Calgary's Public Realm

[Joborule]

I think when (or if?) Calgary annexes more land east of Stoney Trail E north of 16th avenue, they should establish a natural reserve park between McKnight Blvd and Airport Trail similar to Nose Hill park. That would finally give the northern communities east of Deerfoot a large park for them to use, and different from the other ones in the city since it could be more of a prairie theme.

EDIT: Or just a general open space park north of 16th ave and east of Stoney Trail.

[MasterG]

I have been in Montreal the past two weeks and have some comments on their public realm.

1. Parklets, pop-up patios and general temporary summer-focused sidewalk improvements are many, many times more predominant in Montreal over Calgary. Picture the 2 or 3 pop up patios in street parking spaces on Kensington area but in front of many more estabilishments and throughout the city. Rue St. Denis (a 4 lane shopping / bar street not unsimilar to 17th Ave albeit a bit denser) closed a parking lane 10 blocks long for patios and picnic tables
2. On street bicycle corrals are everywhere. Calgary has zero? ( I can't recall any anyways even in the most bicycle friendly areas of the Beltline / Kensignton))
3. Plenty of streets are closed for the summer for temporary public spaces, ranging from a half-block long to several blocks.
4. Bicycle infrastructure is much more pre-dominant, although few stretches are as nice as the cycle-track. Much better connectivity though, nearly every street has some lane or bicycle marking even if it is not separated.
5. Sidewalks are a consistent width (not everywhere, but along one particular street it will never change) and usually slightly/signficantly wider than Calgary, even off of the main strips. The north side of 17th Avenue would rank as one of the narrowest sidewalks on a shopping street in Montreal.
6. One-way streets are predominant as they are in Calgary, however there is much less green-wave light timing. Light cycles are much shorter, even if they favour one direction over another.
7. I have yet to see a closed sidewalk due to construction in 2 weeks of walking around, including walking through several complete street / pedestrian retrofits in older areas (i.e. building official curb bulbs, better lighting etc.)
8. Every inner-city intersection has at least a stop sign in every direction of travel. Not just downtown, all through the Plateau, Mile End and many other dense urban neighbourhood. Streets like 5th Street SW south of the 17th Ave and most side streets of the Beltline that allow traffic to flow uninterrupted in one direction are non-existent in the inner city of Montreal, regardless of how busy the street is. The result is no cut-through traffic anywhere and little speeding.
9. None of these improvements are high-quality from a aesthetic perspective. It's simple and cheap looking but completely effective. I haven't seen a single street that has been redesigned like the 1st Street SW underpass or at that level of finishing. People use this stuff in droves nonetheless.

All together, Montreal's recent public space improvements are light-years ahead of Calgary in the urban residential neighbourhoods. It's not an age of city thing, most of the stuff I mentioned was done in the past 10 - 20 years in Montreal. It's not that there isn't alot of cars, parking and traffic on big roads, it's that the entire inner city is treated as such; an inner city with different values than the auto-commuters. The compromise on public space is shifted much farther to the inner city pedestrian than to commuters.

Food for thought. One day I hope the Beltline and other pre-dominately pedestrian neighbourhoods gets similar levels support for public realm improvements. They don't cost much money but they sure make a difference.

[suburbia]

Originally Posted by MasterG

I have been in Montreal the past two weeks and have some comments on their public realm.

1. Parklets, pop-up patios and general temporary summer-focused sidewalk improvements are many, many times more predominant in Montreal over Calgary. Picture the 2 or 3 pop up patios in street parking spaces on Kensington area but in front of many more estabilishments and throughout the city. Rue St. Denis (a 4 lane shopping / bar street not unsimilar to 17th Ave albeit a bit denser) closed a parking lane 10 blocks long for patios and picnic tables
2. On street bicycle corrals are everywhere. Calgary has zero? ( I can't recall any anyways even in the most bicycle friendly areas of the Beltline / Kensignton))
3. Plenty of streets are closed for the summer for temporary public spaces, ranging from a half-block long to several blocks.
4. Bicycle infrastructure is much more pre-dominant, although few stretches are as nice as the cycle-track. Much better connectivity though, nearly every street has some lane or bicycle marking even if it is not separated.
5. Sidewalks are a consistent width (not everywhere, but along one particular street it will never change) and usually slightly/signficantly wider than Calgary, even off of the main strips. The north side of 17th Avenue would rank as one of the narrowest sidewalks on a shopping street in Montreal.
6. One-way streets are predominant as they are in Calgary, however there is much less green-wave light timing. Light cycles are much shorter, even if they favour one direction over another.
7. I have yet to see a closed sidewalk due to construction in 2 weeks of walking around, including walking through several complete street / pedestrian retrofits in older areas (i.e. building official curb bulbs, better lighting etc.)
8. Every inner-city intersection has at least a stop sign in every direction of travel. Not just downtown, all through the Plateau, Mile End and many other dense urban neighbourhood. Streets like 5th Street SW south of the 17th Ave and most side streets of the Beltline that allow traffic to flow uninterrupted in one direction are non-existent in the inner city of Montreal, regardless of how busy the street is. The result is no cut-through traffic anywhere and little speeding.
9. None of these improvements are high-quality from a aesthetic perspective. It's simple and cheap looking but completely effective. I haven't seen a single street that has been redesigned like the 1st Street SW underpass or at that level of finishing. People use this stuff in droves nonetheless.

All together, Montreal's recent public space improvements are light-years ahead of Calgary in the urban residential neighbourhoods. It's not an age of city thing, most of the stuff I mentioned was done in the past 10 - 20 years in Montreal. It's not that there isn't alot of cars, parking and traffic on big roads, it's that the entire inner city is treated as such; an inner city with different values than the auto-commuters. The compromise on public space is shifted much farther to the inner city pedestrian than to commuters.

Food for thought. One day I hope the Beltline and other pre-dominately pedestrian neighbourhoods gets similar levels support for public realm improvements. They don't cost much money but they sure make a difference.

Infrastructure challenges and begging for federal money to keep the wheels rolling aside, I agree that some aspects of Montreal are miles beyond Calgary. Another element that was pervasive was second floor businesses - you know like a couple buildings in Kensington where you walk up to a coffee shop or stay at street level for a shop? That type of thing - blocks upon blocks of it. Additionally, many of the streets like this used to have mini-front yards, which are now built out into, increasing the ground floor commercial. That age of building in Calgary would be protected at a level that you couldn't make such a change.

[Spring2008]

17th ave public real improvements start next Spring. Couple engagement sessions coming up.

17 Avenue S. reconstruction
We are rebuilding 17 Avenue S. to make it safer and more pedestrian-friendly. After 30 years, the road needs to be reconstructed so it can continue to serve businesses and citizens for decades to come. This is being done as part of The City’s Major Roads Reconstruction Program. Construction will occur on 17 Avenue S. between Macleod Trail S.E. and 14 Street S.W., and will include both road safety improvements, as well as sidewalk and streetscape improvements at the east end. This project aligns with our vision of Calgary as a city of inspiring neighbourhoods and one that moves. It is an investment in the long-term success of 17 Avenue S. - one of Calgary’s most popular destinations to shop, visit and do business.

Project update
The 17 Avenue S. Reconstruction Project team is hosting public events during the week of Oct. 19, which will show the progress on design for 17 Avenue S., between Macleod Trail and 14 Street S.W., and provide a project update. Specifically, you’ll see how the design of 17 Avenue S. includes recommendations from the Road Safety Review as well as the proposed improvements to sidewalks and the public realm area.
There are three opportunities for you to drop by and talk with us about the project:
Daytime events
Location: ATB Financial, Community room (110, 17 Avenue S.W.)
Date: Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening events
Location: St Mary’s Church Hall (219, 18 Avenue S.W.)
Date: Tuesday, October 20
Hours: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: ATB Financial, Community room (110, 17 Avenue S.W.)
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Hours: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Road-projects/17-Avenue-S-reconstruction.aspx

[Spring2008]

The civic district public realm strategy looks huge, when does implementation start on this one?

http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Documents/pdf/CD-Final-Draft-Presentation-Boards.pdf

[ByeByeBaby]

The pedestrian strategy report was deferred to next year by T&T committee.

Sure makes the lie obvious when City documents talk about pedestrians as the highest priority. We're not even talking about the City actually taking concrete constructive actions for pedestrians, they're not even bothering to pay lip service anymore. Actions - or inaction - is speaking a hell of a lot louder than words.

[Wooster]

Originally Posted by ByeByeBaby

The pedestrian strategy report was deferred to next year by T&T committee.

Sure makes the lie obvious when City documents talk about pedestrians as the highest priority. We're not even talking about the City actually taking concrete constructive actions for pedestrians, they're not even bothering to pay lip service anymore. Actions - or inaction - is speaking a hell of a lot louder than words.

Holy overreaction. The item was an update, the project team just wanted more time to complete the final report.

[Spring2008]

Originally Posted by Wooster

Holy overreaction. The item was an update, the project team just wanted more time to complete the final report.

Seems like a lot of the big projects have been delayed though. Civic District, 8 st, Eau-Claire riverwalk.

[Spring2008]

There's a good summary video here. Main focus is eastern part of the strip, burying utility lines, new sidewalks, landscaping etc.

A lane will be removed to widen the sidewalks from Macleod all the way to 14 ST SW, plus new LED lighting throughout. Much needed, those orange bulbs are so dingy.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2290182/red-mile-refurbished-fancy-facelift-planned-for-17-avenue/

[CalgaryAlex]

Originally Posted by Spring2008

There's a good summary video here. Main focus is eastern part of the strip, burying utility lines, new sidewalks, landscaping etc.

A lane will be removed to widen the sidewalks from Macleod all the way to 14 ST SW, plus new LED lighting throughout. Much needed, those orange bulbs are so dingy.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2290182/red-mile-refurbished-fancy-facelift-planned-for-17-avenue/

Burying the utility lines and improving lighting will be enough to bring those unsightly blocks into 2015. Add wider sidewalks and we are looking at significant improvements here. Glad to hear that a lane will be removed. When we first heard hints of this happening, I got the impression the city was focused on improving traffic flow, not the pedestrian realm. It sounds like pedestrians are actually being prioritized.

[ClaytonA]

There's still a missed opportunity in terms of streetscape on 15th Ave where the MacLeod Tr/LRT pedestrian overpass actually outlets. Walked part of it this past summer. I understand this was driven by other infrastructure and not public realm, the public realm was a "since we need to dig it up anyway."

I suppose I'd be the person trying to add in something "extra" to the project by way of making it pleasanter to get to 17th Ave and attempt to diffuse pedestrian traffic with a more permeable/welcome feeling for part of 15 Ave SW too. Lots of other sidewalk upgrades needed in the downtown and Beltline.

[MasterG]

Originally Posted by CalgaryAlex

Burying the utility lines and improving lighting will be enough to bring those unsightly blocks into 2015. Add wider sidewalks and we are looking at significant improvements here. Glad to hear that a lane will be removed. When we first heard hints of this happening, I got the impression the city was focused on improving traffic flow, not the pedestrian realm. It sounds like pedestrians are actually being prioritized.

No lane is actually being removed, most sidewalks are being widened between 0.2 to 0.4 metres. The main hub of 8th Street to 4th Street SW is seeing 0.4m width added to the north-side only.

While wider sidewalks are great - and there are some new pedestrian bulbs at 8th street and 7th Street which will be welcome - It's not reducing the travel lanes at all, it's moving 17th Ave from a 4.5 lane road to a 4 lane road.

I would have been happier for them to be a bit more ambitious in their proposal:

• There is no reopening of crossings to improve North-south access. There are 15 intersections between 14th Street and 4th Street SW, 6 are not controlled and have no cross-walks. This incentives higher-speed east-west traffic movement and penalizes crossing north-south for pedestrians who must walk further. This does not appear to be changing
• There is no mention of changing light-timing to cater to pedestrian access rather than automobile capacity. Light timing is long, again penalizing those moving opposite directions.
• Would have liked to see more emphasis on 17th being a destination, not just a corridor. Small plazas and pedestrian hang-out spots on key corners should be more prominent.
• 5th Street channelized right turn lane remains; channelized right turns encourage drivers to take corner at speed. The location of this one is one of the worst as 5th Street & 17th is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city. The numerous accidents and injuries at this intersection are a testament to it's unsafe design that encourages higher speeds. All of these dangerous geometries remain

A step in the right direction? Sure (or more likely about half a step, as that is the only additional space made for pedestrians).

Another potentially great opportunity watered down to protect the almighty peak-hour commuter. It's especially a shame because of 17th prominence as our top pedestrian and destination street. We only get to do these rebuilds once every 30 years, it's a shame it was so watered-down.

[CalgaryAlex]

Originally Posted by ClaytonA

There's still a missed opportunity in terms of streetscape on 15th Ave where the MacLeod Tr/LRT pedestrian overpass actually outlets. Walked part of it this past summer. I understand this was driven by other infrastructure and not public realm, the public realm was a "since we need to dig it up anyway."

I suppose I'd be the person trying to add in something "extra" to the project by way of making it pleasanter to get to 17th Ave and attempt to diffuse pedestrian traffic with a more permeable/welcome feeling for part of 15 Ave SW too. Lots of other sidewalk upgrades needed in the downtown and Beltline.

Agree. 15th Ave is exceptionally wide for what has been built along it (particularly from Macleod to 5th St). In lieu of bike lanes being installed directly on 17th Ave, 15th Ave would be a great second choice.

Mix in widened sidewalks and landscaping, and it would provide a nice walking environment for those wanting to avoid the heavier vehicular traffic along 17th. In particular, I find walking along 17th in the middle of summer unpleasant at times, when temperatures are around 30 degrees and douche-trucks waiting at lights are smothering me in diesel fumes.

[CalgaryAlex]

Originally Posted by MasterG

No lane is actually being removed, most sidewalks are being widened between 0.2 to 0.4 metres. The main hub of 8th Street to 4th Street SW is seeing 0.4m width added to the north-side only.

Ah I misread that part while quickly skimming. I completely agree with your argument that this is a half-measure. Timing of lights to benefit pedestrians is an easy win, I hope they take that into consideration.

It would be nice if they made the road "wind" in a repeating S-shape along the entire length, by adding pedestrian islands and shifting the road around those (the sidewalk width would vary here as well). Also, lower the curb height and add bollards along the entire length. This would make drivers wary of pedestrians and slow down traffic. Of course, adding signals at all intersections to benefit N-S travel would be one of the best additions possible.

[Spring2008]

That's cool

Druh Farrell ‏@DruhFarrell 18h18 hours ago
Calgary is getting its own luminescent pathway in West Eau Claire! #yycbike #yycwalk

https://twitter.com/DruhFarrell

[Chadillaccc]

Originally Posted by Spring2008

That's cool



https://twitter.com/DruhFarrell

Okay that's kickass.

[Govertical]

Totally kickass!

[DizzyEdge]

<joke about downtown and luminol>

[McMurph]

Originally Posted by CalgaryAlex

Ah I misread that part while quickly skimming. I completely agree with your argument that this is a half-measure. Timing of lights to benefit pedestrians is an easy win, I hope they take that into consideration.

It would be nice if they made the road "wind" in a repeating S-shape along the entire length, by adding pedestrian islands and shifting the road around those (the sidewalk width would vary here as well). Also, lower the curb height and add bollards along the entire length. This would make drivers wary of pedestrians and slow down traffic. Of course, adding signals at all intersections to benefit N-S travel would be one of the best additions possible.

Although it's a half measure, it will likely have a significant impact. What it will mean is that outside rush hour 17th will have only a single lane of traffic in each direction (that weird right westbound lane that is usually wide enough until you suddenly come up behind a parked Ford F350 is going to be narrowed to accommodate parking only). With parking restrictions there will still be two through lanes in the relevant direction during morning and evening rush but otherwise it will be a two lane road. That'll slow, calm and frustrate drivers enough to divert some more of the traffic to 11/12. Combined with the slightly widened sidewalk and improved pedestrian amenities it will definitely make for a better people place.

[Spring2008]

Looks like a spring 2016 start now.

Rob Taylor ‏@beltline_pres Nov 23
. construction of Thomson Family Park in #Beltline's West Connaught neighbourhood will begin in spring 2016

https://twitter.com/beltline_pres?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor