Calgary's +15: The Elusive Quest for Quiet Workspaces

Calgary's +15: The Search for Quiet Workspaces

Calgarians are increasingly seeking a specific set of amenities within the extensive +15 skywalk system: quiet zones equipped with power outlets for devices, suitable for phone calls, and conveniently located near public washrooms. A recent community discussion highlighted a shared challenge in finding informal yet functional public workspaces that meet these needs within the bustling network.

However, the +15, spanning over 16 kilometers and connecting 130 downtown buildings, was primarily designed as a weather-protected pedestrian thoroughfare. Its core purpose is to enhance mobility and support the downtown economy by linking businesses and transit, rather than serving as a network of public coworking spaces. While City of Calgary maps indicate accessible washrooms throughout, often near food courts in buildings like Bankers Hall or Fifth Avenue Place, dedicated quiet areas with power access for focused work are not a designated feature of the system's public corridors.

For those requiring reliable power, internet, and a distraction-free environment, private coworking facilities, many directly connected to the +15, offer a tailored solution. These paid services provide the amenities the public network generally lacks, addressing the demand for productive, quiet work zones.