Major downtown construction project wraps just in time for Calgary Stampede
If you’ve been waiting for patio season in the heart of downtown Calgary, Stephen Avenue has reopened following the completion of a major revitalization project.
The project, which started back in July 2025, saw construction between 1 Street SE and Centre Street along the 8th Avenue SE corridor, which the City of Calgary says is now “substantially complete.”
Upgrades included a redesigned curb-free pedestrian space, new trees, upgraded lighting, granite pavers, and expanded power access to better support patios, events, and festivals.
“Completing a project of this scale in the heart of downtown required close collaboration every step of the way,” said Amy Stansky, project manager with the City of Calgary, in a release. “We are grateful to the businesses, property owners and community partners who worked with us throughout construction.”
The City of Calgary
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Work on the project in 2025 included underground work with crews replacing aging water, stormwater, electrical, and lighting infrastructure, some of which was more than 100 years old, as part of a long-term effort to improve downtown.
In March 2026, crews began surface-level work, which included installing the new granite pavers, upgraded lighting, and traffic signals, as well as landscaping, and adding street furniture such as benches and bike racks, water fountains, and automatic bollards at key intersections.
The City of Calgary
The reopening of the avenue comes just ahead of the Calgary Stampede, with patios and public spaces now returning in time for peak summer foot traffic downtown.
“Stephen Avenue is one of Calgary’s most important public spaces and a vital destination for downtown businesses, workers, residents, and visitors,” said Andrew Doudican, the director of urban strategy for the Calgary Downtown Association. “The completion of this first phase allows businesses to fully welcome customers back for what promises to be a busy summer season.”
You can learn more about the project online.