Car-free stretch of 17th Avenue delayed to summer 2027, business concerns cited
The Beltline Neighbourhoods Association says a pedestrian pilot for the popular street won't happen this summer but is looking at a weekend-only closure for next year.
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A car-free stretch of 17th Avenue S.W. won't happen this summer, but the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association hasn't given up the dream.
The BNA, which released a survey last year showing broad support for closing off the street, is now targeting summer 2027 for a pilot project. Peter Oliver, the BNA's public art director, said the goal would likely involve a stretch between Fourth and Eighth Streets, possibly limited to weekends. Details are still being worked out, with an announcement not expected until next spring.
Oliver said the delay is partly due to moving at "the speed that [businesses are] comfortable moving." The BNA has been listening to concerns and feedback from local businesses, which have centred on closing car access on a popular street in a car-centric city. Oliver argues the closure could help boost business in the area and points to other cities pulling off pedestrian streets, like Montreal. He says closing that stretch would affect only a small percentage of parking and could minimize loud vehicle noise.
"If we want more people to move here, if we want more customers for these local businesses and shops, you have to pay attention to the livability of the area," Oliver said.
The City of Calgary said there are no plans in the works and doing so would require strong support from businesses, significant planning, and engagement on transportation, emergency access, and community impacts. Not all businesses are on board. Ernie Tsu, who heads the Alberta Hospitality Association and owns Trolley 5 Brewpub on 17th Avenue, said he can't see it happening without a definitive safety plan. He points to disorder issues on Stephen Avenue as a cautionary tale.
