Calgarians can breathe a sigh of relief knowing not only have the Flames made the playoffs but that people can celebrate the Stanley Cup run along 17 Avenue S.W. — a.k.a. the Red Mile — this year without construction hampering the party.
The City of Calgary announced Friday that work along the entertainment strip won’t begin until after the Flames are done their playoff run.
“Even if they make it to round four, we’ll stay off the avenue, and weather-permitting, we’re looking to complete road and utility construction by the end of 2019,” said Quinn Eastlick, a planner with the City of Calgary.
Eastlick said city crews will be starting preliminary work in mid-April once the frost is out of the ground.
This year, the city is replacing the water and sewer lines, and reconstructing the road above that on 17 Avenue east of 9 Street to 14 Street. Crews will also be starting sidewalk work at 2 Street, moving west from there, set for completion in 2020.
Eastlick said the city consulted with stakeholders early on and heard feedback that accommodating the playoffs would benefit the nightlife hotspot.
“Businesses are understanding of the fact that this is a priority project that we’re trying to get done for the road and utility work this year, but the feedback has been fairly positive, in terms of our staying off the avenue until after the Flames’ run is complete,” Eastlick said.
He said the city works with businesses individually along the route in the lead up to construction season.
“What we’re really striving to do here is renew both the utility and the road infrastructure so that it’s able to serve Calgarians reliably for decades to come,” Eastlick said.
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