Poppy Plaza was inaugurated on June 7, 2014 by civic officials and the Calgary regiments, recognizing the memorial space as an important urban project that transformed a residual road right of way into an expression of hope and pride. The design works on many levels to artfully link our past, present and future.
The project addresses a set of diverse links: a new gateway to the downtown via the historic Louise Crossing, the Kensington commercial district, the river ecosystem, pedestrian and cycling connections, and most importantly our collective consciousness of global conflicts and the sacrifices of our soldiers and their families during conflicts around the globe.
The design evokes visceral, tactile and emotional responses. Poppy Plaza is appreciated by veterans and citizens alike; the interwoven quotations and narratives engaging both in profound and often surprising ways.
