by Alex MacWilliam
As you are aware, significant construction activity is occurring in our neighbourhood that will disrupt traffic and parking and will impact the commercial establishments operating in Bridgeland-Riverside for the majority of 2024 and again in 2025. The City of Calgary is doing its best to keep the BRCA, the Bridgeland Business Improvement Area (BIA), and individual businesses informed of the construction schedule and the changes to traffic and parking that are being made to accommodate the work and to try to lessen the impacts to businesses and residents. For example, temporary parking is being made available on the side streets adjacent to the blocks on 1 Avenue where parking is removed during construction. We are sharing the information we receive from the City on our website and social media.
We are fortunate to have wonderful businesses in our community. Our great restaurants, bars, cafes, medical and dental clinics, wellness and personal services facilities, pharmacies, food vendors, and many other retail establishments already face competitive and financial pressures. Disruptions to access and parking will add to their concerns. While we always encourage residents to patronize our local shops and services, the BRCA asks that you make an extra effort to do so while they are dealing with this period of construction.
Supporting our local businesses is a cornerstone of our community’s vitality. These businesses are not just retail stores or restaurants; they are the heart of the local economy, contributing to the unique character and social fabric of Bridgeland-Riverside. When you choose to shop locally, you are investing in the community in several meaningful ways. Firstly, local businesses are more likely to reinvest a significant portion of their profits back into the local economy, fostering economic growth and sustainability. Additionally, they create job opportunities, keeping wealth within the community and often providing better wages compared to chain stores. Local businesses also contribute to the tax base, which supports public services and infrastructure. Moreover, they often source goods and services from other local businesses, creating a positive ripple effect that strengthens the local economy. Lastly, local businesses add a distinct flavor to the community, offering unique products and personalized customer service nearby that enhance the shopping experience. They draw people to our neighbourhood, and they make Bridgeland-Riverside an attractive place to live.
It is also important to appreciate that the end result of all this construction will be new and improved commercial thoroughfares on Edmonton Trail and 1 Avenue with widened sidewalks, more plants and trees, new street lighting, and safer and upgraded pedestrian crossings. Further design details and updated schedules can be found on the City’s Bridgeland Main Streets website at https://www.calgary.ca/planning/projects/bridgeland-main-street.html.
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