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 the website at www.calgary.ca/stephenave

What is the timing of the construction?

Construction is planned to commence on July 21 starting at the east side. Beginning September 2, construction will expand to the west side of the block and the City is aiming to have the block operational for Stampede 2026, with final landscaping and finishing work to be completed by late 2026.

Worksite hours will be Monday – Saturday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and extended hours and possible long weekend work will be required for utility tie-ins and work within intersections. Please consult the City’s website (link: www.calgary.ca/stephenave) for announcements.

What area of Stephen Avenue will be impacted?

This phase of the construction will take place along 8^th Avenue between 1^st Street SE and Centre Street. The construction will also see Centre Street between 7^th Avenue and 9^th Avenue undergo utility work starting in July 2025.

How will traffic be impacted by the construction?

This section of the Avenue does not allow for car access. The City of Calgary maintains a real-time construction and road closure website at Calgary traffic report and road closures.

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.

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.

Will there still be access for taxis and rideshare services?

Historically, vehicle access has not been permitted on this block. Taxi and rideshare services should continue to pick up guests adjacent to the venues.

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 for festivals and events, so the construction will include power upgrades that will support the growth of vibrancy along the Avenue.

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 City-provided construction updates with our downtown partners on an as-needed basis.

Are the businesses along Stephen Avenue between Centre Street and 1st Street SE open during this construction?

Yes! All businesses are open and access will be available through pedestrian walkways. Please continue to encourage your guests to visit the businesses along the Avenue. Calgary Downtown Association will continue to promote the businesses along Stephen Avenue, and you can follow them on social media to stay informed.

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 that is provided by the City is shared with the industry and updates are made available through our monthly industry newsletter.

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

Updates on this project are shared at Calgary.ca/stephenave

Is the city taking any efforts to mitigate the impacts to businesses 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 access points for special deliveries to businesses on either side of the 100 SE block during this project?

There is coordination with businesses along the Avenue to ensure deliveries are not disrupted. If guests have an event at any business along the Avenue, please have them contact that venue directly to make appropriate arrangements.

What impacts from construction are anticipated ?

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 City is aware that dust is a concern so will be taking measures to control dust throughout the entire construction process.