Main Streets
Main Streets
Calgary’s Main Streets are places where people come together. These streets have a mix of commercial and residential buildings. They are made better by various transportation options and attractive streetscapes. They are places where Calgarians want to go, enjoy, and connect as a community.
Program overview
The Main Streets Program aims to revitalize the heart of established communities and prepare them for growth and change. It gives communities the infrastructure they need to support new commercial and residential developments and growing populations.
Calgary's Municipal Development Plan has identified several Main Street locations as important transportation and commercial areas. These streets were chosen because they can handle future growth, transit-friendly road infrastructure, and mixed-use buildings.
Additional Main Streets Program investments were approved by Council for the 2023-2026 budget cycle. Two locations are currently under construction: Bridgeland (Edmonton Trail NE/1st Avenue NE) and Marda Loop (33rd and 34th Avenue SW). Improvements are officially complete along 17 Avenue SW (from Crowchild Trail to 37 Street SW) and, along 37 Street SW (from Bow Trail SW to Richmond Road SW) and Montgomery (Bowness Rd NW).
Projects in progress
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33 and 34 Avenues S.W.
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Phase 2 – 1 Avenue N.E.
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Investing in established communities projects map
Explore this interactive map to stay updated on public realm investments in established communities.
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Questions about the Main Streets Program?
Four core Main Street principles
Four principles ensure each Main Street is meaningfully planned and holistically designed, while also considering the many facets of a successful Main Street.
Healthy and social lifestyle
The street is safe and easy to access, with places for people to meet and gather. Street trees provide clean air, and there are opportunities for healthy activities like walking, running, and cycling.
Character and identity
Main Streets with a strong character and identity are memorable and unique. Character and identity can come from things like heritage buildings, events, public amenities like benches, cultural diversity, and activities.
Mobility and functionality
Designs make sure the streets are safe for different types of travel, like walking, cycling, driving, or using transit. They work for people of all ages and abilities.
Economic vitality
The businesses and activities along a Main Street help the community's economy. Streetscape design, community events, and redevelopment opportunities encourage more people to work, live, and play on Calgary’s Main Streets.
Five stages to Main Streets
The City's Main Streets Program started in 2014. It uses a five-step plan to carefully design and build each street. We want to finish all Main Streets quickly, but projects in Calgary are at different stages and might take years to complete. This is due to the availability of funding and City priorities.
Stage 1
Stage 1
Strategize
24 streets in established neighbourhoods were chosen as Main Streets. All Main Streets have had two years of public engagement. Economic studies, market analysis and plans for design and building have also been made.
Stage 2
Stage 2
Plan
The planning stage focuses on changing policies to allow more people to live in the area, a variety of building types, and better access transportation options. Projects in this stage are going through changes in land use, updates to local plans, and regular checks on infrastructure capacity. The Municipal Development Plan (MDP), local area plans, the Land Use Bylaw, and citizen feedback are all considered when making policy changes.
Stage 3
Stage 3
Design
The design stage includes three phases of public engagement and the creation of a streetscape master plan. The master plan drawings show the project vision and basic designs for the proposed improvements based on feedback from the public and core principles. If funding is available, construction drawings may be completed in this phase to prepare the project for construction.
Stage 4
Stage 4
Build
Once the design is finished and the project is funded, the Main Street moves into the build phase where construction starts and the community begins to change. The build phase has two parts: short-term investments and permanent construction. Short-term investments include community-focused pilot projects, test ideas, and urgent improvements. These can include traffic calming measures, temporary park spaces, and pedestrian area improvements. Permanent construction means the long-term transformation of the main street based on the streetscape master plan.
Stage 5
Stage 5
Live
Once construction is finished, The City and the community will work together to maintain the area to make sure that the Main Street supports the four main principles of the Main Streets Program.
Completed projects
Frequently asked questions
What is a Main Street?
A Main Street is the cultural, social and economic focal point of a community. Main Streets are the heart of the community. They are designed to be lively and have many different uses, like shops, offices, and various types of homes. This helps support a higher number of people living and working there. Main Streets are places where people can live, meet, and enjoy a variety of activities together.
Why do we need a Main Streets Program?
To reach their full potential, Calgary’s Main Streets need both public and private investment. The Main Streets Program includes changes to land use to support new development and a streetscape master plan to guide these changes. This plan helps build everything in an organized way. More development will bring more people and jobs to the community, making the area more appealing to local businesses and residents.
What makes a vibrant Main Street?
A vibrant Main Street is strong, flexible, and appealing. Main Streets show the community's character by being welcoming, safe, attractive, and memorable. They have a mix of businesses, residents, and cultures, with both old and new buildings. This mix is supported by a land use plan and different ways to travel.
Which Main Streets are funded for construction?
Currently there are six Main Streets funded for construction. Depending on budget limitations some Main Streets are only funded for a portion of the design that will address the community’s highest needs.
- 37 Street Main Street
- West 17 Avenue Main Street
- 33/34 Avenues S.W.
- Montgomery (Bowness Road) Main Street
- 1 Avenue N.E.
- Centre Street N. (funded through Green Line)
Because of budget limits, some of the Main Streets will be built in phases. Short-term improvements that meet the community's most important needs might be done first.
Why is my Main Street not currently funded for design and construction?
The Main Streets Program team has identified five Main Streets as current priorities. Once these Main Streets have been seen through to completion, we will work with Council to determine whether funding can be allocated to the next group of prioritized Main Streets.