Calgary’s Fourth Street BIA launches re-opening campaign to welcome locals back to enjoy the neighbourhood’s Summer sights, sounds, eats and drinks after being housebound this past Spring.
The streets are clean, sidewalks are swept, open signs are lit and welcome mats are out – the businesses on 4th Street are ready to serve. This summer season, Calgarians are invited to stop by and get re-acquainted with the vibrant area’s offerings after COVID-19 isolation.
Launching the campaign is Calgary’s Fourth Street BIA. The committee driven, not-for-profit organization is responsible for beautifying, promoting and maintaining the area nestled in the middle of the Mission, Cliff Bungalow and Beltline through advertising, planning and development, events and activities and streetscape elements.
“Alongside many local businesses – our members have been hit hard with closures, not once but twice in seven years,” says Jennifer Rempel, Interim Executive Director of the Fourth Street BIA “The resilience of this business community during a time of crisis speaks volumes like in 2013 with Calgary floods and today with COVID-19. The board and I agreed this is a great time to press the reset button and pay homage to the strength of the residents and business owners that call 4th Street home.”
A play on words that nods to what once was synonymous with the NBA’s only Canadian basketball team – WE THE FOURTH speaks to the spirit of the people of 4th Street – determined, hard-working and invested in the community. Widely known for hosting Calgary’s legendary Lilac Festival, 4th Street is diverse, walkable and is interspersed with independently-owned retail shops and professional offices, historic sites and new urban developments, hip, trendy eateries and old-school greasy spoons. It’s what makes the street so unique and a fantastic place to enjoy by residents, locals and tourists of all ages. Four-legged visitors are also welcome – dogs can join in the fun on the patios at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, Vin Room, Purple Perk and the Rose & Crown Pub.
“We love the charm and history of our restaurant location on 4th Street,” says Aida Abboud, owner of Aida’s Bistro on 4th Street for 29 years. “The people who live nearby are such loyal customers even during these difficult economic times. It’s nice to see smiling faces again.”
While enjoying the sights, sounds and services on 4th Street this summer, visitors can expect to see signage encouraging physical distancing, hand sanitizers at shop entrances and welcome back messages from retailers and service providers sharing in the anticipation of post-COVID-19 life.
“Our members are setting out welcome mats for Calgarians and visitors alike to help express our support to everyone getting comfortable with leaving the house and exploring everything our neighbourhood has to offer.” says Rempel. “Keep an eye out for business profiles and welcome messages from the business community – it’s our way of saying, we’re still in this together and 4th Street is open to serve you.”
Click here for a current directory of businesses on 4th Street.