Construction on Stephen Avenue beginning after additional consultation with business owners

The City of Calgary will begin construction on the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project on Monday, July 21, 2025, starting with work on the east half of the 100 block S.E. This revised construction schedule comes after additional engagement and collaboration with business owners along the corridor.

“Calgary’s economy is growing, and as we invest in the future of our downtown, we remain committed to minimizing disruption to local businesses,” said Michael Thompson, General Manager of Infrastructure Services. “This updated construction plan reflects that balance by supporting summer patio operations while keeping the revitalization project on track.”

The original construction start date of July 14 was postponed in response to concerns raised by some business owners about potential operational impacts during Calgary’s peak summer season. In response, we worked directly with affected business owners and has developed a revised approach that supports both construction progress and business continuity.

Under the updated plan, construction will now begin on July 21 with work focused on the east side of the 100 S.E. block between 1 Street S.E. and Centre Street. Beginning Sept. 2, construction will expand to the west side of the block and critical utility upgrades along Centre Street will also be completed in the fall of 2025. This approach allows most restaurant patios to remain open through Sept. 1, 2025.

Despite these adjustments to the schedule, we anticipate the block to be substantially complete by the end of June 2026, in time for next year’s Stampede. Work on Centre Street will continue through the end of 2026, with a scheduled pause in July and August to offset business impacts during the summer. This timing also aligns with the completion of the Glenbow Museum renovation, and complements other major investments in Calgary’s downtown, including the Arts Commons Transformation and Olympic Plaza redevelopment.

The revised plan reflects our commitment to working with local businesses to create a more balanced construction schedule. The Stephen Avenue Revitalization is not just about infrastructure, it’s about building a downtown that works for everyone. Through collaboration, The City and local businesses have developed a solution that maintains momentum while supporting the vitality of this historic corridor.

The project will deliver both critical underground infrastructure upgrades and visible streetscape improvements to one of Calgary’s most iconic downtown streets. Below the surface, aging infrastructure such as water mains, electrical conduits, and stormwater systems will be replaced with modern, reliable utilities. Above ground, Stephen Avenue will be transformed into a more vibrant, accessible, and flexible public space, ready to support year-round activity, from shopping and dining to festivals and special events.

The City will continue to engage with businesses throughout construction and provide regular updates via the project webpage at calgary.ca/StephenAvenue.