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Grand Canalscape

Efforts to beautify the Grand Canal have begun in Phoenix as a part of a grander effort to rejuvenate the city. The changes being made to the canal bank are being called the Grand Canalscape.

The construction began in uptown Phoenix as a part of a yearlong landscaping project. The plan is to repurpose the banks of the canal to serve a variety of public uses. Among these improvements are paved pathways, landscaping for beauty, lighting elements and artistic works.

The adjustments to the canal banks will be added the length of the canal from Interstate 17 to the Tempe Border. The project will roll out in two larger phases that are separated into five subsections total. Phase one will occur between 15th Avenue to 16th Street and between 36th Street to 40th Street. Phase two will be done between Interstate 17 to 15th Avenue, between 16th Street to 36th Street, and 40th Street to the Phoenix/Tempe Border.


Part of the goal with the renovation is to help the neighborhoods surrounding the canal. Some of these areas could use the beautifying as a way to improve property values in the area and overall quality of life.

The funding for this project is coming from three different sources. The Salt River Project, the city of Phoenix, and a federal grant are all joining forces to improve the waterway’s look.

Monica Hernandez, a representative of the city of Phoenix, noted that “Our goal as part of this huge project is to improve an existing resource and turn it into a true transportation amenity for the city of Phoenix.” She also said that the project “ties to a number of improvements. With that said, there are certainly more transportation improvements in store for the city of Phoenix.”