Blunt’s big catch Salmon fishing in the yemen star recalls the one that luckily got away, and it wasn’t a fish calgary
page 20
Monday, March 12, 2012 News worth sharing.
metronews.ca | twitter.com/metrocalgary | facebook.com/metrocalgary
17th Ave: Demise or evolution? Risk to the neighbourhood. Business-revitalization group says proliferation of food and drinking establishments in area comes with the risk of turning storied area into ‘Electric Avenue No. 2’
Jeremy nolais
jeremy.nolais@metronews.ca
Years of fighting for divided interests along one of Calgary’s most storied avenues has led to little change, leading those claiming to represent the little guys to fear the worst. By night, uptown 17th Avenue, a clutter of more than 200 businesses between 14th and 2nd Street Southwest, remains a vibrant hotspot for
those wishing to wine, dine or cheer on local sport franchises. But it’s by day when local business revitalization representatives see cause for great concern. Without pause, businessrevitalization zone executive director Barbara Stein is able to list off retail outlets — many independent — that have failed in recent years, stating the overall number is in the dozens and forever climbing.
“Shoe stores, piano stores, art galleries, specialty gifts, you name it, we are losing our daytime economy,” she said. “It’s dying.... We have gone from all kinds of wonderful kiosk stores and evolved into a street of restaurants and bars.” Sources of great contention exist in relaxations continually granted by city planners for retail type and parking, as well as rents that have quintupled in some cases. While some, like Stein, la-
ment the changing landscape, others paint it as an area filled with potential. “More than ever, 17th Avenue has the potential to thrive,” said Rob Taylor, president for Beltline Communities, which represents the area. “All it will take is co-operation.... More development and infrastructure are what’s needed. “There are people who can and want to make that happen.”
A look at what’s ahead 17th Ave: Demise or evolution? Metro’s four-part series: • Tuesday. Small-time owners paint ugly picture of changing area • Wednesday. Area residents take the good with the bad • Thursday. Where will all the good shoppers go?
Looking to zombies for inspiration Charity organizer set to join in on the zombie craze in hopes of doing good for children-support groups page 4
Killing spree in Afghan village
Pedestrians walk along a portion of uptown 17th Avenue Sunday. Dozens of “daytime” businesses along the popular stretch have closed in recent years. Jeremy Nolais/Metro
U.S. soldier allegedly kills 16 civilians in shooting spree, worsening the crisis over Qur’an burnings and threatening a deeper breach in U.S.-Afghan relations page 10