2015 was a year of change and 2016 will have a similar feel as oil prices are expected to remain low for the foreseeable future. That being said, Calgary is still making some significant changes that are needed as the city continues to evolve. Here are five things we’d like to see happen in 2016.
[am2_see_also]
Mayor finally gets the secondary suite bylaw passed
In early summer, Calgary councillors rejected a plan to make it easier for homeowners to have secondary suites in some Calgary wards.
Pedestrian underpass at 4 Street SW upgrades happen
This enhancement project is part of the broader Centre City Underpass Enhancement Program, which aims to improve the pedestrian environment and connections between the Beltline and downtown communities, including cleaning up and brightening existing underpasses.
The underpass is currently home to a neat Polaroid exhibit.
Continued evaluation and improvement of the Cycle Track Network
Calgary’s separated bike lanes, protected by a physical barrier, are part of an 18-month pilot project. The physical barriers are a mix of flexible posts, planters, and curb that is pinned onto the pavement.
The pilot project added 5.5 kilometres of separated bike lanes to the cycle track network along four routes:
- 5 Street SW (3 Avenue SW to 17 Avenue SW)
- 12 Avenue S (11 Street SW to 4 Street SE)
- 8 Avenue SW (11 Street SW to Macleod Trail, excluding Stephen Avenue)
- 9 Avenue SE (Macleod Trail to 4 Street SE)
CalgaryNext proposal becomes a reality
Calgarians hoping for a new stadium for the Stampeders and Flames will have to keep waiting. The proposal that was introduced in the summer of 2015 isn’t even a real proposal in the eyes of Mayor Nenshi.
Green Line CTrain might get started
The city and the federal government have both provided funds, now all that is missing is funding from the provincial government. Once that happens, expect the wheels to start moving fast.