For seven years, David Kowel has been a driving force in making Calgary’s streets safer, more sustainable, and more accessible for all. Through his work with Sustainable Calgary, Bike Calgary, and other organizations, David has led innovative projects that promote active transportation—helping shift the city toward lower-emission, people-first mobility options.
David’s leadership has been instrumental in projects like The Confluence, which revitalized transit spaces to encourage public transportation use, and the Connaught Open Street initiative, a school-adjacent pilot project that demonstrated how redesigning urban spaces can reduce emissions while improving safety. He has worked alongside city officials, students, and communities to break down barriers to active transportation, ensuring that underserved populations—including new Canadians, lower-income communities, and children—have equitable access to healthier, more affordable ways to travel.
By implementing street transformations, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, David’s projects have reduced pollution, encouraged physical activity, and fostered community resilience in the face of climate change. His work doesn’t just advocate for change—it proves that sustainable urban design is possible. Through hands-on collaboration and visionary leadership, David Kowel is shaping a future where active transportation is an essential part of city life, benefiting Albertans today and for generations to come.
