The Calgary City Centre wayfinding sign system has won a merit award from the International Downtown Association (IDA), recognizing its role in enhancing urban design and the economic viability of public spaces.

The award was announced at IDA’s World Congress and Annual Conference, which was held from October 6 to 9 in New York, N.Y.

Developed with the help of Corbin Design, Calgary’s new integrated sign program (see Sign Media Canada, July 2013, page 38) is intended to encourage both locals and visitors to explore more of the city. It previously won a Vitality Award from the Calgary Downtown Association (CDA).

“It’s very exciting to get recognition from our peers in both the Calgary business community and the international community for the work we do to improve our public spaces,” says Graham Gerylo, a project manager in Calgary’s land use planning and policy department, who led the wayfinding sign initiative.