Bridgeland Mainstreets Streetscape Improvements

2020-Ongoing | Calgary, AB

The Bridgeland / Riverside community in Calgary stands out for its active streets, diverse local businesses, and engaged residents, creating a dynamic urban environment that reflects both community pride and a spirit of renewal. The City of Calgary’s Bridgeland Mainstreets Streetscape Improvement project focused on transformative streetscape enhancements along a segment of 1 Avenue NE and targeted improvements at five intersections along 2 Ave NE in Calgary’s vibrant Bridgeland / Riverside community. The Bridgeland Mainstreets project is part of the City of Calgary’s Main Streets Program, designed to create welcoming, multi-modal corridors that reflect the unique characters of different neighborhoods and support sustainable urban living.

Streetscape Improvement Project Objectives

Enhance Visual Appeal: Revitalize the corridor with landscaping, urban realm features, and improved aesthetics.
Promote Multi-Modal Transportation: Integrate new bike connections and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to encourage active transportation.
Improve Safety & Mobility: Optimize traffic flow, intersection safety, and accessibility for all users.
Community Identity: Celebrate the distinct identity of Bridgeland/Riverside through thoughtful design and placemaking.

Enhancing Calgary’s Streetscape: McElhanney’s Role

The City of Calgary (the City) selected McElhanney for the Bridgeland Mainstreets Phase 2 project based on McElhanney’s proven expertise in delivering complex urban infrastructure improvements and its deep understanding of the unique character of Calgary’s inner-city communities. The City also valued McElhanney’s collaborative relationships with Bridgeland Community Association and Bridgeland Business Improvement Area.

McElhanney brought forward a comprehensive approach that balanced technical excellence with a commitment to placemaking, ensuring that every aspect of the streetscape, from mobility and safety to visual appeal, was thoughtfully addressed. The project incorporated multimodal transportation improvements, including widened sidewalks, upgraded intersections, and dedicated cycling infrastructure to support active travel and pedestrian comfort. Overhead utilities were buried to eliminate sidewalk obstructions, resulting in cleaner, more visually appealing streetscapes. Green spaces were thoughtfully integrated through the planting of numerous trees and the creation of parklets, contributing to a welcoming and environmentally resilient public realm.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced during this project,” says McElhanney project manager Kenzie Johnstone, “was the removal of overhead utilities and reinstallation underground.” This work included coordination with 20+ individual businesses to upgrade services inside their buildings and reconnect them to communications and power. “Underground installation will result in a more aesthetically pleasing streetscape without unsightly overhead power and communication lines, in addition to the removal of obstacles in the sidewalk for pedestrians and wheeled users”

Collaborative Solutions for Safer, Greener Mainstreets

Throughout the process, McElhanney nurtured strong relationships with both the City and the Bridgeland community. Transparent communication was maintained via newsletters, signage, and online updates, while direct coordination with businesses ensured minimal disruption to operations and maintained pedestrian access. Residents were actively engaged in shaping the design vision, ensuring the final outcome reflected Bridgeland’s unique character. Utility coordination with ENMAX and TELUS, along with phased construction and temporary infrastructure like gravel parking lots and relocated mailboxes, helped maintain community functionality and reduce impact during implementation. This collaborative and responsive approach ensured the project not only met technical goals but also strengthened community ties and enhanced livability.

The Bridgeland Mainstreets streetscape improvements deliver lasting value for Calgary by fostering safer, more attractive, and accessible public spaces that invite people to connect and thrive.

McElhanney provided: