2022 was the year of return to near normal for residents of Eau Claire Community and we were able to go about enjoying the advantages of life in Eau Claire. Of course, access to Prince’s Island Park, the Riverwalk, and Eau Claire Plaza were restricted by the ongoing construction, but progress was made including the replacement of the Jaipur Bridge and the work on the Riverwalk north of the plaza and on to Chinatown community. Most of the enhancements to the Plaza at Eau Claire should be completed this year.
Your Eau Claire Community Association (ECCA) board was able to resume in-person monthly meetings and welcomed three new members which helped offset the loss of our secretary, who moved out of the community.
In the past year major board activities included:
• LRT Green Line has continued its development during the past year and will continue to affect the community over the next few years. A major impact is the termination of the line in the area now occupied by the Eau Claire Market. The Board has been, and is, in continuing discussions with City officials concerning impacts on the Eau Claire Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) from the LRT Station as proposed. As you are aware, the owner/developer of the Eau Claire Market, Harvard Developments, has indicated that the market will be demolished in 2024. The Board believes that the future of this space will require intense scrutiny through this year so the development, as finally approved, meets the residential requirements that the community has determined are necessary for the expansion of a viable, vibrant, attractive place to live.
• Further on the Green Line, the Board has strongly objected to the terminus as proposed at the Riverwalk south of Prince’s Island Park. Materials presented to date are totally incompatible with the pathway, as developed, and the Board has rejected the plans as proposed to date. In addition, the possible expropriation of the River Run townhouse residences has been poorly handled by the City and is causing continuing uncertainty for the residents. The Board has addressed these concerns with City Planning and Green Line officials.
• The old YMCA has been purchased by Telsec, a Calgary based developer, who are planning to demolish the building and replace it with a four-story podium containing, restaurants, retail, and professional office spaces. They also plan to have up to a 26-story residential tower on the south half of the site. The ECCA board is working with Telsec and the City to ensure this development is done to complement and improve our community.
• Members of the Board have participated with representatives of adjacent communities and affected downtown interests in addressing the safety and security concerns raised by residents of our community and others. This has involved meeting with City representatives including the Councillor and his office, Calgary Police Service, Calgary Transit Security, City Bylaw and Social Aid agencies including the Drop-In Centre and Alpha House. The City is actively addressing issues of safety, security, encampments, homelessness, and other social disorders, and during this year further action should be evident. The board is hoping to organize a safety meeting with the Police, the City, and Chinatown to inform our residents and hear their concerns in the near future.
Looking forward to this year, the Board expects to be active on the following:
• Continued involvement with the City and developers as the above mentioned, and additional projects, proceed.
• It is expected that the entrance Shelter at the Heliport Southwest of the Peace Bridge will be covered with a mural. The mural is to reflect the character of the community and it is expected to reduce, and ideally eliminate, graffiti the existing surface is often subject to.
• Work will continue with the City and the adjacent residences and businesses to enhance the pedestrian experience on 7 Street SW from 1 to 4 Avenues.
• A neighbourhood event similar to those that were staged so successfully in previous years will be held and additional activities are scheduled in conjunction with the City.
• The Eau Claire Newsletter will continue to be prepared and distributed providing timely notification of activities in the community as well as reports from the Board and the Ward Councillor.
• The Board will continue our search for a Social Media volunteer to re-activate and re-vitalize our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
These activities are undertaken by a volunteer board.
The Board meets nine times a year.
The AGM is usually held in June.
More information about the ECCA can be found on our website, www.eauclaireca.com.
