Downtown East Village, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0H3, Kanada
Located within the eastern portions of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Downtown East Village, more commonly known as East Village, is a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that has undergone significant transformation over the years. It falls within the city’s Rivers District and encompasses some of the earliest settled land in the Calgary area, including the historic Fort Calgary.
Geography and Demographics
East Village spans across an area of 0.5 km² (0.2 sq mi) and as of the 2016 municipal census, the neighborhood housed a population of 3,242 residents. This marked a 14.2% increase from its 2015 population of 2,838. With a population density of 6,484/km² (16,790/sq mi), the area is densely populated. Residents in East Village had a median household income of $17,253 in 2005, significantly lower than the city-wide median household income of $67,238.
History and Development
Once a mixture of high-rise residential, commercial, and industrial developments, the area surrounding Fort Calgary was predominantly industrial until the 1960s. The construction of the city’s light rail transit Blue Line and the construction of the Calgary Municipal Building in the early 1980s isolated East Village from the rest of downtown, leading to a period of decline characterized by vacant lots and increased crime.
In March 2005, Calgary City Council approved plans for the East Village Area Redevelopment Plan, setting the stage for revitalization efforts. In 2007, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) was formed with the specific mandate to rejuvenate the Rivers District, including East Village. These efforts led to the demolition of dilapidated buildings, the creation of modern structures, and the completion of the Jack and Jean Leslie RiverWalk along the Bow River’s south bank in the summer of 2012.
As of January 2017, the neighborhood has seen the completion of several luxury condominium towers and two new hotels, with ongoing construction of additional condominium towers and retail buildings. Future plans include more commercial and residential development, with the neighborhood attracting over $2.7 billion in investment to date.
Living in East Village
Despite its past challenges, Downtown East Village has transformed into a bustling urban community. A significant percentage of the buildings are condominiums or apartments, and a high proportion of housing is used for renting (83.8%), making it a popular choice for renters.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the revitalized public spaces, modern living options, and easy access to the amenities of downtown Calgary. With ongoing investments and development, East Village continues to evolve, contributing to the vibrant urban tapestry of Calgary.