CommunityBuildingInnovation
In the past five years, we’ve introduced ways to make the city a friendlier, more convivial place—a Calgary where people know their neighbours better and participate in events and activities that make them feel they belong.
13 Categories of Programming
including Family, BiPOC, LGBTQ2S+, Accessibility and more. Our broad range of programming is designed to make the Rivers District more inclusive by attracting different demographics and communities.
Community operators and organizers are key to sustainable programming, so we build partnerships for ongoing activation that builds on CMLC’s programming strategy.
CMLC-led Activations
In The C+E: 100% CMLC-led through initial activations at Pixel Park as we establish the community space.
Digital Participation
Digital engagement has grown exponentially in importance, particularly since the pandemic. Our platforms have performed in raising awareness and extending our reach beyond our physical boundaries.
Walk Score
Walk Score is a leading indicator of the livability and loveability of urban places. Here’s how walkability of the Rivers District neighbourhoods changed in the past 5 years. Figures are anticipated to increase at the end of 2024 with the opening of 17th Avenue SE Extension.
Adding to our Art
Art enhances the sense of place in meaningful ways, and CMLC has supported local and international artists for nearly two decades. CMLC grew our collection of artworks by four significant pieces over the course of the plan: Two new art installations were part of our temporary program along RiverWalk; the Device to Root Out Evil by Dennis Oppenheim took up residence in East Village; and Gerry Judah’s Spirit of Water, the anchor installation at the expanded BMO Centre, rose above the plaza in front of the building. We also collaborated with Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) on 4 additional murals in our districts.
Visitation to the Community
A measure of our success in creating desire and bringing Calgarians to Rivers District neighbourhoods.
Average Annual Visitors to East Village
An average of 90,000 visitors have come to East Village every year driven through CMLC's programming strategy, which adds up to more than 400,000 visitors over the course of the strategic plan. (Excluded: 2020, the height of the COVID lockdown; Canada Days; and the Pride Parades).
Keeping East Village safe, clean & awesome
Keeping East Village safe, clean and awesome has been a central focus over the past five years. We have committed increased funding to third-party security, supported the addition of two dedicated EV HELP teams, the developed and managed the East Village Safety Hub (EVSH) and participated a a member of the Downtown Safety Leadership Team. Our commitment to stewarding the safety and vitality of our community will be an integral aspect of our work moving forward.
Research & Innovation
CMLC experiments with tools and ideas that are reinventing everyday life in the Rivers District – a pursuit we make more robust every year in order to learn and test new ideas.
Tesla partnership for Pixel Park creating downtown Calgary’s largest electric vehicle super charging site.
The C+E Access Map
Improving awareness and coordination of construction in The C+E. The map has attracted more than 200,000 views since its creation in 2022.
Platform Innovation Centre
Adaptable design for Platform Innovation Centre & Parkade allows for potential future conversion to residential or commercial use if parking needs decrease.
New procurement approaches to support Indigenous perspective in CMLC projects.
East Village Safety Hub
Implementation of a multi-agency collaboration space to support improved safety and presence in the community.
Participation in the Downtown Safety Leadership Table (DSLT)
East Village Public Washroom & Pickleball Court
An innovative design meeting the need for social infrastructure and community safety while aligning with East Village's vibrant, unique character.