Some business owners on Calgary’s Stephen Avenue are rejoicing after the city changed its construction plans following concerns raised by the community.
The Stephen Avenue Revitalization project will kick off on Monday, July 21, with work beginning on the east half of 100 block SE between 1 Street SE and Centre Street.
Construction was initially supposed to start on July 14.
“We’re really pleased that the city actually listened,” Suzanne Baden, managing and general partner at Klein/Harris, told CityNews.
Changes were made to the plan after area business owners raised red flags about the potential impacts to their traffic and revenue during the peak summer season. Some even threatened legal action if the city didn’t reconsider.
General manager of infrastructure services, Michael Thompson, says the city was to minimize disruption to local businesses during essential construction work.
“This updated construction plan reflects that balance by supporting summer patio operations while keeping the revitalization project on track.,” he said.
Starting Sept. 2, construction will move to the west side of the 100 block SE and critical utility upgrades along Centre Street will also be completed this fall, the city adds.
This approach allows most restaurant patios to stay open until Sept. 1.
Despite making changes to the schedule, city officials say the project will still be on track to be nearly completed by the end of June 2026, just in time for the Stampede.
Work on Centre Street will continue through the end of 2026, it adds, with a scheduled pause in July and August to offset impacts to businesses during the summer.
This timeline also aligns with the completion of the Glenbow Museum renovation, and complements other major projects like the Arts Commons Transformation, and the Olympic Plaza redevelopment, according to the city.
The city explains the project will deliver critical underground infrastructure upgrades and visible streetscape improvements to the street. Upgrades will include new water mains, electrical conduits, and modern, reliable utilities.
–With files from Micah Quintin and Alejandro Melgar