CentreCity

Calgary’s downtown parks open for springtime sunning

With the spring sun warming the brick and concrete of the downtown landscape it’s easy to forget under the grimy, melting snow shoots of grass are starting to peek out. The weather is starting to turn and Calgarians should take this early chance to head outside into the melting city. Warm, sunny days don’t last long in this part of the world so get out while you can, even if there is still a spring chill to the air.

The Centre City boasts many nice parks and green spaces for all to enjoy. If you’re lunching, running, people watching or just checking out of the office for a few blissful minutes of natural light, here are a few beautiful places to just be outside in the downtown.

James Short Park

A popular place for Calgarians to relax during the lunch hour, James Short Park at 115 4the Ave SW is right in the heart of it all. A cupola with a hand-winding clock, a seating area and a small playground if you are so inclined make up the amenities in this park. The park was finished in 1991 and was named for the James Short School which once stood here. For those interested in sustainable infrastructure, this park is one of a number of green roofs in the centre City.

Beaulieu Gardens

Tucked away in the centre of the Beltline area is Beaulieu Gardens. In the shadow of the historic Lougheed House, which dates from 1891, this terraced formal garden just cries out to be enjoyed. Even without flowers, the architecture of the space gives visitors much to see even during the cooler months.

Christened by the Lougheed family as Beaulieu, or “beautiful place” is located at 707 13th Avenue SW.

Century Gardens

Another popular lunch spot in downtown Calgary is Century Gardens. Located on the block surrounded by 7th Avenue, 7th Street, 8th Avenue and 8th Street SW.

In 1975, the Devonian Group donated the space to the City in celebration of Calgary’s Centennial. Boasting waterfalls, a pond, benches, a grassy area, sculpture and its proximity to the LRT line, it is no surprise Century Park is a popular destination for many looking for a little lunchtime respite. 

Sien Lok Park 

You’d be hard pressed to miss Sien Lok Park if you are coming from the south. The entrance at Riverfront Ave and 1st Street SW is flanked by two Chinese Lions and borders the Bow River pathway to the north.

In the centre of the park sits the massive sculpture “In Search of Gold Mountain” by Chu Honsun. The sculpture is made from 15 tonnes of granite from the Hopei Province in China and was made to honour Canadian-Chinese history.

Sien Lok Park, named for the motto “happiness comes through good works” and the society by the same name was built in 1982. The park also holds a pagoda, a concrete tai chi area, benches and a small playground and is a lovely way to access the Bow River from the downtown.

Central Memorial Park

At 1221 2nd Street SW sits Calgary’s oldest park. Also known as Memorial Park, it is home to the Memorial Public Library, the Boer War Memorial equestrian statue, a statue of a World War I soldier and a Cenotaph. It is no wonder then that Remembrance Day ceremonies are held here annually. Central Memorial Park is also the home to the Boxwood Café, the casual dining offshoot of the River Café.

Shaw Millennium Park

North America’s largest free outdoor, 24 hour skatepark is at 1220 9th Avenue SW. With a stage and amphitheatre, a waterfall, clock tower, laser lights, basketball courts and washroom, Shaw Millennium Park is a progressive concept that has proved immensely popular.

Established in 2000, the park features 75,000 square feet of skate-able surface. It was designed as a family activity park and sees more than 35,000 visitors per year.

Olympic Plaza

But let's not forget Olympic Plaza! Touted as one of the most frequently accessed parks in Calgary’s downtown, the Plaza offers year-round enjoyment as a skating rink, a special events venue and as simply a lovely place to enjoy the outdoor cityscape. Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, it is located at 228 8th Avenue SE on the west side of City Hall.

The City of Calgary also has additional parks to enjoy like Prince’s Island Park where numerous music festivals are held each year and Tompkins Park which stretches a block along 17 Avenue and is home to many eclectic shops and restaurants.

Also, St. Patrick’s Island, an all-but-forgotten treasure at the city’s centre is poised to regain its former glory…and then some! As part of the rejuvenation of the Rivers District, St. Patrick’s Island has a master plan to steer its development as an amenity-rich, family-friendly park space for all Calgarians to enjoy. Development of the island amenities began on March 12, 2013, and the revitalized St. Patrick’s Island is expected to open to the public in the fall of 2014. During construction, the island park will be closed to the public.

Seven great reasons to play for a day in the Centre City

Whether you're looking for a dose of culture, a beautiful walk along the bow river or a a vibrant place to shop complete with buskers, boutiques and beautiful people then the Centre City is the place for you. Here are seven great reasons to visit the Centre City!

The Calgary Philharmonic The Calgary Philharmonic is at home in the EPCOR CENTRE’s Jack Singer concert hall, one of North America’s most architecturally beautiful and acoustically perfect venues. From Verdi to Beethoven and CCR to Ray Charles, the concert line up for the 2013 season is sure to have something for everyone.

The Bow River Pathway Built along the banks of the Bow, which cuts a swath right through the Centre City, is alive with nature and nature lovers. Used for cycling, hiking, promenades and bird watching the path system spans 48 kilometres from the Bearspaw Dam to the west right into Fish Creek Provincial Park in the south.

The Glenbow Museum The Glenbow exhibits combine Western Canadian heritage with extraordinary art and artifacts from around the world. With more than one million artifacts under its roof, the Glenbow offers a full day of perusing for all visitors. Now until the end of April check out the Glenbow’s Artist in Residence, Alberta singer Corb Lund. He has created an exhibition inspired by his own music and framed by his interest in Alberta’s history.

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary A large wildlife reserve located in southeast Calgary where more than 270 bird species visit, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a haven for more than just those of the avian persuasion. The 36-hectare wildlife reserve has more than two kilometers of level walking trails and more than 1 kilometre of nature trails that take visitors along the river, throughout the forest and by a peaceful lagoon. Open year round and with free admission (donations to the Sanctuary are gratefully accepted) the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary welcomes the public to visit during daylight hours. Leave pets, bicycles, roller blades and bird food at home.

Stephen Avenue Walk The heart of downtown Calgary, Stephen Avenue Walk spans 8th Avenue from 1 Street SE to 4 Street SW. That’s 4.5 blocks of shopping, boutiques, galleries, dining, pubs and cafés and buskers, street vendors, live performances, music, festivals and arts and culture packed into just a few streets. Open daily from 6 till 6, during peak times the streets can be packed with anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 people. Back in 2002, Stephen Avenue Walk was declared a National Historical District. With more than 30 restored buildings, a stroll up the Walk is a trip in time with architectural styles from the late 1800s to the 1930s on display. Reduced parking rates, some as low as $2 are in effect evenings and Saturdays and it is free to park on Sunday.

Olympic Plaza Olympic Plaza was built in 1988 for the Calgary Olympic Winter Games as the site of the medal presentation ceremonies. Today Olympic Plaza hosts special events and festivals throughout the year. In warmer weather it is a lovely spot for a downtown picnic and during the winter months, the Plaza morphs into the only refrigerated outdoor ice rink in the city. Olympic Plaza features a reflecting pond, ice skating, the Famous Five sculpture, a large seating area, a stage, waterfalls, a year-round washroom and a seasonal concession. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Please remember bicycles, skateboards/rollerblades, dogs and pets, smoking and after hour activities are not permitted in Olympic Plaza.

17th Avenue Coined the “Pulse of Calgary”, 17th Avenue is the spot to see and be seen. Fashionistas, Foodies and beautiful people flock to this area. Eateries, entertainment, bars, restaurants and cute boutique shops abound and if your after pizza, shoes, chocolate or handbags, 17th Avenue has it all. Stroll along the tree-lined walkways and enjoy the window shopping and people watching. Starting at 2nd Street and continuing to 14th Street SW, the blocks along 17th Avenue really do beat with a rapid and exciting pulse.

Starting the New Year off on the right foot

January 1^st of each year means the start of New Years resolutions for many. Among the most popular resolutions are: to save money, eat healthier, quit smoking and the ever so popular lose weight and get fit. But as the anticipation of a new year and a fresh start dies down (usually around the second or third week of January), many fall off track and throw their resolutions by the wayside. Although we can’t provide 24/7 support to ensure that your resolution is a success, we can however share some great fitness spots located right in the heart of Centre City.

There is nothing quite like feeling your feet pound against the pavement. Running is great to relieve stress, not to mention a great and accessible form of exercise. If that doesn't convince you, there is more than 280 km’s of Calgary’s popular pathway system that you can use every day. Even better, the pathways are always promptly cleared after a snowfall. The City of Calgary’s clearing system is based on a priority system, priority 1 pathways are cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall, included on the priority 1 list are pathway systems like the Bow River and Elbow River. Many outdoor runners rave over how well the paths are cleared and explain that all you really need is a good pair of winterized running shoes and you will be good to go. To plan out your winter run check out The City’s Pathways and Bikeways map and yes there is even an app for that! A great tip to keep you motivated is to join a running group, we did a quick search and there are many operating to meet the needs of both the beginner and the more advanced runner. It’s truly the best of both worlds because not only will you be working towards your goal but you will be socializing while doing it.

Even if you would rather not face the cold, there are still plenty of options for you to get fit. The City of Calgary’s Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre is a great place to start. Located on 221 12^th Ave S.W., the centre is equipped with fitness and swimming facilities and also offers both drop-in and registered fitness classes to keep you committed. If you are already a member of the YMCA, the Eau Claire location is quite expansive and has a great indoor running track. The YMCA’s different membership options makes fitness accessible to all. Even many of Calgary’s tallest office towers are home to some top-of-the-line fitness facilities, so even those plagued with busy work schedules can find the time to fit in a quick workout. 

Centre City is a great spot year-round for fitness and hopefully having a few different options at your disposal will make your fitness goal less intimidating and more attainable. We hope that our suggestions have inspired you to stick to your resolution or to simply live your healthiest life. Best of luck in the New Year!

Why does design matter?

A strong sense of design is one of Centre City’s finest attributes. Design is key to a city, it establishes a framework in which architects, builders and developers can build off and collaborate.  However, design extends far past the construction stage, since these buildings and public spaces are built to last, it is crucial that each is environmentally responsible and contributes to the community’s fabric in its own way.  Just think how expansive and unique our downtown core is, it features the most modern of skyscrapers down to the most vintage sandstone buildings.  Design plays a major role in showcasing just who we are and what our city is all about – not only locally but on the global stage as well. Good design should evoke a response from people and make them want to be in the space. So let’s get into it, what are a few of the principles of a great design and what purpose does it serve in the grand scheme of things?

As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a ‘great design’ is a subjective experience, however there are many widely practiced principles that contribute to a well designed space. Location is a major player; the design needs to consider the transportation hubs, services and attractions nearby as well as any adjoining active spaces like cafes and shops that will draw pedestrians in. A design should be visually appealing and peak a passerby’s interest. The addition of public art, water features and landscape are all great ways to evoke such visual interest. Finally, a strong design is distinctive, adding elements such as unique materials, lighting and furniture to create a strong appeal.

Now that we have established some of the factors behind a strong design, we must ask ourselves “what is the importance of design?” Most significantly, a well-designed space contributes greatly to the overall fabric of a city. Design adds to the safety and accessibility of a city – consider how aspects such as sidewalks and lighting affect your daily travels through the downtown core. Introducing a smart design concept will also draw in people to areas of the city that might not otherwise visit, bringing animation and vitality to the space. By creating memorable spaces, designers are adding to the public realm. Innovative design also greatly improves citizen pride and consequently the success of the surrounding businesses. Overall, a strong design can have an immense impact on the social, culture, economic and environmental qualities of a city.

David Down, Coordinator, Urban Design & Heritage for Land Use Planning & Policy at The City of Calgary sums it up “a well designed and consequently well used system of public spaces and connecting public realm is essential to the creation of a great city.”

Centre City is full of many designs that contribute to our dynamic core. Think of Stephen Avenue, it has many active spaces that draw in Calgarians and tourists alike year-round. The recently revamped Devonian Gardens provides a great indoor park oasis during the cold winter months and for those of you planning a wedding or corporate event, it is also a great space for special events! Hotel Le Germain is another beautiful example of an intelligent building interface; the hotel concept features a gorgeous lobby bar, granite pavers as well as a generously treed sidewalk. And lastly we encourage you to check out The Water Centre. ( 25 Ave. and Spiller Road S.E.), This LEED gold building is home to The City of Calgary's Water Resources and Water Services' professional and field staff. Constructed in 2008, this building is a great example of The City’ of Calgary’s triple bottom line policy to be environmentally, socially and economically responsible through its design. Check out some quick facts about this building to learn more!

At Centre City we work with a strong team of planners, developers and designers to support the vision known as the Centre City Plan. This plan includes aspects of strong design, many of which we have just covered and it will only further the dynamic character and story of Centre City. Tell us about the spaces that you deem to be great!

What does it take to win a Calgary Award?

The Calgary Awards is one of Calgary’s largest citizen recognition programs and is a fantastic way to recognize that special person in your community who goes above and beyond. Nominations for the 2012 Calgary Awards will be launched in early December, so just wanted to get your minds buzzing about who in your life might fit the nomination bill. This year’s Calgary Award winners will join the ranks of other great Calgarians like award-wining Canadian architect, Jeremy Sturgess, The Mustard Seed and Lafarge Canada Inc.

The Calgary Awards were created back in 1994 as a visible way to celebrate Calgary’s Centennial year and the members of our community whose outstanding effort helps to  make Calgary great. Since the Calgary Awards were created, the nomination categories have expanded to 17 and now include The Not-For-Profit Award, The City of Calgary W.O Mitchell Book Prize and a Citizen of the Year award. 

Another great honour is the annual Signature Award awarded to an individual whose activities have brought significant attention to our city. Last year’s Signature Award recipient was none other than Jeremy Sturgess. As an outstanding Canadian architect, Jeremy Sturgess has had a substantial impact on Calgary’s architecture. Jeremy's impressive resume includes his work on The Bow and the 7^th Ave. LRT refurbishment. No doubt, it's efforts like his and those of other great developers that continue to improve the face of Centre City.

In honor of writer W.O Mitchell, The City of Calgary established a prize in his honour in 1994. This prize recognizes the literary achievement of Calgary authors, awarding them with a $5,000 prize. Calgary born and raise Suzette Mayr won the 2011 award in recognition of her novel “Monoceros” – a piece described as a tragi-comic. How's that for an interesting literary genre?  Support our local authors and pick up a copy today!

Organizations, groups, corporations and schools may all be nominated for a Calgary Award. However, those nominated must meet certain criteria. As the 2012 Awards are approaching make sure to check out http://www.calgary.ca/calgaryawards for this year’s specific qualifications.

Every year the nominees are reviewed and selected by a committee composed of previous award recipients, notable members of the community and retired members of Calgary's City Council. Together the committee meets and deliberates before selecting the recipients based on the specific details of each Award. Last year, 91 nominations were received and that’s not including the 23 for The City of Calgary W.O Mitchell Book Prize alone!

If your interested in the Calgary Awards and would like to nominated someone for 2012, please stay tuned to this blog for an update in December or you can visit http://www.calgary.ca/calgaryawards in early December to get the fast track on the latest information. This years nomination deadline is March 1, 2013 and the awards will be given out on June 12, 2013 at the Municipal Building. Aren’t you glad we gave you plenty of notice to nominate whomever you have in mind?

Sonny Tomic – Centre City and All That Jazz!

In any jazz tune, it’s the arrangement and execution of all the many musical notes that come together to make great music. It’s also about the ability of the band members to interpret a theme and work collaboratively within a given chord framework. Each performer showcases individual mastery of their instrument, while working creatively together with others to create a better whole from the sum of its parts!

This was the essence of a metaphorical message from Sonny Tomic, Manager of Centre City Planning and Implementation. He showed how the Centre City Plan and its implementation use the same principles as he serenaded the crowd at the Centre City Congress with his tiny Melodica keyboard before his presentation entitled “Centre City and All That Jazz”.

Sonny pointed out in a dynamic slide show packed with images of buildings and public spaces how numerous key stakeholders and thousands of Calgarians worked together to radically transform the downtown core in just five short years since the first adoption of the Centre City Plan.

Today, a major shift is happening where Calgarians are embracing the idea of living in higher density urban environments near their work and around retail, entertainment, and recreational amenities. For many people, living along safe, beautifully designed public spaces and street corridors is just as important as having a comfortable home. This changes the focus for urban designers who now have an emphasis on creating new ways to commute by walking, biking, using public transit or in new transportation modes like Car to Go. All of these methods are more sustainable and healthier alternatives than driving a large car from distant suburbia. This new approach has helped Centre City reach new horizons that are constantly changing and evolving as we form into a thriving metropolitan centre of urban living.

Sonny also briefly presented on downtown scenarios that were made at the time Centre City Plan was created. Rightly so, these scenarios envisioned the prominent role Calgary plays today in Canada and increasingly, internationally. That fundamental change and understanding of the new global role we play has also started being translated into the design of new buildings and public spaces in the Centre City.

A good example is the East Village development led by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. No doubt, this emerging community, along with other Centre City neighbourhoods will soon be seen as the vibrant, thriving and livable community of the future thanks to its focus on improving amenities, corridors and creating accessible and active places.

Among dozens of new buildings, Sonny discussed two ‘game changing’ - projects with high architectural quality that put Calgary on the international map and created an instant visual connection with residents. The Bow development (designed by Foster and Partners) and The Peace Bridge (designed by Santiago Calatrava), both have added value to the face of Calgary. In addition, more than a dozen of privately developed office and residential buildings raised the bar of design quality. The City of Calgary also has the newly renovated Devonian Gardens, the re-design of 7^th Avenue transit corridor, the East Village Riverwalk, downtown parks, the 4^th street underpass, and the implementation of an illumination strategy on the Centre Street bridge to add to its list of accomplishments. The creation and implementation of the new Wayfinding system also helped bring all these improvements into reach as Calgarians and visitors can now easily locate destinations to experience them firsthand!

No doubt, the work over the last five years has set a high standard moving forward. As Sonny stated in his presentation, “The excellence of today is the new average of tomorrow!” But, the new excellence will only happen through continuous collaboration and an understanding of where we want to be in the next five years.

Finally, Sonny emphasized how The City of Calgary and the Centre City Planning and Implementation team are excited for what the future holds. Thinking big, sharing ideas and working collaboratively with all stakeholders is what the team enjoys most. Sonny’s “All that jazz” metaphor was also complementary to Calgary’s selection as Canada’s Cultural Capital in 2012. After all, music is always a great way to celebrate success.

What are your favourite Centre City amenities?

For young working professionals, The Centre City is a vibrant hub full of many unique activities tailored to a wide variety of interests. It literally has something to offer for everyone, from food trucks to shopping to a thriving arts and culture scene. Let’s check out what draws Calgarians in morning to night, seven days a week.

Foodies rejoice! Calgary’s food scene has transformed and has something to offer even the pickiest of eaters. Over the past year, quality-driven espresso bars have popped up throughout Calgary, all it takes is a single visit to realize the flavor and community environment that draws in coffee fanatics. If you would like to experience this emerging coffee trend first hand Caffe Rosso on Stephen Avenue comes highly recommended – not only does it serve up hand-crafted espresso beverages, it also offers delicious seasonal baked goods.

The gourmet food truck scene is also exploding in Calgary, offering up ‘street delicacies’ to the masses – a few of our trucks have even been featured on the Food Network’s Eat St.! The popular Perogy Boyz doesn’t just serve up your Baba’s traditional perogies, their feature dish right now is a ‘breakfast perogy’ a combination of perogies topped with fried eggs, onions, bacon and hollandaise sauce – is your mouth watering? If not, The Naaco Truck is another great option, with a focus on social responsibility this truck specializes in what they call ‘neo-retro’ food, a combination of Indian and East African food with a twist.

If its arts and culture you’re after, look no further then Olympic Plaza – host to many festivals throughout the year, such as the annual summer music festival Sled Island. You also don’t have to walk far down Stephen Avenue before you come across an art gallery. Check out the Glenbow Museum’s new exhibit,  ‘Fairy Tales, Monsters and the Genetic Imagination’.  Finally, uou can also get your creative juices flowing by attending Word Fest from October 9-14; this year’s festival features over 70 authors from all over the world.

Looking to get outside? Wnwind at one of Calgary’s downtown parks; take a walk or run along one of the pedestrian friendly pathways, meet a friend for lunch or just take the time to enjoy the beauty of our city. If you’re unsure of which of the many parks to visit, take advantage of The City’s Interactive Parks Map to find other local amenities. Shaw Millennium Park is always a great option, or if your craving the outdoors during our cold winters the newly transformed Devonian Gardens will definitely wow you.

If developing areas are more your style, the East Village hosts outdoor movie nights, allowing viewers to experience the drive-in movie night without their car. While your there why not stop by family-based Village Ice Cream for the best sweet treat around? The Centre City is a great place to live with many new and existing condominium projects which help to highlight this vibrant part of Calgary Many of these buildings offer additional features to residents such as gyms, swimming facilities and party rooms for those who want to enjoy downtown from their own window!

No doubt, Calgary’s Centre City has more than enough opportunities for Calgarians to engage in. What amenity do you consider to be the pulse of Centre City? Let us know!

Sien Lok Park Improvement

Here's your chance to help shape the space you use - or would like to use - in the Centre City...

Earlier this year we told you here on the Centre City Talk blog about calls for public input regarding ways to update and rejuvinate Chinatown's only major greenspace - Sien Lok Park. 

You know the park, it's that lush space (when there's no slightly imposing snow blanket) on the south Bow River pathway:

All the information that's been gathered with the help of volunteers in the community and also online has been turned into a draft plan which is now ready for you to check out. An open house is scheduled for November 23rd (4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, Main Floor – Cultural Hall, 197 – 1 Street S.W.) and there, you'll be invited to view and comment on the draft plan.

Then the next stage of the process, between November 24 - December 8, you will be able to check out the document online and provide your feedback through The City of Calgary Parks webpages.

All the final input that is gathered at both the open house and online will be considered for implementation in the final plan which has a projected completion date for early 2012.

And a big congratulations to...

The City of Calgary's Parks team! It was recently awarded the prestigious Parks Excellence Award from the Alberta Parks and Recreation Association for the revitilization of Centre City's historic Central Memorial Park. Check out the Beltline Community website for the story on this latest award.

This Beltline area park, is certainly one of our best public spaces and it's been recognized with several honours. It won a Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Award for landscape conservation and an honourable mention at the Mayor’s Urban Design Awards. 

The park has also been named one of the 100 Best Public Spaces in North America by Planetizen and People for Public Spaces. What's your favourite activity in the park?

Keeping It Green: Centre City Indoor Parks

Brrrrr... it's feeling chilly out there. With winter about to set in, we here at The City's Centre City blog thought it would be fun to post some pictures of the indoor gardens that are open year-round in our downtown.

A couple of our team members captured these pics of some lovely green-filled, art enhanced gardens. They were out, revisiting what developers have been creating, to see how future developments will fit into this landscape. Take a look below and let us know which ones are your favourites.

                                     Suncor Energy Centre:

                                    Transcanada Tower:

                          Spot Artist Dale Chihuly's glass chandeliers in the Jamieson Building:

    Jamieson Building, with artist Dennis Oppeheim's installation Pathways to Everywhere:

                                    Nexen Building:

 

And don't forget, there's also Devonian Gardens! It's one of Calgary's most beloved indoor parks and it's currently undergoing renovation. It's expected to re-open next summer.