Our Approach
International Avenue is a vibrant business district with a diverse ethnic composition located on 17th Avenue S.E., from 26 to 61st streets, in Calgary. Now known as Calgary's Culinary and Cultural Capital. There is an interesting mix of businesses representative of the cosmopolitan neighbourhoods surrounding the Avenue. You will find one-stop shopping with access to a selection of restaurants and grocery stores from around the world, as well as a wide range of other retail goods and services. Over 425 businesses operate within the zone. Convenient FREE parking is available throughout. The Mission of the organization is “to promote, improve and create a more pleasant community in which to shop and live”. The BRZ is achieving these goals by:
- A maintenance program designed to clean the shopping district
- Promotional/image initiatives
- Special community events
- The completion of an urban design plan and vision – approved at City Council, 2010, International Avenue Area Redevelopment Plan- 2018
- Plans for a sustainable community
- A crime prevention safety plan – adopted
- A pedestrian friendly approved comprehensive transportation policy – approved for funding 2014 and construction of the plan began in 2016. The majority of which was completed in 2018. Unity Park and minor sections completed in 2019.
- An implementation strategy
- A comprehensive community economic development plan
- A variety of community partnerships
- A development strategy - Land use changes have been undertaken to simplify the development of the Avenue going forward (as of Dec, 2018).
- An incubation strategy and research for new business concepts
- A co-work hub with gallery space (see EMERGE).
- Responsible for murals and upkeep throughout the zone
- Worked to reduce impacts of poverty from predatory lending(Bill 51)
- Responsible for site amenity upkeep, flowers, banners and all secondary decorative lighting and entry way signage
- Comprehensive Security Program for merchants and property owners
Meet the Staff
Alison Karim-McSwiney
Executive Director
Celeste Watamanuk
Administrative Assistant/Social Media guru
Kaylynn Miller
Accounting
Norbert Magdziarz
Maintenance & Flowers
Corrie Tattrie
Maintenance & Flowers
Matthew Pike
Avenue Ambassador
Mark Sawdon
Avenue Ambassador
David Carroll
Avenue Ambassador
Rajko Gajic
Economic Development Assistant
Justin Lo
Urban Studies Student
The 2024 Board of Directors
Chairperson: Gita Boyd-Gita Boyd Associates
Secretary: Syn Amanuel-Selamta Immigration Services
Treasurer: Maria Hoover-FUSE 33
Raj Chhoker-Reliance Legal Corp.(Associate Member)
Dr Kulwinder Rajewal-Forest Lane Medical Clinic
Adam Rhind- Bathtub Bikes
Chelsea Singer-Rep for UPS Store
Franics Small-Calgary Co-op
Zane Khakoo-Artech Printing
Cst. Phillips and Cst. Saunders- Calgary Police Service (non-voting)
Thanks to our Friends
International Avenue would like to acknowledge all the wonderful people who've helped us get to where we are today. We couldn't have done all this without the help and support of all our friends!