Challenge:

In late fall 2023, after three years of construction, Downtown Calgary and the Eau Claire Area achieved a significant milestone. Originating from design concepts conceived in the autumn of 2019, the realization of the Downtown Flood Barrier and Eau Claire Promenade are now complete.

The Eau Claire area, a harmonious blend of riverside residences, retail havens, public plazas and urban greenery, has evolved into one of Calgary’s premier destinations. A popular destination that has been born from the reclamation of industrial grounds once dominated by a sawmill, this Bow River locale has evolved into a space for community and infrastructure.

The redevelopment of the area was undertaken not only to modernize but also to establish a safe and welcoming space for all. Notably, the riverfront walkway, offering a nearly 30-minute walk from the Jaipur Bridge to the East Village, had undergone a remarkable transformation. Given that this area is not only a favored destination for residents but also draws considerable attention from tourists, it is imperative that it can effectively accommodate the continually growing influx of pedestrians and cyclists.

Project Goals:

• Improve accessibility to accommodate all users
• Connect people to the Bow River
• Build a vibrant center city riverfront
• Promote active lifestyles and mental well-being
• Provide a safe social space for various transportation modes

Solution:

The Eau Claire Promenade improvements align with the Eau Claire Public Realm plan, seamlessly integrating improvements such as wider pathways, enhanced accessibility, delineated transportation routes and inviting rest areas. The promenade became a canvas of possibilities, allowing O2 Planning + Design Inc. to breathe life into their vision with the assistance of Unilock products.

The functional and beautiful paving design mirrors the flow and subtleness of the adjacent Bow River. The design was crafted with Unilock 12”x24” pavers with Il Campo® finish in Dark Charcoal and Granite Blend, accompanied by the Unilock Promenade Paver™ with Smooth Premier Finish in Steel Grey and Opal. The liner pattern gracefully guides pedestrians along the river, leveraging different colors and textures to create a unique pattern that transforms under different lighting and solar orientation conditions.

In addition to the pavers incredible design capabilities, paver quality was a paramount consideration in the selection process. Both the selected pavers leverage Unilock Enduracolor technology – a two-step manufacturing process that combines a base of coarser aggregates with a surface of finer, concentrated color aggregates. This technology safeguards the pavers against wear and fading in the high-traffic expanse of the Eau Claire Promenade.

Eau Claire residents and the community have embraced the promenade improvements, making it a pivotal aspect of the redesign’s success, positioning Eau Claire Promenade as a reference for future projects. The design has been celebrated and recognized as it was a finalist for the ULI 2020 Urban Open Space Award. The promenade continues to leave a notable mark in Calgary, Alberta, supporting the growing number of residents and visitors alike.