It’s a bit different to visit Marda Loop these days. It’s a little dustier, a little louder and, we must admit, a little more challenging to get around with the road construction. But 190 local businesses are still open and welcoming, and there are lots of new businesses to explore and events coming up! The Marda Loop Business Improvement Area (BIA) has also rolled out some great incentives and prizes so that visitors can support Marda Loop businesses through the last stages of main street construction.
Marda Loop is one of Calgary’s most dynamic and fastest growing areas, and it’s getting a big makeover of its main street. After a year of construction, the new and improved streetscape is taking shape, and by this fall most work on 33rd Avenue will be completed.
“We’re really looking forward to getting back to normal on 33rd Avenue, and the return of two-way traffic. It will actually be better than the ‘old normal,’ it’ll be a better place to visit, shop and live than ever before,” says Bob van Wegen, executive director of the Marda Loop BIA.
Streetscape improvements include wider sidewalks, curb bump-outs for safer pedestrian crossings and better visibility at intersections. There will also be more trees, planters, new light poles and other colourful decor. And later, there will be a multi-use pathway on 34th Avenue for walkers, strollers and cyclists making it easier and more fun to get around.
“It’s really a total makeover, responding to the huge growth of the area into something like a little town centre in the heart of southwest Calgary,” says van Wegen.
Marda Loop’s population has increased by an estimated 15 per cent, and the number of businesses has increased by almost 50 per cent, from 130 in 2014 to over 190 today, so the project supports growth into the future.
Later this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Marda Loop BIA, the organization of local businesses that puts on the Marda Gras Street Festival (founded 1985). The BIA started out with only 79 businesses, and some of them are still in operation. But in today’s Marda Loop, with 190 businesses, locals can walk to pretty much everything they need, whether that’s a simple sandwich or a gourmet meal, a cappuccino or glass of wine, groceries or a racy romance novel, pet food or a pedicure.
A lot of people drive down 33rd Avenue, but it’s off the main drag that things are really interesting. At the south end of Marda Loop, the streetcar plaza area (also known as the “Loop in the Loop,” where the Night Markets take place) is being paved with cement blocks in a cobblestone fashion and will have some historic highlights that celebrate the history of the area.
This complements the new small-scale developments on 34th Avenue. Near 18th and 19th Streets, historic houses have been converted into boutiques, accompanied by funky new buildings, housing dozens of micro-businesses of all sorts. “It’s a unique experience in Calgary. For cool businesses in a unique setting, 34th Avenue is a place you must visit especially to do your Christmas and holiday shopping,” says van Wegen.
It’s a bit dusty now, but Marda Loop’s best days are just around the corner. As Marda Loop enters the last phase of construction, come on down and see the progress, and support local businesses.
Upcoming events and awards program
The “Love the Loop Rewards Program” gives shoppers another reason to support Marda Loop businesses through the challenges of construction. The program rewards consumers for accessing and shopping the area by way of a monthly gift card giveaway as well as special, larger giveaways during special events. Shoppers and visitors simply take a photo of their Marda Loop experience, purchase or service and upload it to visitmardaloop.com to be entered for the monthly draw. It’s as simple as that. (No purchase is necessary to enter.)
“As a new business owner in the area that offers a service-based business that is about making women feel their best, I love that Love the Loop has offered my clients the ability to get rewarded for supporting me and other businesses while we navigate the construction season,” says Kelly Summers, owner of Belle Beauty Lounge. “Everything helps! And we appreciate the work the BIA is doing.”
Check out Love the Loop Rewards and save this link to enter when you visit the Loop: visitmardaloop.com/love-the-loop/
Grand re-opening of 33rd Avenue
Stay tuned for a special grand re-opening event coming soon to 33rd Avenue.
Details will be sent out in the BIA newsletter and online – follow along by subscribing here:
Marda Loop Night Markets
August 30 & September 27
A great way to see the “Loop in the Loop” and the unique offerings of 34th Avenue.
5PM – 10PM | 18 ST & 34 AVE SW
Unique vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ area and tons of local shopping!
Spook the Loop
October 26th
Grab all your ghouls and goblins for an afternoon of fun in Marda Loop! Collect candy from participating storefronts, enjoy pumpkin decorating and crafts as well as roving performers and more!
Spirit of the Loop
December 7th
Get into the spirit and celebrate the holiday season in the Loop! Get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip hot chocolate around the fire pits, participate in giveaways and more!
Additionally, you can now shop the Loop with the Marda Card, an e-Gift card available from $25 to $250 that can be used at more than 20 stores. Participating stores also carry physical cards if you prefer. Get your Marda Cards now just in time for the holiday season. For the most up-to-date list of participating businesses, and to purchase, go to anycard.ca/store/mardaloop
Stay in the Loop and enter to win a $50 Marda Card gift card by visiting visitmardaloop.com and signing up for the MLBIA E-Newsletter.
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