New banners update special places in and around the centre city

Calgary, AB (May 20, 2010) - New banners along Barclay Parade (3 Street S.W.) were installed in partnership with the Calgary Downtown Association (CDA) with this being the first time that this location has been part of the downtown banner program. The theme of the project is “GROWTH” and ties in with Park’s 100th anniversary this year. The Barclay Parade banners symbolize growth of a city and growth of a garden. The objective is to provide a sense of place and connection between the popular Stephen Avenue Walk and Eau Claire Festival Market

Installing these colourful banners is the first step in making Barclay Parade a vibrant gateway linking the commercial core to the river and positioning Barclay as a key art walk of the downtown area.

"We are very happy with the colourful banners that were installed along Barclay Parade over the last couple of days, they add further color and vibrancy to our urban environment." states Maggie Schofield, Executive Director, Calgary Downtown Association, "this is yet another step in revitalizing this area and complements the community gardens and stone sculptures situated along the sidewalks."

These brightly coloured banners are designed by local artist, Tara Griffiths, in the style of the Japanese art of Shibori. Shibori, which means to bind, is the fabric cousin of the well-known Japanese paper art of Origami. These paired banners will progress through five basic designs from simple to complex and five different colors from Citrus Orange near 9th Avenue to deep blue as you walk down Barclay Parade from Stephen Avenue Walk to Eau Claire Festival.

Seven of the bridges into downtown, as well as Barclay Parade and Olympic Plaza will be updated throughout May and June, with the installations to showcase local artists work and contribute to a more vibrant downtown

"The goal is to provide a unique opportunity for local artists to display their work, while at the same time create inviting places for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in and around the centre city," says David Down, Coordinator, Centre City Development and Heritage at The City.

In 2010, the Downtown Banner Program will celebrate two Centennials - Calgary Parks and Calgary Chinatown, with unique banner series for each by renowned local artists. In addition to Barclay Parade, artists will create new banners to celebrate Aboriginal month in Olympic Plaza, and to recall 135 years of history at Fort Calgary.

Calgary Downtown Association Rewards those who Foster Vitality in the Downtown Core

Calgary, AB (May 6, 2010) - The Calgary Downtown Association (CDA), at its Annual General Meeting held earlier today recognized individuals and organizations who have helped to make the downtown a vital place to be by presenting them annual Vitality Awards.  

The recipients of the CDA’s annual awards compliment the Calgary’s Downtown Association’s mission to champion a vital, prosperous, attractive and livable downtown community for everyone to enjoy.  Due to the large number of great initiatives undertaken in 2009, eleven awards were given out.

“Each year, the CDA recognizes individuals, teams and corporations for going the extra mile to make the downtown a better place for the workers, citizens of Calgary, visitors and in many cases, generations to come.” States Jim Doyle, Chair, Calgary Downtown Association, “We look to acknowledge those whose vision parallels the vision of the CDA of vibrancy, through safety, cleanliness, beauty, and excitement. “

2009 Vitality Awards Recipients:

Mayor Bronconnier has consistently shown leadership and support for creating a vibrant, safe and healthy downtown.

·      Improvements to downtown safety in 2009  - Calgary Police Service, District 1

2009 culminated a multi-year focus from District 1 with 66 Beat Officers, resulting in crime statistics dropping significantly over the previous year.

·      Increasing downtown vibrancy in 2009 with the Grey Cup Festival – The Grey Cup Festival Committee 

This event brought free and family friendly events to the downtown core with vibrancy at all times of the day and night, and generated significant revenues for hotels, retailers and restaurants in downtown Calgary.

·      Downtown Communication – The Calgary Herald

As one of Canada’s the top papers, the Calgary Herald provides high levels of coverage of business and events in the downtown area. 

·      Community Integration and Vibrancy – Aboriginal First Nations Conference

Last summer was an extremely important one to the First Nations population of Canada.  With the election of a new leader for the first time in many years more than 3300 delegates descended on downtown Calgary.  They shared their culture with the Calgary community through their artisans on Stephen Avenue Walk and the Pow Wow at Olympic Plaza.

·      Beautifying the Downtown – John Torode “The Root”

This sculpture located on the corner of 8^th Street and 8^th Avenue was installed without any reciprocal benefit from the City, but purely for the benefit of the community. 

·      Beautifying the Downtown through Public Art – Brookfield Properties Corporation

New public art installation on the corner of  9^th Avenue and 2^nd Street outside the new Bankers Court building brings vitality to that corner and has quickly become a landmark.

·      Revitalizing the Streetscape at Gulf Canada Square – Great West Life Reality Advisors

The new gardens and pedestrian environment has proven to be an inviting place to walk and pause for workers and visitors alike.  In addition, many creative environmental applications were used the project.

·      Enhancing Streetscape – Holt Renfrew

The new Holt Renfrew building makes a positive impact to the street through their street lighting and engaging window displays.

·      +15 Vibrancy – Yale Properties

The +15 network in the downtown provides many different experiences, and those areas that provide great services and atmospheres are real destinations.  The +15 at the 333 5^th Avenue Building has succeeded in doing just that. 

·      Increasing Vibrancy and Community Integration – Harvard Property Management

Event space for events is always at a premium, especially for not-for-profit organizations.  By offering their large spaces for over 55 community groups last year at no cost, positioned the Eau Claire as an accessible and vibrant location.

Calgary Gets Ready for the
Ten Tastiest Days of the Year

Calgary, AB (March 1, 2010) - Dine Out Calgary, presented by American Express, is back and bigger than ever. From March 5th to 14th the city's top chefs present new three-course dining experiences.

This is an once-in-a-year opportunity to sample innovative, creative dining options at value prices in over 90 of Calgary's best restaurants in the heart of the city.

For the ninth year in a row, patrons can enjoy a pre-set Chef's menu with price options for lunch at $15.00 or $25.00 per person and for dinner at $25.00 or $35.00 per person plus the Gourmet Dine Out Package, which includes a beverage pairing, at $85.00 per person.

Dine Out Calgary is also pleased to present Dine with John Gilchrist. Enjoy specially prepared menus and informative and engaging conversation with the noted food author, Calgary Herald food writer and CBC restaurant critic for two exclusive lunches and one exclusive dinner engagement. Tickets are only $40.00 per person for lunch and $50.00 per person for dinner.

"We hope this year's Dine Out Calgary promotion with the affordable lunch and dinner options will entice Calgarians to explore the inner core", states Maggie Schofield, Executive Director, Calgary Downtown Association. "With over 90 restaurants to date, there will truly be something for every taste."

For a complete listing of the participating restaurants and to purchase tickets to the special Dine with John Gilchrist Series, please go to www.dineoutcalgary.com

When you use your American Express Card at participating restaurants during Dine out Calgary American Express will donate 5% of purchases charged to American Express Cards, up to a total donation of $40,000* to Food Banks Canada. Food Banks Canada supports a national network of regional and community food banks across Canada, providing much needed food for individuals and families.

For more information, please contact:
Caralyn Macdonald
Marketing and Communication Manager
Downtown Calgary
403 215 1567
caralynm@downtowncalgary.com