Stephen Avenue Walk - Access Pilot Project: Aug. 6 - Oct. 6, 2013

Starting today, The City of Calgary will be running a pilot project on Stephen Avenue Walk to manage access for taxis and emergency response vehicles. During the next three months, public parking on the 200 and 300 blocks of Stephen Avenue will be replaced with expanded taxi and no-stopping zones from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., seven days a week.

 

This pilot has been developed in collaboration with The City of Calgary and Calgary Downtown Association, and in response to concerns raised by the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department regarding night time emergency access on Stephen Avenue. Night time congestion, particularly between 1 Street W and 3 Street W, combined with the narrow width of this single lane roadway makes emergency access difficult and impacts emergency response times.

 

“The success and popularity of restaurants and entertainment venues along Stephen Avenue Walk contributes to heavier traffic congestion and pedestrian activity on the street,” said Graham Gerylo, project manager, Centre City Planning & Implementation, Land Use Planning & Policy. “This pilot project should allow the street to be cleared quickly when emergency vehicles require access. Also, the expanded taxi zones should improve safety and access to taxis for Stephen Avenue patrons since taxis will now be able to load and unload passengers in the former parking space.”  

 

To support local businesses and help Calgarians find a place to park downtown, the Calgary Downtown Association has launched a new interactive parking map that identifies short-term and on-street parking in the downtown.  “There are plenty of free and inexpensive evening parking spots available near Stephen Avenue Walk. This mobile tool will help you find parking closest to your destination,” said Maggie Schofield, Executive Director, Calgary Downtown Association.

 

As the pilot project continues, traffic and taxi loading and unloading practices will be observed to  determine if congestion lessens. The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire Department will also advise whether the pilot is improving emergency access for their vehicles. These findings will be shared with Stephen Avenue Walk businesses near the end of the pilot, when next steps will be determined.  

 

 

In 2007, Calgary’s City Council approved The Centre City Plan, a comprehensive and strategic long-term vision for the future of our Centre City. Since then, The City and its many partners have made a significant investment to implement the Plan and achieve its vision of a livable, thriving and caring core.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/centrecity

 

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Onward/ A vibrant city depends on a vibrant centre.