RiverWalk West
Every Step a Story
Calgary, AB
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Role
Landscape Architect
Services
Landscape Architecture
Nature-based Design
Visioning
Client
City of Calgary
Collaborators
MODA
Hatfield
RiverWalk West in Calgary emerges as a beacon of urban transformation and ecological rejuvenation, breathing new life into the once-industrial landscape along the south side of the Bow River. As a place where every step tells a story, this visionary project intertwines the rich tapestry of Calgary's history with the future of sustainable urban living.
At the core of this transformation is the commitment to nurturing biodiversity and crafting a welcoming space for the community. The redevelopment focuses on reviving native plants, improving water quality, and creating a green highway for wildlife, all while transforming underutilized infrastructure into vibrant, accessible pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.
With downtown Calgary's evolution from a corporate hub to a dynamic residential neighbourhood, RiverWalk West is designed to cater to a diverse population. It is set to be a communal treasure featuring playgrounds for children, fitness spaces for adults, and picnic spots for families. Through thoughtful design and strategic planning, the project aims to foster community, promote healthier lifestyles, and anchor Calgary as a model city for living in harmony with nature.
Central to RiverWalk West's ethos is "Every Step a Story," a concept celebrating the land's deep connection with the Indigenous peoples. The project pledges to integrate Indigenous cultural values, practices, and stories into its fabric. From interpretive signs narrating Indigenous perspectives to public art installations and spaces shaped in consultation with Indigenous communities, every element is a step towards a more inclusive and culturally-rich environment.
The vision for RiverWalk West goes beyond mere physical transformation. It's about creating a vibrant, story-rich landscape that embodies the heart and soul of Calgary. As a model of urban innovation, RiverWalk West stands as a testament to the power of collaborative planning, ecological stewardship, and community engagement, setting a new standard for riverfront revitalization.
The East Section aims to become a vibrant community hub stitched together by the plaza, playscape and pocket beach.
The 8th Street Plaza
The Pocket Beach
The Central Section stretches from the LRT bridge to 11th Street. Significant changes to the mobility infrastructure aim to improve connectivity, expand contiguous park space, and create a more welcoming and safe waterfront experience for all.
The Loop Tower
The West Section transforms vehicle-centric infrastructure into vibrant public park. The removal of 4th Ave SW opens up more continuous parkland along the river’s edge. Undulating mounds lift pathways over sculpted terrain, providing an engaging journey through the landscape.
A proposed Indigenous Cultural Centre integrated with a 200-metre pedestrian bridge anchors the west section. The bridge delivers critical connectivity between RiverWalk and Millennium Park across busy roads. In this conceptual design phase, the Cultural Centre is illustrated as a placeholder to be revisited in collaboration with local First Nations. Its form and expression should be shaped by the interests and priorities of Indigenous partners.
The River Lookout