Cold Streets: Calgary’s Plus 15 Network
The city of Calgary, about three hours south of Edmonton, has an interesting dilemma: their infrastructure is, seemingly, too good. Spanning over 16 kilometres in total length, the Calgary Plus 15 Network is a series of elevated walkways connecting a large majority of the buildings in the city's downtown core. It is internationally recognized, being the largest walkway system of its kind in the world. However, for all of its benefits, the system has recently fallen under criticism by urban planners for some unintended consequences, leaving a population divided on whether this Plus 15 Network is truly more of a plus or a minus.
The system, admittedly, boasts many benefits. Keeping out of the cold is an experience I am sure every University of Alberta student is familiar with, pathfinding your way between buildings in a desperate bid for every extra minute inside. With the Plus 15 Network, Calgarians do not have to worry about stepping outside while navigating downtown. As a long time resident of the city, I can testify that the system is especially useful when the temperatures hit freezing. A study by the city found that some walkways were utilized over 32,000 times in a single February day. Another unique benefit of the system is the ability for parking to be more spread out, since there is less of a need to park close to your intended destination.
Despite all of this, concerns about the Plus 15 Network have recently been raised. With so many people walking above ground, city streets have become increasingly empty and desolate. This emptiness has been attributed to an increase in crime by some, with minimal crowds potentially encouraging more crimes of opportunity. Businesses have felt discouraged from opening at street level, leaving streets unlively and even some typically prime real-estate completely vacant. This sort of design fosters an environment which feels unwelcoming and barren, a far cry from what a city should be aiming for in their most central location. It was these same issues which encouraged the city of Cincinnati to gradually dismantle their walkway system over the past 20 years.
So, as temperatures drop and the streets of Calgary once again are overcome with a bitter chill, it is hard not to also notice the cold, empty atmosphere of said streets. With citizens divided on the issue, it remains unclear what- if any- change might occur to the Calgary Plus Fifteen Network.
Written by Cole Swanson, image courtesy of the Glenbow Archives.
Sources:
https://globalnews.ca/news/9316649/calgary-plus-15-skywalk-network-debate/