Destination: Deerfoot City could be pretty amazing

Calgary is home to some pretty top-notch shopping but also some not-so-awesome retail centres too. For years, Deerfoot Mall has been sitting pretty vacant at it’s corner off the major thoroughfare and 64th Avenue NE. Heading to the ‘hood to pick up some outlet wares has not been on my priority list (and apparently not for most Calgarians too. But I gotta give props to Showhome Furniture for getting me up to Deerfoot Mall at all).

A recent announcement from Vancouver-based Shape Properties will see an entire revitalization and expansion of the site to become Destination: Deerfoot City. And boy, does this makeover have me excited. Watch the fly-through video above and you will see an entirely new outdoor shopping experience that is coming to Calgary. The pedestrian-friendly space will see a central plaza mixed in with fashion and restaurant districts. It reminds me of shopping centres I have been to in the States such as The Grove in Los Angeles. I loved shopping at The Grove because of all the great retail options, the proximity to a “farmer’s market” and being able to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful scenery.

How this will work in a winter-oriented setting like Calgary remains to be seen, but if they put in cool seasonal features like a skating rink and cappuccino bars I feel like Calgarians will get on board. I know I certainly will.