17 Ave. S.W. construction

As part of the final phase of the 17 Avenue S.W. Reconstruction Project, The City will be completing sidewalk and streetscape improvements along 17 Avenue S.W., from 2 Street to 14 Street S.W. Work this year began in April 2024, and includes:

• Sidewalk repairs from 4 Street to 14 Street S.W.
• Rehabilitation of concrete tree boxes from 4 Street to 14 Street S.W.
• New electrical infrastructure for streetlights and for future needs.
• Top lift paving from 2 Street to 8 Street S.W.

These improvements will complete the major restoration work that has been underway from 2017 through 2019 and will help ensure that 17 Avenue S.W. can continue to serve the business community, residential community, and the many users of the 17 Ave area for many years. 

Watch the informational video below for details on construction plans. Further information is also available in the sidewalk repair details section.

The City will be undertaking sidewalk and streetscape improvements along 17 Avenue S.W., from 2 to 14 Street S.W. 

This work will be phased over two years (2023 & 2024) to limit impacts to drivers, pedestrians and businesses. Construction will generally be completed in sections along the south side of the avenue in 2023, before moving to the north side in 2024. However, this may be adjusted over the two years to address optimal traffic and pedestrian accommodation, business and City priorities, and weather impacts.

The sidewalk work is focused on replacement of cracked and damaged sections of city sidewalk along 17 Avenue, typically two rows back from the curb. Additional damaged areas will also be replaced as warranted. In order to optimize project costs and expedite construction, the new sidewalks are paved in standard grey color only.

The areas in front of buildings are typically on private property (reaching about five to ten feet out from building fronts, depending on the location along the avenue). It is the responsibility of individual property owners to repair or replace this area to match the sidewalk replacement work, at their discretion. 

Sidewalk work is generally moving from east to west, from 2 Street to 14 Street S.W. over 2023 and 2024 to minimize impacts to events, businesses and community members, as well as accommodate The City’s expanded business patio program. Certain sections of sidewalk replacements on the south side of the avenue are being temporarily paused to accommodate other city work (for example, an emergency sewer line replacement by 2 Street S.W. and other private developments underway along the avenue (McDonald’s redevelopment by 14 Street S.W. and Arlington development by 7 Street S.W.). These areas will be later repaired by The City, or by agreement with the developer.

Work completed in 2017 between Macleod Trail and 2 Street S.W. in the sidewalk zone required full replacement, as installing utility service lines into every property in this section required full removal of the original sidewalk.

The City is investing in the future of 17 Avenue between Macleod Trail and 14 Street S.W. We're upgrading the utilities, rebuilding the road and improving the area for pedestrians so 17 Avenue can continue to be a vibrant, great space for everyone to enjoy.

Key areas of focus are:

• Rebuilding the road, including a new road design that's safer and more predictable, based on an In-Service Road Safety Review
• Improving crosswalks and intersections for those on foot, including curb extensions on side streets
• Upgrading water and sanitary utilities for current and future development
• Improving sidewalks- new sidewalks and repairs, burying utility lines, LED lighting, sitting areas and new trees
• Upgrading telecommunications, power and gas utilities
• Widening sidewalks and improving the public realm streetscape areas

All major road and utility reconstruction was completed in 2019, with most sections of top-lift paving completed in 2021 & 2022.  Remaining sidewalk and streetscape improvements, as well as final areas of toplift paving are scheduled to begin in spring 2023.

Plan view of 17 Avenue S., between Macleod Trail and 14 Street S.W.

Since spring 2015, we've been talking with people who live, work and travel in the area about paving the way for a better 17 Avenue S. You may not have been part of the conversation since the beginning, but feel free to familiarize yourself with how the project has evolved over the past few years.

Check out the information that we've displayed and discussed at previous open houses and information sessions.

If you live in the area and have questions about your community, please contact one of the following community associations: