Newly opened West Eau Claire Park offers promenade along Bow River

It's not just a pathway buta promenade.

After 18 months of construction,West Eau Claire Park is complete. Calgariansnowcan use the separated and redesigned pathsleading to and from the iconic Peace Bridge to connect to the city's downtown core.

The $10.6-million project incorporates public art, a designated walking pathway and separate bikeway, terraces and planterswith 30 per cent of the project's overall cost put toward flood mitigation.

"The fences are down and we're here to celebrate," program manager Joyce Tang said at an unveiling celebration Friday. "We thank for all Calgariansfor being patient with us."

She said the grand opening was a time for citizens to come down and check out the brand new space.

Throughout construction, the scope of the project expanded and so did the price. The plans originally pegged the pricetag at $7.9 million.

But, according to the city's communications department, the project and its higher price wereextendedto include all of West Eau Claire Park as far as 10thStreet.

'Money well spent'

Perry Wilson attendedthegrand opening and saw the fences come down.

"It's a pleasant surprise," he said. "It's money well spent. Ifgovernmentis going to spend the money, this is how they should spend it."

Instead of walls to keep water away, the flood mitigation was largely built into the design giving people places to picnic, chill and take selfies.

The city says the flood investments will:

• Make critical infrastructure more resilient against the threat of floodwaters.
• Help businesses carry on without being interrupted by water level threats.
• Offer an improved space for Calgarians to enjoy by the river.
• Mitigate floods.
• Help protect future infrastructure projects and keep homes safe.

The Delta Garden, which is next to the new pathways, isa waterfront park designed and named for its ability to funnel people into the new public space and art.

The art rang in at $500,000 a costthe city said included public engagement, artist fees, local fabrication and installation.

The displaywas created by Calgary-based artists CaitlindR.C. Brown and Wayne Garrett, who installed 12,00 brass "survey monuments" through the Delta Garden.

Instead of inscribing warnings about buried utilities or important coordinates, the artists charted what they call "social coordinates," drawnfrom a survey asking Calgarianswhere they are going and where they want to be.

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With files from Mike Symington.