with young trees and hanging flower baskets. The high-tech Enmax Downtown District Energy Centre clearly represents the future, while the boarded-up King Edward Hotel across the street reflects the past.

Farrell predicts 10,000 people will call the East Village home when it's completely built up in 20 to 30 years.

Karen Lintener shares an apartment with her 18-year-old son, bordering Fort Calgary on 8th Avenue S.E., and believes in the vision.

"It's going to be a nice community neighbourhood once things get built," the 50-year-old technical editor observed.

After losing her house in Ramsay, she settled on the East Village because of its downtown location, and in just the last year, she's seen a sharp decrease in "iffy" street behaviour such as drug dealing.

And if more social improvements are wrung from the temporary construction headaches, Lintener's happy to put up with those, too: "Won't last forever, hopefully."

jfries@theherald.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/East+Village+resident+longs+peace+quiet+area+changes/3373587/story.html#ixzz0w1sxICC7

Rusty van Reddick

Aug 8, 2010, 5:33 PM

She was 59 when she moved into a "low income seniors apartment"? 59 is "senior"? 62 is?

kw5150

Aug 9, 2010, 5:14 AM

She was 59 when she moved into a "low income seniors apartment"? 59 is "senior"? 62 is?

wrong area to type

kw5150

Aug 9, 2010, 5:15 AM

So there are less vagrants around the east village now?.....thats because they all hang around the 17th ave area now!! Dont forget about 17th ave SW City of Calgary!! But seriously....I hope we can find a solution to the homeless problem in the city.

mwalker_mw

Aug 9, 2010, 3:15 PM

Having just bought a place in Orange Lofts down there and spent the last few days getting a feel for the area I must call BS on the noise complaint in that article. In fact I was shocked by just how quiet it was.

Being down there at ANY time of the day is substantially quieter than my current place at 10th & 10th SW. There is just no comparison - while there may be some construction noise and occasional outdoor activities, compared to just the ambient traffic noise from being near 11th or 12th (not to mention the sirens, motorcycles, dump trucks, train etc.) it is a huge improvement.

That being said, I was also shocked by just how much street activity there was down there. Definitely enough to keep the n'erdowells at bay - there are still plenty of homeless & similar around there but they tend to keep moving and I didn't see any visible signs of illicit activities. I have no problem with their presence as long as they keep to their own productive activities and avoid the clustering behavior that tends to make others feel less safe.

I really do believe the area will work out this time.

freeweed

Aug 9, 2010, 5:23 PM

She was 59 when she moved into a "low income seniors apartment"? 59 is "senior"? 62 is?

You can get "senior's discounts" at some restaurants at 45 years old. No, I'm not kidding.

DavidKuitunen

Aug 9, 2010, 9:00 PM

DavidKuitunen

Aug 9, 2010, 9:05 PM

Calgary could use more skateparks. Millenium isn't great considering the amount of money it costs. The park in Cochrane is significantly better at a fraction of the cost. If Calgary had half a dozen parks like the Cochrane park scattered throughout the city. It would be better than having one giant shitty park downtown(Millz)

Radley77

Aug 16, 2010, 6:12 PM

East Village underpass breaks ground - Calgary Sun, Jenna McMurray

Construction on an underpass that will link the East Village with Stampede Park is now underway.

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) hosted a ground breaking Thursday, signalling the start of excavation between 9 Ave. and 11 Ave. for the future 4 St. S.E. underpass.

The four-lane road will connect Olympic Way at 11 Ave. S.E. with 4 St. at 9 Ave. S.E. and is considered to be a critical piece of transportation infrastructure.

“We are celebrating a milestone for Calgary,” said CMLC president and CEO Chris Ollenberger.

“I think it will really improve the connectivity of east downtown; right now you’re kind of boxed in.”

Preparatory work on the $70-million project — including lowering 9 Ave. by about two metres near the King Edward Hotel, rerouting utility lines, and relocating approximately 3,500 metres of CP Rail storage tracks to the Highfield Industrial area— has been ongoing for about two years already.

Ollenberger said the underpass was designed to be a safe walkway for pedestrians, allowing lots of natural light in during the day and being illuminated by LED lights at night.

There will also be public art inside to create a less intimidating atmosphere.

Besides being lined with sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes, the underpass will descend below the train tracks, creating what the city’s director of roads calls a network for commuters of all kinds.

“The only thing we’re not going to have is an airplane flying through,” said Ryan Jestin, adding the project is much more functional and better looking than pedestrian overpasses.

He said a connector like this has been on the city transportation department’s radar since the 1980s and it’s great to see it finally come to fruition.

“It’s phenomenal that we’ve finally got to this point,” said Jestin.

“We’ve known we needed it for a long time.”

The underpass is expected to open to traffic by the end of 2011, said Ollenberger.

The CMLC, which is funded through city borrowing, is contributing $42 million to the project while the city is giving $28 million.

Graham Construction was awarded the contract to build the underpass.

Full article: http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2010/08/12/15007481.html

I can't wait to see Olympic Avenue and 4th Street linked up! :tup: