Action plan to master plan
Stephen Avenue is Calgary’s primary downtown mainstreet, connecting the residential and educational to the civic and commercial. However, changes in the economy have challenged its vibrancy. Gehl, Stantec, and James Lima Planning partnered with the City of Calgary to transform the Avenue into a future-proof hub connecting people and places.
Gehl’s initial Social Spatial study informed the Action Plan to guide Stephen Avenue’s transformation. During Covid-19, the City tested Gehl’s proposals with temporary installations featuring experimental furniture, artistic programming, and creative wayfinding to engage the public and gather insights for the permanent redesign. The finalized Streetscape Master Plan in 2023 integrates thirteen blocks with three street typologies, rebalancing modal hierarchies to enhance pedestrian activity. Dedicated spaces along the Avenue accommodate diverse public and commercial activities, bolstering vibrancy year-round, especially in evenings and winter.
The Master Plan unlocks Stephen Avenue’s potential as a catalyst for change throughout Calgary’s historic urban core, supporting a strengthened downtown neighborhood and providing essential amenities for residents, visitors, and businesses through a first-class public realm.