Sunalta Main Street
Main Street Sunalta
10 Avenue S.W.
Project updates
July 2025
This spring, we launched community conversations about the future of 10 Avenue S.W. as part of the Sunalta Main Street project.
We’re currently in Phase 1 of community engagement, running until July 13, and we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to help shape a vision for a safer, more vibrant street - one that’s welcoming for people walking and biking, and that supports local businesses.
Your feedback will help inform a draft streetscape design, which may guide future planning and funding decisions.
At this stage, construction is not yet funded. If approved through a future City budget, construction could begin as early as 2028.
We’ll continue to share updates as the design process moves forward.
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Contact us
Do you have a specific question about the Sunalta Main Street project?
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Timeline
Main Streets Implementation guide approved by Council.
West Elbow Local Area Plan approved by Council (including direction for the Sunalta Main Street)
Funding for the design of Sunalta Main Street was approved in early 2024.
Construction begins if funding is approved.
Project scope
The vision for the Sunalta Main Street project is to create a welcoming and pedestrian-friendly space that enhances safety, accessibility, and community connections. Once complete, it will support local businesses, provide new gathering spaces, and reflect Sunalta’s unique character. Our focus presently will be 10 Avenue S.W. (from Bow Trail to 14 Street S.W.) with an additional study of 14 Street S.W. (from north of 17 Avenue S.W. to the Bow River).
Working with the community
We’re using a Co-Design process to involve the community in shaping the future of 10 Avenue SW. This means we will work with residents, businesses, and community groups to share ideas and explore options together.
The opportunity to apply for the Co-Design Group was open from Mar. 31 – Apr. 15, 2025. Thank you to everyone who applied! Successful applicants were notified on April 23, 2025.
About the Co-design Group
The Sunalta Main Street Co-Design Group brings together community members from Sunalta, design professionals, and City of Calgary representatives. This group works collaboratively to shape the vision and design for the new Main Street along 10th Avenue SW. The Co-design Group meets regularly during the design process to take part in workshops that help guide the project’s direction and will shape the final design for the street.
What is the focus of the Co-Design Group?
The Co-Design Group members are active participants in the design process. Through a series of workshops they will explore ideas, define the project’s challenges and opportunities, and help shape designs that reflect the character, needs, and future of Sunalta.
Co-Design invests more time at the beginning to agree on a problem & opportunity statement that makes sense to everyone involved, incorporating regular check-ins to make sure the community’s feedback is being heard and acted upon.
Who was able to apply for the Co-design Group?
The application for the Co-Design group was open to all Calgarians and promoted directly to residents of Sunalta. The application was open for two weeks and over 50 people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and historic community ties applied.
How were Co-Design Group members selected?
The Sunalta Main Street Co-design group was selected through an application process. In order to stay neutral in the selection process:
- All personal information was removed from the applications, and community members were selected based on the merits of their responses alone.
- A team of City staff reviewed the applications one-by-one. Each application was scored based on their ability to commit to a full series of workshops over the course of the year, their connection to Sunalta, and their interest in collaborating with community members from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
- The Sunalta Main Street Co-Design Group is an inclusive group where people with diverse backgrounds, varied skills, abilities, and experiences collaborate to help shape the future of Sunalta’s Main Streets.
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Boosting local business and community life
14 Street SW connects the Beltline and Sunalta but is mostly car-focused today. With better features and services, it could become a more welcoming space that unites both neighborhoods.
10 Avenue SW already has great local spots, bike lanes, and transit—but aging infrastructure and uneven sidewalks need attention. We're working to make the area safer, more comfortable, and people-friendly.
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Improving how people move around
By following the Calgary Transportation Plan, we’re improving sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit stops to make it easier for everyone to walk, bike, or roll. These upgrades will support a more inclusive, connected community with better travel choices.
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Bringing out the street’s unique identity
Both 10 Avenue SW and 14 Street SW have their own character, shaped by the people who live and spend time there. We want to work with the community to better understand what makes these streets special and how to highlight those features in the redesign.
We’re also seeing positive changes at the Sunalta Community Hall. It’s being transformed into a hub with a coffee shop, commercial kitchen, and spaces for community programs. The hub will help fund local events and services by working as a social enterprise.
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Creating a greener and healthier Street
Right now, 10 Avenue SW and 14 Street SW don’t have many trees or plants, and in some areas, overgrown shrubs block visibility.
We want to add more trees and greenery. A full tree canopy will:
- Improve air and water quality
- Offer shade and protection
- Make the street look better
- Encourage more people to walk and spend time there
These changes help Calgary reach its 2050 climate goal to cut emissions by 80%. Since travel makes up a big part of emissions, better streets matter. We may also add EV chargers, improved bus stops, and more paths for walking and biking depending on the design process.
Background
The City develops Streetscape Master Plans for identified Main Streets based on citizen feedback, technical analysis, and financial considerations.
The concept of a Main Street reflects the integration between public space, business, and people. The plan supports the needs identified by the community and provides a vision that guides the detailed design and construction phases.
The vision encompasses numerous considerations, including:
- Design for pedestrian safety
- Enhanced interaction between different mobility modes
- Creation of placemaking opportunities
- Provision of trees and site furnishings for comfort
- Design to support local businesses
- Connection to park spaces and amenities
- Transit and laneway access improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Main Street?
A Main Street is more than just a road — it’s a vibrant, people-focused street where neighbours connect, local businesses thrive, and everyone feels safe and welcome. It balances how people walk, bike, drive, and gather, creating a shared space that supports community life and local identity.
Why is Sunalta our next Main Street?
Sunalta is growing and changing, and now is the right time to redesign the Main Street so it better reflects the community’s needs — improving safety, supporting local businesses, addressing social challenges, and creating a welcoming, resilient street that helps Sunalta reach its full potential.
What are we hoping to achieve with the Sunalta Main Street project?
We want Sunalta Main Street to feel like a place where people naturally come together — a street that’s safe to walk, bike, or roll along, with spaces to sit, gather, and connect. We’re aiming for a welcoming atmosphere that supports local businesses, adds more trees and green space, and helps everyone feel part of a vibrant, healthy community.
How is The City addressing concerns about unwanted social activities affecting safety and quality of life on Sunalta Main Street?
The City acknowledges the concerns from residents, businesses, and workers about unwanted social activities impacting safety and the overall experience on Sunalta Main Street. Our project team is actively listening to this feedback and integrating it into the design process. We are collaborating closely with other City departments and community service providers to ensure that improvements to the street’s design are supported by broader efforts to enhance public safety, provide social supports, and foster a healthy, welcoming environment. Our aim is to create a Main Street where everyone feels safe, respected, and encouraged to participate in positive social activities. We invite community members to continue sharing their input through our public engagement channels to help shape these solutions.
What is this project about?
We’re redesigning 10 Avenue SW to improve sidewalks, transit access, and overall public space.
Will this affect property values?
Not right away. You might see changes a few years after construction is finished.
Will there be road closures during construction?
Construction is still a few years away. Specific plans are not yet finalized.