Memorial playground: ‘Ridiculous’ or inspired?

robin kuniski/for metro calgary

Ald. Druh Farrell is supporting a pilot project that would see the stretch along Memorial Drive from the Curling Club right up to 10th Street S.W. car-free on Sundays in August in support of pedestrians, but Ald. Ric McIver is against the notion.

Published: April 15, 2009 5:50 a.m.

Last modified: April 15, 2009 12:53 a.m.

Be the first to comment

Print article

Text size

Plans to turn a section of Memorial Drive into a pedestrian playground as part of a summer pilot project have a city alderman steaming.

Ald. Ric McIver said a scheme in the works to shut down the south lanes of the thoroughfare between 10 Street and 3 Street N.W. over four Sundays in August will breed commuter chaos.

“I can’t think of anything more ridiculous — I hope the idea isn’t to irritate Calgarians just because we can,” he said. “I’ve heard about this hare-brained scheme in other municipalities and I prayed that madness like this wouldn’t prevail in this city.”

Beth Gignac, the city’s manager of arts and culture, said cities around the world have embraced the idea of turning roads into pedestrian-friendly boulevards on slow days and nearby businesses and residents are eager to hit the street. “We’re hoping people come out and take advantage of the opportunity to roll and stroll on Memorial Drive.”

Gignac noted city traffic planners have said traffic flows on the normally jammed artery drop on Sundays in August so the impact on drivers, who will still be able to use the north lanes for two-way traffic, will be minimal.

Area Ald. Druh Farrell said Calgarians have been clamouring for ways to maximize their walking and cycling options and this could be the start of a trend that expands to other roads.“… If we were closing down Memorial, that would be another story, but this is a way to expand…,” she said.

Farrell, who will host a community meeting on the idea later this month, said there is already talk about expanding the weekend pedestrian promenade into Bridgeland and Chinatown if the pilot is successful.

more local stories

Dozens of child porn charges laid against former Calgary courts security guard

Calgary police believe social media was used to exploit the accused's relationship with the alleged victims.

Abbotsford gears up for lingerie football

The outlandish Lingerie Football League (LFL) has announced Abbotsford as its second Canadian franchise in the league’s pursuit of ratings and legitimacy outside the U.S.

Learning gets boost, but not top marks

While a welcome change to 2011’s cuts, Alberta’s budget delivered on Thursday is not earning top marks with stakeholders in education.

Add your comment

Comments are not reviewed before posting. If you believe a comment has violated the commenting guidelines, please alert a moderator using links provided.