I don't blame the rich for wanting it. I blame the city for allowing such an inward focused space in a relatively prominent location.
The lack of any interaction between the riverfront and the buildings in Eau Claire is one of the biggest issues in that area. I'm not saying they need to turn it into the Atlantic City Boardwalk, but it sure would be nice to have a few cafe or restaurant patios that look out onto the park space. Right now the only building that interfaces with the river along the entire downtown pathway system is the Simmons building in East Village (and even that is a bit muted).
I agree completely with the river park system's integration (or lack-there-of) with the development adjacent to it is a major problem - or at least major missed opportunity - for the centre city. The inner river pathway network is such a great asset for the city, it's a bit surprising more haven't tried to exploit it for its potential. Of course, it's likely a multi-faceted problem: the City's primary land manager in the area (Parks) has historically had no incentive to allow other uses (both cultural and regulatory barriers are responsible), developers have always positioned the river as a wealthy housing-only vertical enclave, a highly variable and seasonal volume of people makes traditional retail more challenging, a relatively low inner city population makes the market less attractive etc.
Of course, there is nothing that stops other cities from having vibrant pedestrian-only areas like the - Peace Bridge to East Village pathway - full of retail. However, often it comes down to how stakeholders view the role of public park land and the transition between it and private land uses to determine what happens in that space. Fore example, a park can be for protecting nature/watershed or it can be designed strictly to support human activities, it can be designed for just walking through or to encourage, it can be a refuge from commercial interests like patios and cafes or is it enhanced by encouraging them etc. Many European cities have no problem hosting weekend markets and seasonal beer gardens right in the middle of parks, much to their benefit - assuming vibrant public spaces are what we want in parks. If you want a relaxing space away from it all and to go for a run, this might not be the best design for you.
Personally, I view Calgary's inner city river pathway/park network as the city's best asset - and most under-utilized. We have traditionally approached parks in this city from a very single-use, very suburban mindset. Parks are for recreation activities that involve movement - walk, run, bike - and that's it. Hanging out is not something that is encouraged unless its for a programmed festival like Folk Fest or a formal fancy dinner like the River Cafe. Everything is "safe" (i.e. family-friendly). While that is beginning to change (Peace Bridge as a meetup/hangout spot, new designs with way more seating space, far better connections to the areas around with Memorial Drive crossings and the cycletracks etc.) it's the mindset of the public and City departments that will take the most effort to reform. I am very optimistic, but it is also clear we have a long way to go.
