+15 Skywalk System

Lanre Ajayi in a +15 that connects Arts Commons to Glenbow
Lanre Ajayi walks through Calgary’s +15 Skywalk System | Still: Courtesy of My City Speaks To Me

+15 Skywalk System

Love it or hate it, the +15 is one of downtown Calgary’s most unique pieces of infrastructure.

First opening to the public in 1970, the +15 skywalk system was conceived by Harold Hanen, who worked for the city from 1966 to 1969. The +15 network is made up of 62 bridges (and counting) and at 18 kilometers long, it is the world’s most extensive pedestrian skywalk system.

“Like every other immigrant, I came to Canada and settled in Calgary a few years ago,” explains Lanre Ajayi. “And one of the many challenges I faced was coming to the downtown area, especially during the winter periods.

“So, if you’re like me back then and haven’t had the opportunity to experience the +15 skywalk system, and have a need to be in the downtown area for business or pleasure, then this information is your weapon against the cold and snow during the winter months.”

Tune into My City Speaks To Me to learn more about this distinctly Calgary story and how to navigate the system.


About My City Speaks To Me

A Nigerian artist and fashion designer based in Calgary, Lanre Ajayi is driven to develop and launch an ethical fashion line in Canada.

Shared as part of The Storytelling Project, My City Speaks To Me. The Calgary Edition. is his web series that documents the people, places, and events that make Calgary a spectacular place to live.

Follow him on Twitter at @lanreajayii and on Instagram at @lanreajayi1.

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