East Village masterplan, Calgary, Canada by Broadway Malyan will be presented at the AT Awards live finals on 17 September 2025. Learn more about the project below.

Completed
2008

East Village is a 49-acre neighbourhood in Calgary that underwent a major transformation from a neglected industrial area into a mixed-use, riverside district. Historically a commercial hub, the area suffered from environmental degradation, underinvestment, and social challenges, particularly after urban renewal efforts in the 1970s failed to revitalise it. In response, the City of Calgary established the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) in 2007 to deliver a long-term regeneration strategy. Following an international design competition, Broadway Malyan was appointed to produce a masterplan that would support East Village’s evolution into a walkable, sustainable neighbourhood rooted in its historical and geographic context.

The masterplan addressed significant challenges, including widespread soil contamination, outdated infrastructure, and negative public perception. A key enabler of change was the establishment of a Community Revitalisation Levy, allowing tax revenues from downtown developments to fund essential infrastructure such as flood protection, utility upgrades, and improved public spaces. The plan proposed a vibrant, human-scaled urban village with a diverse mix of uses, heritage conservation, and cultural activation. A new branding strategy helped reshape public attitudes and drive investment, while meanwhile uses and pop-up interventions brought life to the area throughout its development.

Adaptability was built into the design through clear yet flexible urban principles, enabling the neighbourhood to evolve in response to changing needs. The masterplan retained and reused key heritage buildings and created new public spaces that connect the city centre to the riverside. The inclusion of amenities like playgrounds, community gardens, and temporary cultural venues contributed to a more inclusive and locally grounded character. Major public realm interventions, such as St Patrick’s Island and the Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk, have supported both environmental restoration and social activity, establishing a strong identity for the district.

Today, East Village is one of Calgary’s most visited and liveable neighbourhoods, home to major cultural institutions including the Central Library and National Music Centre. The area has attracted over $3 billion in private investment, supported by more than $400 million in public infrastructure spending. With over 4,000 residents and dozens of businesses now based in the district, East Village demonstrates the long-term value of clear leadership, integrated planning, and public realm investment.

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