Pedestrianizing Calgarys 17th Avenue SW completely feasible: former city planner – Calgary [Video]

A former Calgary city planner says a proposal to pedestrianize 17th Avenue Southwest is “completely feasible.”

The petition, organized by pedestrian advocate Christopher Chiasson, proposes to close the area to vehicular traffic during select weekends in the summer and calls on the 17th Avenue BIA to enact a community-focused pilot to “unlock the full potential of 17th Avenue Southwest.”

According to Chiasson, the initiative will stimulate local businesses by increasing foot traffic and providing more opportunities for outdoor dining and retail. He also said the initiative will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in the area by reducing traffic noise and pollution, as well as creating safer public spaces for events.

As of 4:15 p.m. Friday, Chiasson’s petition had gathered 288 signatures.

“I’ve heard more and more of my community members talking about how they don’t really like to walk on (17th Avenue Southwest) as much as they …