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Hockey fans will be able to gather and party along the entire length of the Red Mile this spring, thanks to a decision by the city to temporarily suspend construction along 17th Avenue for the duration of the Calgary Flames’ playoff run.

The move is in response to vociferous campaigning by local businesses, many of whom are struggling to weather Calgary’s economic slump and a drop-off in sales due in part to the multi-year construction project underway on 17th Avenue S.W.

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“We are taking a break for the playoffs. For the duration of the playoffs we will see no construction happening along 17th Avenue in order to support the businesses there,” area Coun. Evan Woolley said Friday.

“This was deliberate. This was done in conjunction with many conversations with the (business improvement area) as well as individual businesses who are keen to see people move freely along the avenue.”

Businesses along 17th Avenue S.W. have endured disruptions since 2017 when construction crews first began tearing up the roadway and sidewalks to complete major upgrades to the 100-year-old utilities between Macleod Trail and 14th Street S.W.