"I particularly remember visiting Harvie Passage in Calgary, Alberta in the Summer. This is a man-made portion of the Bow River that is used recreationally most for river sports; however, it is also used by people and families to swim. The space has many pockets of still water where kids splash around, and people cool down. This section of the river is also fantastic for folks floating on the river in tubes or mini floating boats.
Besides the ability for people to cool down and enjoy the water together. For me the most notable memory of this place that really defines a quality experience is that there is much space for people to set up bbq’s, blankets, and music, and be in community together. It is the perfect example of a place where people can just hang out and relax by the water. When I would visit in the Summer, I saw every cultural and racial make-up of people in the space. Smelt all kinds of food and heard all kinds of music.
I also love that the location of this place is central and accessible by transit, has a lot of parking, and is along the river walkway - which has wide and smooth paved pathways. It reminded me of when I was a youth worker and I found that so many teens made dangerous decisions out of boredom. This space felt like a place where kids can go to hang out, enjoy the water, and have fun." (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.258).
Google map link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Harvie+Passage/@51.0427129,-114.0159051,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x53717b1b64c42c45:0x48eea796590699a4!2sHarvie+Passage!8m2!3d51.0427129!4d-114.0133302!16s%2Fg%2F11g0msgcf_!3m5!1s0x53717b1b64c42c45:0x48eea796590699a4!8m2!3d51.0427129!4d-114.0133302!16s%2Fg%2F11g0msgcf_
Publication:19 May 2026
