Six beautified Kensington blocks and more underway

The City’s Kensington development project is moving along quickly, with six blocks of construction already completed. In partnership with the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), our crews are working hard to improve to sidewalks, trees, streetlights, and street furniture in the area.

Visitors to Kensington can expect to see construction continue over the summer, but don’t worry - businesses will remain open and accessible while the work is being done. The blocks that have already been completed are:

• The east side of 10 Street NW between 4 Avenue and 3 Avenue NW
• The east side of 10 Street NW between 3 Avenue and 2 Avenue NW
• The east side of 10 Street NW between 2 Avenue and Memorial Drive NW
• The north side of Kensington Road NW between 10A Street and 11 Street NW
• The west side of 10 Street NW between 2 Avenue and 3 Avenue NW
• The west side of 10 Street NW between Gladstone Road and 3 Avenue NW

Before and After image of the west side of 10 Street NW between Gladstone Road and 3 Avenue SW

Brand new sidewalks on the completed blocks will make the area safer by removing trip hazards for pedestrians. We’re beautifying the streets by installing healthy new trees, which will also reduce annual maintenance costs. Street furniture such as bike racks, benches and newspaper corrals are being put into place. And new, energy-efficient streetlights will keep Kensington lit up at a low cost.

“We know that Kensington is a popular destination for Calgarians over the summer. Our crews are working hard to keep construction on schedule while making sure you can still access your favourite businesses safely, with ramps and flag persons on site,” said project manager Erin Ward. “After each construction block is done, Calgarians will notice brighter lights, smoother sidewalks, and extra bike racks and benches.”

Construction will continue on the remaining blocks of Kensington Road and 10th Street N.W. until October. To follow along with project updates and see the full schedule of upcoming construction, visit Calgary.ca/Kensington.

Big changes coming to Kensington

With the weather getting nicer every day we’re looking forward to the spring and summer seasons. And this year, we’re into Kensington!

This year we're into Kensington! Sidewalk construction starts April 4.

The City of Calgary, in partnership with the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), will be completing work on improvements to Kensington’s public realm this year. The project will replace ageing infrastructure on 10 Street N.W. between Memorial Drive and 5 Avenue N.W. and Kensington Road between 10 Street N.W. and 14 Street N.W. Last year work started on the east side of 10 Street N.W. between 2 Avenue N.W. and 4 Avenue N.W. when new sidewalks were constructed.

Improvements in Kensington will include new sidewalks, trees, streetlights and street furniture for safer mobility for all users of Kensington’s public realm.

“We all know Kensington as a great community and at The City we’re committed to keeping it that way by improving safety and mobility and creating more livable streets,” said City of Calgary project manager Erin Ward.

The City will be installing new energy efficient streetlights and pedestrian lights to the area so Calgarians can safely enjoy Kensington after the sun goes down.

Additionally, broken interlocking paving stones on 10 Street N.W. and Kensington Road will be replaced with new concrete sidewalks to eliminate trip hazards and brand new trees will replace old or dying ones. New litter receptacles, bike racks and benches will also be added to the neighbourhood.

“With over 270 shops and services in Kensington, pedestrian traffic is important for a thriving business community. The work being done during this project will improve the experience of visitors to Kensington,”said Annie McInnis, executive director of the Kensington BRZ. “This project will allow a century old community to maintain its vibrancy for years to come.”

Temporary sidewalk and business access during
construction on 10 St N.W. in 2015

The City will be making every effort to ensure access to businesses will be maintained throughout
construction by building wooden boardwalks through construction areas shoppers can use to enter businesses.

A detailed construction schedule will be available online at calgary.ca/kensington. Construction will begin this week and is expected to be ongoing through October, but as with all construction projects the timeline for completion is weather dependent.

For more information on this project visit calgary.ca/kensington or contact 311.