The Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project is a major investment to renew one of Calgary’s most iconic downtown avenues into a safer, more inclusive, and flexible avenue and is replacing critical underground utilities that were up to 100 years old. The goal is also to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and flexible main street that serves residents, visitors, and businesses year-round. 

The project  revitalized Stephen Avenue from 1 St. S.E. to to Centre Street.

 Future phases of the project are not yet scheduled.

The project was launched in 2019, with public engagement. A Public Realm Study and Streetscape Master Plan were developed, and design concepts were tested through pilot installations between 2021 and 2022. 

Construction began on Monday, July 21, 2025, starting with work on the east half of the 100 block S.E. 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 busy peak summer season. In response, The City worked directly with affected business owners and has developed a revised approach that supports both construction progress and business continuity. 

In 2026, the construction was substantially finished at the end of June, ahead of the 2026 Calgary Stampede.

Future phases of the project, along the remaining blocks west of Centre Street, are not yet scheduled. Future phases will be advanced through further engagement with businesses and residents, Council direction, and available funding.

The infrastructure beneath Stephen Avenue, including water, power, and stormwater systems, was aging and needed to be replaced to support long-term safety and reliability.

We upgraded these systems from 1 Street S.E. to Centre Street, and then worked on surface improvements. The timing also aligned with the planned reopening of the Glenbow Museum in 2026, helping coordinate major downtown investments.

To safely replace underground utilities and complete the streetscape improvements, 30 trees were removed. Of these, 8 had been removed earlier and 3 were dead.

18 new trees were planted with advanced soil cell technology to improve tree health, stormwater management, and overall greening.

Between late 2019 and 2022, The City carried out several phases of public engagement for the Future of Stephen Avenue project, starting with storefront open houses, surveys, and workshops, and later shifting to virtual formats during the pandemic. Engagement efforts, including online presentations, pop-up events, and design workshops, gathered input from hundreds of Calgarians. Throughout the process, participants emphasized a vision for a safer, greener, year-round pedestrian-friendly space that supports local businesses and reduces evening vehicle traffic to enhance vibrancy and inclusivity.

Since November 2024 and until the end of construction in June 2026, we wereholding regular meetings with Stephen Avenue businesses and services to share details on design, timelines, and construction logistics.

The budget for this phase is $36.2 million. Funding for future phases (west of Centre Street) has not yet been secured, and timing will be determined later.

Since November 2024. The City had been meeting regularly with affected businesses to share construction plans, timelines, and logistics. Information sessions with businesses were regularly held with businesses every week, and the project team was  committed to minimizing disruption, including thoughtful scheduling and clear communication. All construction schedules and working hours are available on project website.

The upgrades are:

• Replacing utilities (water, stormwater, lighting, power) and the surface, which will be upgraded to durable granite paving stones.   
• Providing improved power for event activations.
• Creating a safer, more attractive pedestrian experience.
• Helping downtown remain a vibrant destination for residents, workers, and visitors.
• Strengthening tourism and support more events and festivals.

As part of the Stephen Avenue project, we are replacing the old, worn concrete surface with modern, durable granite pavers. These pavers provide an attractive, contemporary look while requiring   less maintenance over time than concrete. They are textured and heat-treated to improve safety in winter conditions, providing a non-slip surface that supports accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, and other mobility devices.