STAKEHOLDER INPUT + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EAU CLAIRE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENTDesign Development

WEST EAU CLAIRE PLAZA OPENS

MAJOR FLOOD

Resilient and Responsible

A Green Plazawhich exemplifies best practices for sustainable design and uses high quality materials

An Authentic Plazahonouring the natural, cultural and social heritage of the site

Active and Multi-Modal

An Integrated Plazawith clear connections to pathways, local amenities, transit, and the adjacent community

An Accessible Plaza with opportunities for all ages + abilities

A Vibrant Plaza animated year-round with programming and events, large and small

For the Community and the City

A Flexible Plaza with comfortable spaces and quality amenities that embrace everyday community use

EAU CLAIRE PLAZA IS AN ICONIC PUBLIC SPACE that connects the vibrant mixed-use Eau Claire community, the Bow River Pathway, and Prince’s Island; this is a place for neighbours, Calgarians, and visitors alike.

The design is grounded in history, with adaptable and engaging spaces that support social and cultural gatherings at all scales, throughout the year.

What We Heard

STAKEHOLDER INPUT + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EAU CLAIRE PLAZA RE-DESIGN Revised Concept Design

STAKEHOLDER INPUT + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EAU CLAIRE PLAZA RE-DESIGN Revised Concept Design

STAKEHOLDER INPUT + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EAU CLAIRE PLAZA RE-DESIGNRevised Concept Design

STAKEHOLDER INPUT + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EAU CLAIRE PLAZA REDEVELOPMENTSchematic Design

PUBLICOPEN HOUSE

WE ARE

HERE

2006

Vision

Design Strategies + Project Goals

Plaza RedevelopmentProcess

2009 2016 2019APRIL

2019FALL

20 m1050

Character Areas

FUTURE REDEVELOPMENT

BY OTHERS

SHERATON EAU CLAIRE

FUTURE REDEVELOPMENT

RELOCATED 1886 BUFFALO CAFÉ

JAIPUR BRIDGE(TO PRINCE’S ISLAND)

PROPOSED 1886 FUTURE EXPANSION• accessible cafe

washrooms• accessible public

washrooms• storage• site servicing

infrastructure• future tenant space

YMCA

RESIDENCES

PRIVATE DRIVE

BARCLAY PARADE SW

Urban PlazaSTAGE FOR THE CITY

The Urban Plaza is the formal gathering space of Eau Claire Plaza, an extension of the urban fabric that is specifically designed to be flexible and adaptable.

Central GreenFLEXIBLE & DYNAMIC

The Central Green marks the dynamic threshold between the natural elements of the Bow River and the urban elements of the centre city. This area is defined by dramatic landform, urban lawn and outcrops of stone, representing the collision of these two forces.

Riverside TerracesPLAYFUL TRANSITION

The Riverside Terraces extend the plaza to the Bow River Pathway, integrating the plaza with the Bow River and Prince’s Island. Visitors have an opportunity to play in the water, lounge on the beach and picnic on the boardwalk.

Market StreetCONNECTION TO THE PAST

The Market Street is a multi-purpose “street” that is designed as a flexible space to integrate the Plaza with the adjacent Eau Claire Market Redevelopment and connect the downtown core with a lookout at the river’s edge.

PromenadeCONNECTIVE THREAD

A multi-use pathway runs the length of the plaza on the west side. Located above a utility corridor, this area is focused on providing a clear, legible north-south connection through the site, while buffering the existing residential community from more active plaza uses.

PlayPLAY FOR ALL AGES

This space connects the Plaza with the YMCA; it serves as its front porch. Activated with urban and nature-inspired elements that encourage play and exploration for all ages, it supports exterior programming opportunities for the facility.

EAU CLAIRE PROMENADE

BOW RIVER LAGOON

What We Heard

What We Did

Overall, there was significant interest in the plaza redevelopment and there is overwhelming support for the proposed design.

We largely maintained the proposed layout, with its Character Areas, while refining the specific alignment, dimensions, and relationships to the surroundings. The design responds to the final Eau Claire Promenade and other associated projects, and has been further developed to address specific comments related to accessibility and programming.

20 m1050

Splash Water Feature

AccessibilitySafe for Cyclists and Pedestrians

• Comment Cycle and pedestrian traffic are not separated on Promenade.

• Design Response In coordination with the design of the Eau Claire Promenade, paving and visual cues slow cyclists prior to arriving in a pedestrian-forward “mixing zone” at the north end of the site. The Promenade along the west side of the plaza has been designed with distinct edges, including visual and tactile contrast, to provide clear legibility for users traveling north-south along this route, as well as for pedestrians crossing the plaza in an east-west direction. Strategy is consistent with pedestrian flow patterns both north across Jaipur bridge and south along Barclay Mall.

Landform

• Comment The raised landform isolates plaza from the river and pathway.

• Design Response The landform serves to frame views to the lagoon and Prince’s Island along both the Promenade and Market Street. It also offers spectacular views to both the river and to the centre city, in addition to numerous programmatic opportunities, such as a natural amphitheatre and winter tobogganing.

Inclusive for All• Comment The plaza design must maintain a pedestrian-first

environment and must be inclusive to people of all ages and abilities

visiting the plaza.

• Design Response Most plaza areas are fully accessible. In zones such as the urban beach, which are inaccessible to the mobility impaired, adjacent complimentary spaces are accessible. The urban podium is flush with adjacent spaces along the south half to encourage both accessible pedestrian movement and vehicle access for event loading/deliveries. The north end of the podium is raised to provide a seating edge and to function as an informal stage. Fully accessible connections have been introduced to connect both east and west sides of the plaza throughout the Riverside Terraces.

What We Heard

What We Will Do

What (Else) We Did

Splash water feature is integrated with the plaza and is fully accessible;

Elevating the plaza grades to suit flood mitigation measures has largely eliminated the need for stairs and grade changes. Direct access is provided across/through/around large programmable spaces;

Harvest tables provide for wheelchair accessibility;

Movable tables and chairs provide seating variety, including options with backs and arms;

Tactile edges have been integrated into the design of the podium, to define the elevated edges that serve as a seatwall and informal stage;

The proposed 1886 Building expansion is designed to house fully accessible café washrooms as well as public washrooms.

Consulted City Accessibility Team regarding all design components

The Play Plaza is intended to be largely accessible; this is a key design driver for ongoing design development.

An ‘Accessibility Audit’ will be completed.

Tactile Podium Edges

Fully Accessible Areas

Raised Podium

Harvest Picnic Tables

Movable Tables & Chairs

CONNECTION TO 2ND AVE SW

CONNECTION TO EAU CLAIRE PROMENADE & JAIPUR BRIDGE

Raised Podium Edge

Predominant Routes

Programming Flexibility• Comment The plaza must be able to host different kinds of events,

and to complement Prince’s Island as a venue.

• Design Response The space has been carefully designed, with extensive stakeholder input to ensure that the plaza can host a variety of events, both formal and informal. Distinct spaces are provided so multiple smaller events can occur simultaneously. It is not intended that both Eau Claire Plaza and Prince’s Island host large events simultaneously.

Other Considerations• The design proposed for the plaza - with its mix of open hardscape

space, open lawn space, children’s play area, and landscaped areas - offers much flexibility for a wide range of uses and program configurations. The site is open enough to accommodate about 4,000 people for a large performance or event, but this should not be the target size or type for most programs. The plaza’s different character areas create “rooms” that are well-suited for more intimately-sized programs and events of about 20 - 100 participants, which should be the target size for daily programming.

Programming : Year-Round Events

The plaza construction will likely be phased and the intent is to maintain pedestrian and cyclist access throughout, wherever possible. It may also be possible to animate the plaza with programming during the construction period, and may be considered in later project stages.

There is also the potential to developed a phased programming implementation strategy, starting prior to construction.

What We Will Do

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What (Else) We Did

What We Heard

Central Greenaudience

Central Greenaudience

Central Greenopen

Urban Podiumaudience

Urban Podiumopen

Central Greenopen

Central Greenaudience

Central Greenaudience

Urban Podiumaudience

Urban Podiumaudience

Urban Podiumaudience

Urban Podiumaudience

Suggested Stage | Screen Locations5m x 7m stage | 12m wide screen

112 Market Tents (3m x 3m)

1 Stage or Screen (5m x 7m)with Backstage

3 Sponsor Areas (6m x 6m)

20 m1050

10 Food Trucks (3m x 6m)

Emer

genc

y A

cces

s (6

m)

Large Market Event : Taste of Calgary

Emergency Access (6m)

The Promenade has been opened up between the YMCA plaza and the Podium, to better connect these two spaces and provide greater programming flexibility;

Edges are designed to be flexible - they provided breakout space for sheltered seating, while the layout can also accommodate temporary market tents to increase market capacity. These are inviting, pedestrian-scale places for sitting and resting and people watching;

A number of distinct, multi-purpose “stages” are located close to high traffic pedestrian areas, providing space for smaller-format performances, gatherings, and programmed activities;

The whole plaza is a “patio space”, with tables, chairs, and umbrellas that can be moved around throughout the different areas;

A 6m wide emergency access route is maintained along the Promenade, connecting Barclay Parade in the south to the Eau Claire Promenade and Jaipur Bridge in the north.

The Urban Podium, with an area of approximately 1230m2, can support 1385-2460 people.

The Central Lawn, with an area of approximately 725m2, can support 815-1450 people.

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Events include:Taste of CalgaryCanada Day CelebrationsBeakerheadMexifest

Calgary MarathonAIDS WalkAlzheimer Walk Calgary Corporate ChallengeCalgary International Film FestDowntown Live

Central Green• Igloo Building Lessons• Winter Lighting Installation• Sledding

Urban Podium• Temporary Hot Beverage Concession• Fire Pits• Lighting Installation• Seasonal Holiday Market• Hay maze• Christmas tree ceremony and sales

Children’s Plaza

• Snowman Building• Scavenger Hunts• Play in the snow• Winter Nature Walk

Riverside Terraces• Birdwatching• Snow Sculpture Lessons / Display• Running / Walking Group Meet-Up• Photography

Promenade• Light Installation• Pedestrian / Cycle Connection to Eau Claire Promenade• Running / Walking Group Meet-Up• Winter Art Walk

Urban Podium• Comment It appears that the urban podium is an empty space

that will only be used during special events.

• Design Response A large, open paved surface was strongly supported during the pre-design phase. It can accommodate a variety of event configurations and temporary installations such as ball hockey, small skating areas with warming huts, food and beverage opportunities, or simply to use informally.

NATURALIZED PLAY AREA (ALL SEASON)

17m x 22m

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS

6m x 6m

WALKING GROUP6m x 6m

Market Street• Seasonal Holiday Market• Pedestrian Connection to Eau Claire Promenade• Historical Tours• Running / Walking Group Meet-Up• Winter Food Trucks

SEASONAL MARKET TENTS

3m x 3m each

Programming : A Winter Day

Suggested Winter Programming Opportunities

What We Heard

SLEDDING AREA25m x 33m

BUSKINGAREA

3m x 3m

TEMPORARY ICE SKATING RINK 24m x 45m

SNOW MINIGOLF

9m x 9m

TEMPORARYCONCESSION / SKATE RENTAL

9m x 9m

SMALLPERFORMANCE

AREA

PLAYGROUND (ALL SEASON)

BUSKINGAREA

BIKE REPAIR

STORY TIME

ZUMBA CLASS12m x 12m

LAWN GAMES9m x 9m

YOGA CLASS9m x 9m

WATER PLAY & CASUAL SEATING /

PICNIC TABLES

WATER PLAY & CASUAL SEATING /

PICNIC TABLES

BEACH PLAY& SUN TANNING

CASUAL SEATING

DANCE CLASS12m x 12m

DOG OBEDIENCETRAINING12m x 12m

TODDLER GAMES6m x 6m

JUMP ROPE

6m x 6m

SMALLPERFORMANCE

AREA

PLAYGROUND (ALL SEASON)

NATURALIZED PLAY AREA (ALL SEASON)

17m x 22m

Central Green• Tai Chi• Small Scale Live Music• Casual Picnics• Children’s Games• Astrology / Star Gazing

Urban Podium• Drum Circles• Film Screenings• Farmer’s Market• Casual Picnics• Music Classes

Children’s Plaza

• Children’s Games• Arts and Crafts Classes• Sidewalk Chalk• Casual Picnics• Scavenger Hunts• Water Play

Riverside Terraces• Birdwatching• Photography• Sun Tanning• Casual Picnics• Running / Walking Group Meet-Up

Promenade• Bike Maintenance Classes• Run / Walk Clubs Meeting Points• Seasonal Snack Concession• Running / Walking Group Meet-Up• Public Art Walk

Market Street• Guided Meditation• Educational Exhibits• Historical Tours• Arts + Crafts Classes• Running / Walking Group Meet-Up• Public Art Walk

Urban Podium• Comment It appears that the urban podium is an empty space

that will only be used during special events.

• Design Response A large, open paved surface was strongly supported during the pre-design phase. It can accommodate a variety of event configurations, temporary installations such as 3x3 basketball tournaments, or simply to use informally, taking advantage of the movable tables, chairs, and umbrellas.

Programming : A Summer DayWhat We Heard

Suggested Summer Programming Opportunities

Plaza AmenitiesWhat We Heard

What We Did

A splash water plaza is a dynamic part of the riverside terraces, as well as integrated with the play plaza. Fully accessible, these ‘water play’ areas are next to beach and boardwalk areas, with lots of amenities, to encourage families to enjoy the plaza for the day – this creates a destination within a destination.

The oversized timber gateway that stretches across the south end of the plaza, and to mark where the promenade meets the plaza on the north side, is inspired by the lumber history of the site. The scale, the form, and the position creates a prominent landmark and a photo-worthy icon for the plaza, up close and from afar.

Moving the heritage 1886 Building building is a critical design move for the plaza. This situates the structure closer to the lagoon and former dam site, in a much more prominent location and more accessible from the river.

The relocated 1886 Building, and proposed expansion have been revised to better coordinate with adjacent properties. This facility has been sized to accommodate washrooms, storage, site servicing infrastructure, and potential future tenant space. The building itself acts as a buffer to the existing residential complex to the east, while its location in a highly visible, high traffic area and appropriate lighting increases natural surveillance.

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What We Will Do

Interpretive elements designed to tell the stories of the area’s natural and cultural heritage will be further developed, integrated with the plaza design elements.

Continue to refine the power, data, and water infrastructure to support a flexible and adaptable event space.

Water Play• Comment A water play area is important.

• Design Response A series of depressions within the landscape folds host spray jets, a dynamic urban water future that contrasts with

the natural flow of the Bow River.

‘Iconic Postcard Shot’

• Comment The plaza design needs a unique feature element to create an ‘iconic postcard shot’.

• Design Response The scale, the form, and the position of the timber gateway and the landform will be a prominent landmarks and a photo-worthy icons for the plaza, up close and from afar.

Other Considerations• Patio spaces

• Festive lighting

• Access to the water – the river (lagoon) and the ‘playable’ water feature

• A space for families – amenities and programming

• Lighting improvements

Promenade Heavy Wood TimbersSignagewith accent uplighting8m clear width for pedestrians,

cyclists, emergency + service vehicle access

Heavy Timber Gateway South Elevation

• DO THE DESIGN CHANGES SUPPORT THE VISION + GOALS FOR THIS PROJECT?

Disagree

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree