Genevieve Simms

Is Calgary going to become a 20th century fossil or will it be able to transition successfully into the more sustainable 21st century? With sprawl continuing and gasoline prices going sky high, something has to give.

The City of Calgary is trying to address this with transit-oriented developments (TOD) throughout many areas of the city. The goal of these developments is to increase density, create more walkable, mixed-use and vibrant communities.

Kensington is going through an area redevelopment plan (ARP) with TOD goals in mind. This area is already one of Calgary’s most walkable and vibrant neighbourhoods. Many problems need to be addressed soon, though. There are many high- and low-income residents, but there is a large middle-income population in between. The result is a polarized community. With 60 per cent of residents renting, compared to the average of 31 per cent for Calgary as a whole, many people in Kensington have been victims of condo-ization and outrageous rent hikes. Over the last few years there has been a huge shift in population, with many lower-income people having been economically evicted from the neighbourhood to make room for middle-aged, well-to-do empty nesters and young professionals. Unfortunately, it is lower-income people who need to live close to basic amenities the most, but are being forced into areas of the city that have few or no basic amenities nearby.

The Kensington business district is home to 622 businesses. For people who don’t drink coffee or have a lot of money, though, the business district isn’t very appealing. Because of high rents, the district is having difficulty attracting the independent retailers that helped make it unique. The result is a shift towards chain stores and even instant-loan retailers. Kensington has also recently seen the loss of its farmers’ market. Delicious, locally grown produce is being replaced by the tasteless, California, mono-crop variety sold at a certain local multinational grocery store outlet.

Over the last few years the city has hosted open houses for citizens of the Kensington area to give their input on future development. Unfortunately, given senior city planner turnover and the failure of residents to provide a coherent vision, Kensington’s ARP is at a standstill. With this, developers are the odds-on favourites to get their way and are salivating at the thought of building the same old generic high-end condo towers here that dot Fourth Street S.W. and line the Bow River from Eau Claire to the west side of 10th Street S.W.

The time has come for citizens, developers and the city to create a redevelopment plan that inspires, is unique and that reflects the community’s values. Kensington has the potential to become a world-class neighbourhood. Known for its environmentally aware residents, Kensington should strive to become the renewable energy centre of Canada.

Imagine walking in a neighourhood where people are working on cutting-edge solar, wind and geothermal technology, where they’re designing and building energy-efficient offices, homes and communities, where people are developing sustainable policies and communication strategies in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings. There is 635,000 square feet of commercial floor space in Kensington, so there is plenty of room to do these things. An environmental business and organizational cluster could breathe fresh air into Calgary.

Environmentally oriented retailers and restaurants would fit in nicely on the main floors of these eco office buildings. Imagine walking into a Kensington coffee shop and listening to the buzz of optimism of a sustainable future. Imagine a place where eco efficiency meets eco chic.

Redevelopment, though, must have a place for all in the community. Displacement must be replaced by accommodation. On top of the eco business district should be mixed-income housing designed to create a strong sense of community. Those who have recently been displaced should have a home waiting for them in new eco housing developments. Energy costs are expected to increase. As a result, living in energy-efficient housing will benefit all, especially those with lower incomes. There should also be a diversity of housing options from ownership condos to housing co-operatives that is both attractive and affordable for professionals, but also retail workers, students, seniors, AISH recipients and families.

Such a development would create enthusiasm, a sense of pride, would attract top talent and tourists to the city. Kensington would shine. The time has come to create a 21st century jewel that finally elevates Calgary to a world-class city. What are we waiting for?

David Wilson sits on the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Assocation board of directors.