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Plus-15
DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
Spelling variants:+15
n. — Alberta (Calgary), Transportation
a system of sheltered overhead walkways connecting buildings in downtown Calgary (see Image 1); often in compounds, as in Plus-15 walkway or Plus-15 system.
Type: 1. Origin — Plus-15 takes its name from the fact that the walkways are located approximately 15 feet above street level. Other similar walkway systems exist, such as the Minneapolis Skyway; however, the name Plus-15 appears to be unique to Calgary.
The first Plus-15 walkway opened in Calgary in 1970 to shelter pedestrians traveling from Calgary Place to the Calgary Inn. As of 2013, there were 62 bridges and 18 km of walkways connecting various locations in downtown Calgary (see City of Calgary reference). Image 2 shows the 2016 Plus-15 network in downtown Calgary. Plus-15 may be used attributively, as in "the Plus-15 crowd" (see the 1998 quotation).
The term is relatively unknown outside of Canada (see Chart 1), and within Canada has currency virtually only in Alberta (see Chart 2). Other cities use different names for underground walkways that serve the same function of escaping the freezing Canadian winter weather (e.g. the PATH in Toronto or the ville souterraine, officially known as the réseau piétonnier souterrain (RÉSO, 'network of pedestrian underground') in Montreal).
See also COD-2, s.v. "Plus-15", which is marked "Cdn".
The first Plus-15 walkway opened in Calgary in 1970 to shelter pedestrians traveling from Calgary Place to the Calgary Inn. As of 2013, there were 62 bridges and 18 km of walkways connecting various locations in downtown Calgary (see City of Calgary reference). Image 2 shows the 2016 Plus-15 network in downtown Calgary. Plus-15 may be used attributively, as in "the Plus-15 crowd" (see the 1998 quotation).
The term is relatively unknown outside of Canada (see Chart 1), and within Canada has currency virtually only in Alberta (see Chart 2). Other cities use different names for underground walkways that serve the same function of escaping the freezing Canadian winter weather (e.g. the PATH in Toronto or the ville souterraine, officially known as the réseau piétonnier souterrain (RÉSO, 'network of pedestrian underground') in Montreal).
See also COD-2, s.v. "Plus-15", which is marked "Cdn".
Quotations
1978
Another phrase, pedestrian priority zones, alludes to just what the planners have in mind. The very successful three-block mall would be extended west and then north to link up with the present Riverside Park. Along the way it would provide a picturesque walkway through a new entertainment district, ending up in a pedestrian plaza.
The pedestrian priority would be gained by widening sidewalks, improving crosswalks and a plus-15 system of walkways between buildings. More trees would be planted in this four-by-seven-block area and sidewalk furniture is promised.
1987
My first utility bill included a subtle warning of what was in store, masked in the form of a brochure on Calgary's "Plus-15" system of temperature-controlled walkways. These walkways stretch between buildings downtown and are elevated to create a "traffic-free pedestrian environment." Only in passing it is mentioned that the Plus-15 system provides "the added benefit of protection from nature's moods." But I dismissed the downtown concerns and padded blissfully about the university area.
1998
"It feeds the Plus-15 crowd, but the food is of very high quality," said Suzanne Levesque, who wrote to request the recipe for their Hungarian mushroom soup. "It's at the higher end of the lunchtime cafes, and the cookies are fantastic."
Pam Kraemer says she's committed to serving fresh, tasty food that's all made from scratch and properly presented.
2002
Some areas of Plus 15 system will be closed, and the LRT will not stop at the Telus Convention Centre.
Access to City Hall will also be restricted during the week to employees and those with specific business at the building.
Special G-8 security measures -- which includes the checking of new identification badges -- went into effect on Friday and will remain in force until Thursday.
Access to the municipal building will be limited to the Plus 15 entrance at the south end, and the public will only be allowed in from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
2007
Calgary's downtown buildings are connected by a vast network of skywalks called the Plus 15; named because one can navigate almost the entire downtown 15 feet above the street without ever touching a sidewalk. The original system opened in 1970 and has expanded to include 59 enclosed bridges connecting dozens of downtown Calgary office buildings, shopping centers, and department stores.
2009
The most important task of a board of directors is to find a CEO that can carry a company's vision forward. Downe, who was warmly greeted by employees when he finally made his way through the Plus-15 maze and up to the BMO offices, appears to be the right guy for the times. He's seen many scenes from this movie before. The fact he could sit through an interview without a BlackBerry on the table or strapped to his belt speaks volumes of how he is managing through the current environment: he is taking time to think before taking time to react.
2016
Calgary's +15 Skywalk is a public pedestrian walkway system that links buildings throughout the Downtown and provides alternative routes for pedestrians to numerous and varied destinations.
The public access through private buildings enables pedestrians to travel in weather-protected walkways, approximately 15 feet above the street level. The +15 concept was intended to improve Downtown, providing additional pedestrian space and facilities, with no expense to the taxpayer.
References
- COD-2
- City of Calgary • "Calgary's +15 Skywalk"
Images
Image 1: +15 walkway at the eastern side of the TransCanada Tower and Fifth Avenue Place. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: Drhaggis
Image 2: Map of the +15 system, July 2016. Source: calgaryplus15.com
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 5 Jun. 2013
