17 AVE S.E. EXTENSION

About This Project

ISL – with partner WSP and GEC – was retained by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) to undertake construction feasibility, cost-benefit review, detailed design, and construction of the new 17 Avenue SE Stampede Crossing (17SX). This station reconstruction includes Victoria Park / Stampede Station as an at-grade station with two side loading platforms, and a level road crossing of the LRT at 17 Avenue SE. This reconstruction is exceptionally complex for a variety of reasons beginning with the need to schedule the project around the annual 10-day fair, and to accommodate the new BMO Conference Centre and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Events Centre.

ISL worked with Calgary Transit to provide detailed design, construction supervision, and owner’s engineer services. The project provides a deep understanding of constructing an LRT corridor and included consideration for the Green Line North Bus Rapid Transit, allowing the line to operate during the construction of Segment 2 of the Green Line LRT. 

Landscape Architecture and Urban Design

The Landscape Architecture team developed the design for the public realm and planting strategy around the station interface. Working closely with GEC, ISL was able to coordinate precise elevation and material interfaces not only with the 17SX Station but with he surrounding BMO expansion and 17SX project.

The design consist of integrated weathered steel planters that create pockets of planting and custom bench seating around the station. Detailed elements include coordinated branding, hardscape tie ins, custom bench seating built into the steel planters, and an amphitheater style bench area that interfaces with the 17SX project and Stampede public realm. The planters are designed with smooth radius’ to draw circulation logically around the space and undulating heights to create a unique profile while still adhearing to building and safety requirements. 

The 17SX urban design scope was complex and required detailed coordination with all consultants and fabricators to ensure the integrity of the design is withheld while ensuring the constructability is seamless.

A Foundational Development

The 17 Avenue S.E. Extension & Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild opens a key corridor across 17 Avenue S.E. into Stampede Park, modernizing the busy LRT station to improve accessibility and better serve Calgarians and visitors. The Station’s expanded street-level platforms enhance pedestrian safety, improve sightlines, and shorten pedestrian travel times from 400 to 60 metres for nearly 13,000 daily users.

This project is a foundational development of the overall Rivers District Master Plan, connecting east Victoria Park into Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District.

Awards