Stephen Avenue Transformation

Visitor Information pop-up in downtown Calgary
Visitor Information pop-up in downtown Calgary
July 2025

Stephen Avenue Transformation

What you need to know about construction on Stephen Avenue and the revitalization of our city’s downtown core.

Calgary’s downtown is undergoing an exciting transformation — led by the City of Calgary — to create a more vibrant, welcoming, and accessible destination. As part of this, construction is taking place to reimagine Stephen Avenue. 

This page provides helpful information and links to City-led resources to ensure you have what you need to have and deliver an exceptional experience on the Avenue.

Below you’ll find answers to common questions for visitors, meeting planners and tourism and hospitality businesses. 

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Stephen Avenue FAQs for locals and visitors


Where can I find the latest information regarding the Stephen Avenue revitalization project?

You can get all information and updates on project website at www.calgary.ca/stephenave 

An informational webinar was hosted by the City of Calgary on June 25, 2025.


What is the timing of the construction? 

Construction is planned to commence on July 14 and will run to late 2026.

Worksite hours will be Monday – Saturday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.


What area of Stephen Avenue will be impacted?

This phase of the construction will take place along 8th Avenue between 1st Street SE and Centre Street. The construction will also see Centre Street between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue upgraded. 


Will the area still be accessible for pedestrians and access to businesses, hotels and the Calgary Telus Convention Centre?

Yes, pedestrian walkways will be created to allow walkability east-west along the Avenue. Access to all businesses, including hotels and the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, will remain unchanged at this time. 

You can also utilize Calgary’s +15 network throughout the project, especially if your destination is the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, the Hyatt, or the Marriott Downtown hotel. However, many businesses and restaurants may only have street-level access.


Will parking in the area be impacted?
Parking along Centre Street will not be maintained during construction, but will be returned after construction is complete.


Why are these upgrades necessary?

Downtown is the economic and cultural heart of Calgary. It’s our central hub for business, innovation and creativity. And, it’s evolving beyond the traditional 9-to-5 into a vibrant, year-round destination where events, culture, and commerce come to life seven days a week. 
Read more about the reinvention of Calgary’s downtown.

Stephen Avenue has been an important part of downtown for decades. Now, it's time to refresh it to match Calgary’s bold and energetic vibe. This project will help boost the local economy, bring more people downtown, and make the area more welcoming for businesses, residents, and visitors.

To do that, major upgrades are required to aging infrastructure both under and above ground, including water and storm lines, lighting, power connections and the overall streetscape to support the future of Calgary’s downtown.


What all is being upgraded as part of this work?

Major upgrades are required to aging infrastructure both under and above ground, including water and storm lines, lighting, power connections and the overall streetscape to support the future of Calgary’s downtown.


Will additional utilities be implemented that take into consideration the future of special events for the area?
Yes, one of the goals is to make it very easy to activate this space so the construction will include power upgrades that will support the growth of vibrancy along the Avenue.

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Stephen Avenue FAQs for hospitality industry


How can I stay up-to-date on the project?

We encourage everyone to sign-up for the City of Calgary’s construction newsletter available here to ensure you get timely information regarding the project. 

You can email any questions throughout the project directly to the City of Calgary at stephenave@calgary.ca 

Tourism Calgary will also be sharing important updates with industry partners through our monthly industry newsletter. We will also share urgent construction updates with our downtown partners on an as-needed basis.


How is Tourism Calgary supporting visitors and delegates during construction?

Tourism Calgary is working closely with the City of Calgary to understand the impact of the construction to visitors and events during the project. 

Our Event Servicing team is collaborating with venues and hospitality partners to ensure that delegates are supported, especially with wayfinding and Tourism Calgary activations.

We are also ensuring that important information is shared with the industry and updates are widely available through our monthly industry newsletter.


Where can I find where the construction will be taking place to know how it may impact guests?

Please make note of the dates that are marked on the maps, which indicate the anticipated timeframe for that construction imprint. 


Is the city taking any efforts to mitigate the sound during construction? 
The city is working closely with businesses in the area of the 100 SE block to mitigate noise during busy times. This includes:

  • Coordination of the schedule and high noise activities around events in the area
  • Installing insulation barriers along the concrete barriers
  • Meeting regularly with businesses along the 100 SE block


Will there be excess dust or other visible disruptions I should be aware of?

Yes, there will be an excess of dust, though the construction team is taking precautions to mitigate any impact to pedestrians along the walkways. Construction barriers will be set up to contain the work site. Tourism Calgary, Calgary Downtown Association and the City of Calgary are working to create opportunities for additional wayfinding for visitors and locals to easily move through Stephen Avenue to their destination.

The first part of the construction – the demolition – is anticipated to have the heaviest amount of dust and noise and will take place between July 14 - 31, which is anticipated to be the most disruptive.

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