The proposal to pedestrianize 17th Avenue Southwest in Calgary is gaining traction, with pedestrian advocate Christopher Chiasson leading the initiative. Chiasson aims to close the area to vehicular traffic during select weekends in the summer, with a focus on enhancing the community experience and stimulating local businesses. The petition has gathered 288 signatures so far, with supporters advocating for improved quality of life, reduced traffic noise and pollution, and safer public spaces for events. Chiasson is pushing for temporary closures between certain streets in off-peak hours on Friday evenings and weekends, starting between 4th Street and 8th Street.
The pedestrianization of 17th Avenue Southwest has the potential to encourage alternative modes of transportation in Calgary, such as public transit and biking. Similar initiatives have been successful in cities like Montreal, where over nine kilometers of streets will be pedestrianized this summer, with significant investments from the city and provincial government. Chiasson believes that redesigning streets to prioritize pedestrians will attract new visitors and enhance the overall experience of the area, moving away from the traditional focus on vehicular traffic. However, the 17th Ave BIA has expressed opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on local businesses.
Despite reservations from the 17th Ave BIA, City of Calgary, former city planner Brent Toderian, and Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott support the pedestrianization proposal. Toderian views the initiative as modest and feasible, pointing to successful examples in other cities and emphasizing the importance of placemaking to attract people to pedestrian-friendly spaces. Walcott believes that temporary closures on special weekends could benefit both businesses and the community, although construction work on sidewalks and bike lanes may delay the project. There are ongoing discussions between stakeholders to find a solution that addresses concerns while promoting the pedestrianization of the area.
The City of Calgary has acknowledged public conversations surrounding the closure of 17th Avenue Southwest to cars, although specific requests have not been received. The city considers various factors, including impacts on emergency services, businesses, residents, accessibility, and transit services, before implementing any changes. Toderian suggests that pedestrian-friendly spaces can strengthen neighborhoods if preconditions are met, and is confident that the benefits will outweigh any potential drawbacks for businesses. He also challenges the idea that Calgary’s car-centric nature makes pedestrianization unfeasible, arguing that other cities with similar car dependency have successfully implemented pedestrian-friendly initiatives.
The debate surrounding the pedestrianization of 17th Avenue Southwest highlights differing perspectives on the potential benefits and challenges of such a proposal. While supporters like Chiasson, Toderian, and Walcott believe it could enhance the community experience, stimulate economic activity, and improve quality of life, opponents like the 17th Ave BIA express concerns about negative impacts on local businesses. Finding a balance between these viewpoints, addressing construction delays, and ensuring collaboration between stakeholders will be crucial in determining the feasibility and success of the pedestrianization project. Ultimately, the goal is to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment that meets the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses in the area.
