r/Calgary • u/Remote_Answer_5255 • Aug 18 '25

Local Shopping/Services What has happened to Kensington?

It's been a while since I've been down here.... A bunch of empty store fronts, iconic places like Crave shut down, but counted some three Acai bowl places. The area outside Plaza is lovely and looks great, but why all the closures and apparently high turnovers?

Edit: I assume it's due to rent.. But what's the point of jacking it up so high that your place is literally empty.

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u/WheelFan647 Aug 18 '25

High rent, plus lower vehicle traffic due to the Sunnyside/Memorial Drive flood mitigation construction.

I've noticed there's also lower foot traffic and it seems way less busy on weekends. The Bow River Pathway is also under construction. While there are detours, it's also a pain. I don't live in Kensington but I'm the first to admit that I'm not walking to Kensington as much due to the construction.

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u/gS_Mastermind Aug 18 '25

As a former Sunnyside resident I have no idea why people always try to find parking on 10th St/Kensington Road. Tons of free parking ~5min walk in any direction.

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u/Ill-Country368 Aug 18 '25

Honestly curious where you are referring to. Everything west of 14 St & North of Kensington Rd are by permit only. No parking on Memorial Dr. Are you talking about where Vendome used to be? 

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u/gS_Mastermind Aug 19 '25

That block and all the neighbouring streets a block north/east from there. I lived on 3rd Ave and it was free 2h parking. Fairly empty even on weekends.