At the confluence of Calgary’s urban core and its beloved river pathway system, Eau Claire Plaza has long been a cultural anchor and public gathering space. But as the city has grown, so has the need for this space to evolve with it and meet the demands of a growing population, support year-round activity, and celebrate the unique character of this riverfront district.
DIALOG’s design delivers a bold vision: a seamlessly integrated civic landscape where nature and the city meet, designed to act as both a retreat and a stage for public life. The new plaza balances movement and gathering, with shared spaces bringing together pedestrians, cyclists, and cultural programming within a dynamic, accessible public realm. The space creates a flexible and adaptive framework that supports year-round use – whether for quiet reflection by the river or large-scale cultural events.
Shared walkways and bike paths, dynamic water play, and multi-use spaces are carefully calibrated to welcome the community, while honouring the site’s layered history and environmental context. Every element, from material choices to sightlines, has been considered to enhance connection between people, nature, and Calgary’s evolving identity.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
- Size
- 11,000 sq ft
- Client
- City of Calgary
- Completion
- 2025
- DIALOG Services
Landscape Architecture
A timber gateway marks the entrance to the plaza, paying tribute to Eau Claire’s rich industrial roots through contemporary design.
The Urban Plaza serves as the formal gathering space within Eau Claire Plaza – an extension of the urban fabric that is designed to be both flexible and adaptable.
The plaza includes a playful, fog-emitting water feature that offers safe, dynamic water play, echoing the movement of the Bow River.
A vibrant, tree-lined street serves as a vital connection between the plaza and the market. This flexible, people-focused corridor is thoughtfully designed to support events throughout the year.
At the heart of the redevelopment, the historic 1886 Lumber Office has been relocated and thoughtfully integrated into a new two-storey retail building – preserving Calgary’s heritage while supporting modern activation.
The redesigned Eau Claire Plaza prominently features the Olympic Arch – a powerful symbol of Calgary’s 1988 Winter Games – creating a meaningful connection between the city’s past and its revitalized public spaces.
The Team
