UP YOUR ALLEY!

Most walkable neighbourhoods: Beltline bustles with some big-city hustle

By Tony Seskus,
Calgary Herald October 13, 2011

Sushi bars, bridal shops, nightclubs, art galleries, homeless programs, historic sites and yoga studios — a stroll through Beltline is unlike any other in Calgary.

It’s got a big-city feeling that’s bustling, vibrant and even gritty, sometimes within a single block.

“It’s one of the few places in Calgary where one can live without a car quite easily and it’s probably the best place to do it,” said Rob Taylor, an area resident since 1983 and community president.

“It’s fun to go outside and watch what’s happening when there’s a variety of people and a variety of things going on.”

On a sunny weekday afternoon, the streets are indeed alive.

Office workers, hipsters, a panhandler and two police officers walking the beat all momentarily share the busy corner of 10th Avenue and 1st Street S.W.

They are among the thousands of pedestrians who use Beltline’s sidewalks each day.

It’s little wonder that when the Herald used walkscore.com to get a sense of Beltline’s walkability, it rated “very walkable.” That means most errands can be run on foot.

Strolling with Bright Pryde of the Beltline Planning Policy Group last June, that much is obvious.

There are streetside businesses to satisfy nearly every consumer urge. And away from the bustle is Central Memorial Park, which includes a stylish garden cafe that would look at home in any major metropolitan centre.

The community thrives on visitors and its large population.

Beltline has nearly 20,000 residents, filling a densely populated neighbourhood of upscale condos, rental apartments, townhouses and a few single-family homes.

As day becomes night, crowds arrive in the neighbourhood to dine, drink and be entertained.

With so many eyes on the street, Pryde says she always felt safe on foot in the community.

“I used to live in this little building here — it’s kind of a sketchy corner,” said Pryde, pointing to a rental where she might hear arguments in the street at night. “But, you know, when I walked out onto the streets, I felt safe. I felt comfortable because I knew that the community was there with me.”

There’s no avoiding the crime statistics, but behind the headlines there’s been improvement.

Beltline had 47 street robberies in 2010, but that number is down nearly 30 per cent from 2008.

Car thefts and thefts from vehicles are also down significantly from 2008, coinciding with policing efforts in the community.

Trotting through Beltline, the community’s size is striking.

Yet its grid street system, a legacy of early planning, often makes it easy to find quick walking routes.

But there are challenges.

Walking conditions range from model sidewalks to rugged paths.

The best routes are wide, treed and have comfortable benches. They’re as good as any in the city.

But there are also instances where sidewalks are narrow, patched or crumbling. Some have utility poles or other obstacles that walkers have to navigate.

And, of course, thousands of vehicles pass through the community daily. Along the busiest roads, there’s the steady din of traffic.

Despite the beauty of Central Memorial Park, there are also no parks north of 12th Avenue.

The community association is hopeful that improvements will come along as the city looks to bolster walkability in the city.

While interest in the “urban lifestyle” is growing in popularity, Taylor acknowledges it doesn’t suit everyone’s needs. But there’s also great pride in the many things the community does offer.

“If you’re of an urban mindset, it’s fun,” Taylor said.

And as Pryde headed off to work down one of Central Memorial Park’s picturesque garden pathways, the community’s walk appeal was clear.

“I always hear people say that it’s impossible to live in Calgary without a car,” added Pryde, who is currently studying abroad.

“I always argue the opposite. You’ve got to pick the right community. No, you can’t live in Cranston without a car. But you could easily live (car-less) in the Beltline — and many people do.”

Photo By: RemotelyBoris