East Village: Innovation lives here

Innovation has been a driving force of EV’s evolution ever since redevelopment began here in 2007. As you explore Calgary’s coolest urban village, you’ll find innovation around every corner.

There’s the landmark Central Library—a marvel of modern engineering that was built over a working LRT line… the historic King Eddy, taken down brick by brick and then reassembled around the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio as part of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre… St. Patrick’s Island—an urban oasis redeveloped on the principles of biophilic design to create wondrous spaces that connect people with nature… and those are just the tip of EV’s innovation iceberg!

The seemingly miraculous resurrection of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood has been guided by the East Village Master Plan, which purposefully charts a course to smart, resilient and sustainable inner-city redevelopment the likes of which Calgary has never seen before.

From our foundational infrastructure to intelligent brownfield redevelopments to the pathways, public art, pedestrian bridges and perennial events and activities, East Village is a model of innovative thinking and innovative action—and we have become a huge draw for new residents and businesses who share our passion for big ideas that transcend the ordinary and challenge the limits of what’s possible.

INNOVATION AT WORK IN EV

Storm pond

EV is home to Calgary’s first and only inner-city stormwater wetland—a feature that’s increasingly common in new suburban communities but rare in an urban setting. Completed in 2008, the stormwater wetland is a prime example of the neighbourhood’s innovative inclinations. Located between the river and Fort Calgary with the Music Pavilion serving as a lookout, it serves as both an absorbent “sponge” for rainwater from surrounding streets and a filter that removes particulates from the water before it flows into the Bow River. Beyond its practical roles in flood control and filtration, the wetland is also a thriving habitat for birds, muskrats and other wildlife; and its pathways, bridge and lookout make it a fine place for Calgarians to connect with nature.

Crossroads Community Garden

EV’s community garden is a unique urban park featuring 88 accessible, raised-planter garden plots available for seasonal rentals (from May to October) by East Villagers. Nearby, a natural-themed accessible playground and seating/gathering area provide places for people to play, relax and connect. The Crossroads garden shed—part art, part storage space—serves as a handy place for stowing garden gear and an eye-catching structure with a container-cool vibe. It also stores supplies for pop-up activities like the EV lemonade stand and serves as a covered workspace for community gardeners.

Smart street design

EV’s streets are mindfully designed to be efficient, welcoming, friendly and progressive. Pairing wide sidewalks with narrower roadways that afford plenty of room for pedestrians, cyclists and other active modes, EV’s thoroughfares and lanes are future-focused and practical. Many feature bike lanes, low-maintenance trees and landscaping, street furniture and other amenities that ensure the area is extra appealing for non-motorized travelers. And they’re intentionally designed to encourage people to park or leave their cars at home, stroll outside and engage with their community!

EV is also home to some of the urban core’s only brick roads and sidewalks. Marked by signature brick pavers, EV’s sidewalk and road surfaces withstand the passage of vehicles, weather and time better than traditional asphalt and concrete do. The sidewalk pavers act as a permeable layer to reduce silts and debris before naturally draining into the ground. They also help to slow down the flow of water when there is a big rain fall, preventing storm sewers from being overwhelmed.

N3 condo tower

As part of East Village’s vision to be a walkable, bikeable and accessible community, the N3 condo tower—a 16-storey, 168-unit building completed in 2016—was Canada’s first mixed-use condo project without a parkade. This allowed the developer to shorten the build time and decrease unit costs by approximately $70,000 per unit, attracting a younger demographic to the community who plan to live car-free.

Already home to start-ups, tech companies, entrepreneurs, local and international retailers, and numerous food and drink purveyors, EV is a place where ideas come to life! With the June 2022 opening of Platform Innovation Centre—home to 70+ tech and innovation partners—EV now exudes a distinctive ‘tech district’ vibe. With its richness of amenities and its burgeoning population of movers, shakers and innovators, EV is the original, and the future.