For the past two years, the narrative around Marda Loop has been that it is a difficult community to do business in because of all the city construction.

From parking woes to businesses shutting down, there has been no doubt that for many local Marda Loop business owners, it has been a trying time to reach the public with a message that people should still shop in the community.

Flipping that message is even more important given that construction has been completed and there is no longer a reason to avoid Marda Loop—in fact, the opposite, now that substantial infrastructure upgrades make it an even more attractive place to shop.

“We really hope Calgarians coming down here and seeing how awesome it is, will spread the word to their friends that, ‘hey, I came to Marda Loop and was able to get in. I got a free parking spot, and I had a great time,'” said Bob van Wegen, Executive Director of the Marda Loop BIA.

He said what has remained constant for Marda Loop, despite the construction, is that it is a great place to do business and a great place to shop.

“We actually are net positive in terms of businesses. So, we know this is still a great place to do business, and that’s being recognized by more and more businesses moving into the area, more and more people moving into the area, but it’s been a page that we definitely want to turn,” said van Wegen.

Turning a page on construction woes

Business owners spoken to by LWC were relieved that the construction work was done, and now they could find a new chapter for their Marda Loop story.

“It has been definitely a challenge. We opened our store in May of 2023, and we had a few blissful months of not knowing the construction was coming. And then September hit, and it’s been construction ever since September ’23,” said Slow Burn Books co-owner Nicola MacNaughton,

“We’ve obviously seen a decrease in the foot traffic during that time, and just a lot of people telling us we’re completely avoiding Marda Loop entirely, and we’re not going to set foot in this area, and so that’s been hard to hear as a small business for sure.”

A core loyal following of romance book lovers has kept Slow Burn Books in business, and now having construction complete meant that those customers will have easier access to her store, said MacNaughton.

“They might have to park a few blocks away and they walk, but I think for quite a few people, they just don’t even want to try, because it is a commitment to get here sometimes, and you have to find new routes all the time,” she said.

“It’s going to be a huge game-changer, I think. We’re actually moving to a slightly bigger store half a house down the street. It goes to show that we are still looking forward and we expect growth within this neighbourhood.”

The timing for local businesses with the construction ending couldn’t be better, said van Wegen.

“It’s great to have this done in time for the holiday shopping season, which starts early and earlier, I’m told,” he said.

Right in time for the important holiday season

Paul Morissette, owner of Fresh Kitchen and president of the Marda Loop BIA, said that even with the holiday shopping season coming, the full transition into normalcy wouldn’t likely occur until next summer.

“Christmas time, that might be a bit of a short window, but I believe medium term we’ll get that back. There’s lots of talk about new development coming in here, new commercial and residential. That means more households, more people walking the community, more people visiting your stores,” he said.

He said that for his business, reversing the damage done from customers avoiding Marda Loop would require between two and three times as many people walking through the doors compared with construction lows.

He said increased sales would continue to allow for businesses in the neighbourhood to take care of the employees who stuck with them throughout the pandemic and then into construction.

“I can’t tell you how much we’ve been anticipating this. It’s been some rough couple decreasing sales trends and customer counts over the last couple of years. But also very excited that the project has definitely enhanced the neighbourhood. Nine-foot sidewalks, walking paths, bike lanes, safer intersections for our customers. It’s all very exciting,” said Morissette.

Morissette said that in hindsight, the work will have been worth it and that there would be a return of vibrancy to Marda Loop.

“We’ve got so many great cafes, great new restaurants—award-winning restaurants—services, health, health and wellness, spas, lawyers, doctors, there’s all sorts. It’s a community. It’s got everything, right? So now that the city has spent a ton of money getting it looking fantastic, let’s have some fun enjoying it,” he said.

Calgarians will get a chance to explore the newly reopened Marda Loop for themselves during the upcoming Spook the Loop event, happening on Oct. 25.

Van Wegen said that more than 50 area businesses will be handing out candy, along with a pumpkin-carving station, roving performers from Cirque du Nuit bringing interactive entertainment, a psychic performer, and glitter tattoos for children and families.

“It’ll be a great way to reintroduce Marda Loop,” he said.