Largest urban pathway network in North America to be completed in 2017

Parks Foundation Calgary kicked off the final phase of its 138-kilometre Rotary/Mattamy Greenway in the northeast community of Cityscape Wednesday to fan fare from local residents, dignitaries and supporters.

"It's a gigantic deal. It will change the face of this city forever," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, a vocal supporter of the project since taking office.

Added Parks Foundation Calgary CEO Myrna Dube: "Often it's said the Calgary has a can-do attitude. It'd like to take that a step further and say it's 'will-do.'"

We've all heard that Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was Calgary, which continues to undergo an urban renaissance. Over the next five days, CREB®Now will present a series where it has sat down with five influencers who have helped develop the city as we know it today.

The path less travelled

It may seem strange that a woman originally destined for medical studies is instead helping build what will ultimately be the largest pathway and urban parks system in the world.

But Calgary's giant $60-million Rotary/Mattamy Greenway — to encircle the entire city when completed — is a symbol of the less-travelled path Myrna Dubé herself has chosen in more than four decades of service to her adopted city.

The working life of the Montreal-born CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary (PFC) has run from instructor in a genetics lab and office work, to corporate and community relations as well as business and land development.