The ambitious plan to transform Calgary’s iconic Stephen Avenue has hit a significant roadblock as city officials announced a delay in the $100-million revitalization project following intense pushback from local business owners. The postponement marks a critical turning point in the downtown renewal efforts, highlighting the delicate balance between urban development and the needs of existing commercial establishments.
“We’ve heard the concerns loud and clear,” said Ryan Francescutti, Calgary’s downtown strategy manager, during Wednesday’s announcement. “Our local businesses are still recovering from pandemic impacts and economic fluctuations. Adding construction disruption right now could be devastating for many of them.”
The project, initially scheduled to begin construction in 2024, aimed to modernize the historic pedestrian mall with expanded public spaces, enhanced streetscapes, and improved infrastructure between Olympic Plaza and 11 Street S.W. City officials now indicate work will not commence until at least 2026, with final timelines still under review by the planning committee.
Business owners along Stephen Avenue have been vocal about their apprehensions, with many expressing relief at the city’s decision. Maria Konstantinidis, who operates a family restaurant that has been a Stephen Avenue fixture for over three decades, told CO24 News that the timing of the project posed an existential threat to establishments already operating on razor-thin margins.
“We absolutely support beautifying the avenue, but not at the cost of surviving businesses,” Konstantinidis explained. “Many of us are still climbing out of pandemic debt, and a prolonged construction period could have been the final straw.”
The revitalization project isn’t being abandoned entirely. The city has announced a revised approach that will start with smaller, less disruptive improvements in the interim. These include enhanced lighting, security measures, and targeted maintenance—addressing immediate concerns while postponing major structural work.
Calgary’s downtown vacancy rate, while improving, still hovers around 30 percent according to recent economic reports. The Stephen Avenue corridor represents one of the more resilient areas of the core, with its mix of heritage buildings, restaurants, and retail spaces drawing both tourists and locals.
City councillor Terry Wong, whose ward includes the downtown core, expressed mixed feelings about the delay. “We need to revitalize our downtown, but we must do it in partnership with those who’ve invested their livelihoods here,” Wong said in a statement to CO24 Canada News. “This pause gives us time to develop a more collaborative approach that achieves our long-term goals without sacrificing our current business community.”
The delay comes amid broader questions about urban renewal strategies in post-pandemic city centers across North America. Calgary’s downtown strategy, approved in 2021, allocated $200 million toward revitalization efforts, with Stephen Avenue positioned as a centerpiece of the transformation.
Financial considerations also played a role in the postponement decision. The original budget projections have been strained by inflation in construction costs, which have risen approximately 18 percent since initial estimates were calculated.
Urban planning experts suggest the delay might ultimately benefit the project. “Sometimes slowing down allows for more thoughtful integration of various stakeholders’ needs,” explained Dr. Alina Tanasescu, an urban studies professor at the University of Calgary. “The most successful urban revitalization projects are those that preserve the character and community that made the area special in the first place.”
As Calgary continues navigating its downtown recovery, the question remains: can the city find a revitalization approach that honors its ambitious vision while supporting the very businesses that give Stephen Avenue its distinctive character and appeal?
