Construction will start on Stephen Avenue makeover next week | Daily Hive

Stephen Avenue is getting a makeover with construction starting next week

Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project Rendering/City of Calgary

If you live downtown, prepare for the sound of hammering and buzzsaws. Construction is set to begin on Stephen Avenue next week, and the City of Calgary is planning a pretty big makeover.

Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project Rendering/City of Calgary

The city will begin construction on the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project on Monday, July 21, 2025, with work beginning on the east side of the 100 SE block, between 1 Street SE and Centre Street.

Construction was originally planned to start on July 14, but local business owners were concerned about work happening during the peak summer season, so the schedule was revised.

“Calgary’s economy is growing, and as we invest in the future of our downtown, we remain committed to minimizing disruption to local businesses,” said Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services. “This updated construction plan reflects that balance by supporting summer patio operations while keeping the revitalization project on track.”

After the first leg of construction is complete, work will expand to the west side of the block beginning Sept.2. The fall of 2025 will also see critical utility upgrades along Centre Street.

This approach means that Calgarians can still get the most out of patio season, with most restaurant patios remaining open until Sept. 1 with minimal disruption. Despite these changes to the construction schedule, the Stephen Avenue makeover should be complete by June 2026, right on time for next year’s Stampede.

Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project Rendering/City of Calgary

While work will continue on Centre Street until the end of 2026, construction will be paused in July and August to allow businesses to make the most of the summer season. The timing of the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Projects also lines up nicely with the completion of the Glenbow Museum renovation, along with other major downtown projects like the Arts Commons Transformation and Olympic Plaza redevelopment.

Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project Rendering/City of Calgary

Construction on Stephen Avenue serves both a practical and lifestyle purpose. The project will be delivering critical upgrades to underground infrastructure, like aging water mains, electrical conduits, and stormwater systems. These will all be replaced with modern utilities to support our growing city.

Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project Rendering/City of Calgary

Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project Rendering/City of Calgary

The makeover will also include visible streetscape improvements, transforming the cultural hub of Stephen Avenue into a more vibrant, accessible, and flexible public space. This will work to support year-round activities, from shopping and dining to festivals and special events.

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What are your thoughts on the improvements happening around downtown Calgary? Let us know in the comments below.

You can read more about the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project online on the City of Calgary’s website.