Memorial Parkway Public Art Program

Illustrated map for Memorial Parkway

The Project

The City of Calgary is investing in Sunnyside, Hillhurst and the Memorial Parkway to increase flood resiliency and create spaces that enhance the connection with the river, natural environment and our heritage. They are doing this by combining flood mitigation with spaces for commemoration, vibrant and dynamic public spaces, and opportunities for a reimagined Memorial Drive with enhanced mobility options into one program. 

Memorial Parkway refers to the entire corridor along Memorial Drive, between Centre Street and 14 Street N.W. This includes the roadway, the adjacent green space and walking and cycling infrastructure, the Memorial Trees and the Sunnyside Flood Barrier.  

The City of Calgary has identified a variety of benefits to Calgarians resulting from this program. The Sunnyside flood barrier is an important piece of infrastructure that will help protect people, homes and businesses in Sunnyside and Hillhurst. The barrier’s location along one of Calgary’s most cherished corridors, is an important consideration. This space must be protected and where possible, enhanced. The new flood barrier will also provide the building blocks for future climate resiliency. 

You can learn more about the City’s Memorial Parkway program and the public engagement that took place here.    

In the fall of 2023, Calgary Arts Development launched a call for a lead artist or artists to join The City of Calgary’s design team for the Memorial Parkway Program and participate in the process. 

Bringing a lead artist(s) into the design team is intended to help blend artworks into the flood barrier or nearby pathway system, or develop art concepts for multiple unique opportunities anchoring a public art program that stretches along the north bank of the Bow River, between Centre St. and 14 St. NW.  

The artist(s) for this program are selected by a committee made up of artists and/or arts professionals, community representatives and subject matter experts. The artist(s) will be announced and work on the Memorial Parkway project is expected to begin in 2024.