Marda Loop getting revamped pedestrian pathway next to Crowchild Trail
Construction begins in March to connect 33rd Avenue S.W. to path near Safeway
A pathway in Calgary's southwest community of Marda Loop will be revitalized just in time for summer, although it will be shuttered for a few months in the meantime.
The city says construction on the $785,000 project, which will be next to Crowchild Trail S.W. and connect 33rd Avenue S.W. to the path along the south side of the Marda Loop Safeway, will begin in March.
It will include a new set of stairs and switchbacks to ease the grade from 34th Avenue S.W. up to the intersection at 33rd Avenue S.W. and Crowchild Trail S.W., the city says.
Detours will be in place along 22nd Street S.W. while the existing path is closed for construction.
Colin Chapman, senior transportation engineer at the City of Calgary, says the city wanted to create a pathway in the area that could be used for cycling and walking.
"So we analyzed [the area] and did some engagement on that, and it landed on 34th Avenue on the south side," he said.
When it's complete, it will be a pathway where people can walk side by side with another person or walk with a stroller, Chapman said. The revamped path will also connect to future developments such as the Richmond Green park space as well as a BRT station north of 33rd Avenue S.W.
"The idea is to create a space where people are really coming to stay versus coming to shop and leave," he said.
Bob van Wegen, executive director of the Marda Loop BIA, says any pedestrian connections that Marda Loop can make are important. He says future developments will bring thousands of people to the area.
"Whether you're walking or cycling or pushing a stroller, Marda Loop is actually going to be your closest business district," he said.
Work to improve the 33rd Avenue and 34th Avenue streetscapes has been ongoing since 2023. It's scheduled to be completed this fall.
"This has been a very popular spot. Night markets are happening in this area, and the businesses around here I think are really delighted with the new streetscape," van Wegen said. "They're going to be even more delighted when the other side of the road is finished."
With files from Scott Dippel and Mike Symington