What big changes are happening to the Stampede Station in Downtown Calgary?

If you have been out and about Downtown, especially near Macleod Trail, you'll notice some construction delays, but also the noticeable absence of the once dominant, monolith of the Plus-15 bridge and elevated section of the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT station that use to stand in the area adjacent to the C-Train station.

Investors, Residents, Visitors and Renters alike will be relieved at this new infrastructure change in Downtown Calgary.

The pedestrian bridge was demolished Friday night, and work on the elliptical red stairs going into Stampede Park from Macleod Trail will continue into the week. The Rivers District master plan, a 20-year vision for east Victoria Park that includes additional facilities like as the new event centre, BMO expansion, and a new Stampede retail destination encompasses several infrastructure upgrades such as this one, a change we are welcoming.

Those who frequented Flames games at the Saddledome are all to familiar with this notoriously aging and seedy bridge and station. Residents of nearby Calgary Condo buildings such as Keynote, Vetro or Sasso are likely breathing a sigh of relief at the much-needed change.

Image Source: City of Calgary

Also part of the Stampede Park concept plan, this new ground level crosswalk will create a friendlier 17th Avenue SE pedestrian and vehicular corridor that will increase connectivity and create an attractive right of way for new retail and commercial development along 4th Street SE/Stampede Trail.

A New Beginning for 17th avenue: Developments, Entertainment and Planning

The vision is to expand the 17^th Avenue strip right up to the Stampede area and create a friendly and accessible, safe connection between both popular districts in a smart, sustainable, urban planning-forward fashion.

The project began in July 2021 and will rapidly transition to street-level pedestrian access in October 2021. It’s nice to see it get finished, but what about nearby Earlton Station? There is in fact a plan in place this similarly aging neighboring station, but no money is available yet, and there is still flooding and redevelopment planning to be approved by the city.