Built more than 30 years ago, this walkway system links four major
shopping centers and more than 800 stores, cinemas, theatres and indoor
gardens, not to mention every important office building in the downtown
core. It's entirely possible to enter at Chinatown and walk indoors the
whole way to Penny Lane Mall and beyond.
As you walk through one of the 50-plus temperature-controlled walkways,
it is easy to get a little claustrophobic. But never fear; a quick escape
is always at hand with stairs exiting onto a major street. And if you find
yourself completely disoriented (especially after venturing through the
winding Bow Valley Square) there is always an easy-to-understand map
nearby with a clear "You Are Here" spot.
However, like downtown Calgary the walkway system is empty after 5 p.m.
Where an hour earlier you would have found business people hurrying
through the halls running important errands, the same walkways are eerily
silent. But look below and you will see those people sitting in their
cars, locked in traffic as they escape the city center and head home. With
carefully placed cameras, the walkways still feel safe after work hours,
but be careful as some buildings lock their doors as early as 6:30 p.m.,
closing off parts of the connection and leaving you to face the wild
outdoors.
Written, designed and produced by Erin Munro
Originally published September 7, 2000
I know of no map like it. It may turn into a control point map like CZ2
or it may turn into a Warpath type, as of yet that is undecided. This is
going to be interesting and unlike anything else to play. This project has
really excited me and I hope that it will all work out, (with hopefully
reasonable file size).
