Seeking input on the Southwest BRT Project

The City of Calgary is moving into the last phase of design for the Southwest BRT project, and we’re seeking stakeholder and public input. An online tool will collect input from Calgarians beginning February 22, and a facilitated session in March will gather feedback from representatives of area community associations, institutions and citizen groups.

The input collected online will be used at the March session to inform the workshop of the themes and comments provided by their fellow Calgarians. The in person sessions will have up to three representatives from stakeholder groups to ensure a balanced conversation about the topics The City is seeking input on. Calgarians and stakeholders will be asked to provide their input on:

• Pedestrian overpass at 90 Avenue S.W. 
• Construction staging and phasing 
• Station connections (including pedestrian overpass at 75 Avenue S.W.) 
• Parking 
• Landscaping 
• Noise attenuation 

Once we’ve heard from the Calgarians living and working near the future route, as well the Calgarians who may someday make use of the city’s BRT network, we will compile and analyze all feedback, which will help inform the final design for the Southwest BRT project. Calgarians input along with technical and engineering considerations will inform the final design for the SWBRT. The City will post a “What We Heard” report which will be made available online in April.

The City is committed to providing opportunities for Calgarians to provide input into the final design for the Southwest BRT, so sign up for the mailing list to get up to date information on the online engagement that begins on February 22.

The Southwest BRT is one of four BRT projects that fill important gaps in Calgary’s primary transit network and provide reliable, efficient transit to communities. Along with the Southwest BRT, The City is implementing the North and South Crosstown BRT and the 17 Avenue S.E. BRT to provide more transit options for Calgarians.

Help us plan for smart growth along 17 Avenue S.E.

We are conducting a transportation study on 17 Avenue S.E., between Stoney Trail and 116 Street S.E., to identify what the road will look like in the next 10-30 years.

Drop-in to the East Hills Walmart (255 East Hills Blvd. S.E.) on January 28, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. to learn about the study and tell us what you think about the preliminary options. You can also view the display boards and provide input at calgary.ca/17AveStudy from January 28 – February 12, 2016.

Background:
17 Avenue S.E. provides an important regional connection between Calgary and Chestermere. It is also identified as a primary transit and cycling route.

Illustration of what 17 Avenue S.E. could look like

Today this part of 17 Avenue S.E. is largely undeveloped. However, the Belvedere Area Structure Plan estimates this area will house 61,000 people and 9,700 jobs in the future. As the land in this area develops, the guidelines in the Area Structure Plan will start to take effect.

17 Avenue S.E. will be a liveable street focusing on modes of travel that enable social interaction like walking, cycling, and taking transit. It will be a destination as well as a route of travel such as 4 St. S.W.

We have been working with stakeholders since June to develop guiding principles as well as prioritize the type and location of bicycle facilities, on-street parking, sidewalks, and green space. We also determined that the corridor will have two vehicle lanes and a median (middle) transitway. As a result of their input, we have developed preliminary options for the corridor to take to the public for feedback.

For more information, go to calgary.ca/17AveStudy.

Help shape the South Shaganappi Study on November 19

Shaganappi Trail has always been identified as a vital link in Calgary’s transportation network. We are starting a transportation corridor study to explore the future design for the south end of Shaganappi Trail.

The study area includes the Shaganappi Trail and 16 Avenue interchange, the Shaganappi Trail and Bowness Road intersection and the Bowness Road and the 16 Avenue interchange.

Join us on November 19, 2015 at an open house to learn more about the study. Your input will help us understand the issues and challenges of the area. Thus, it will help shape the development of preliminary concepts and the evaluation framework for Phase 2: Concept Development and Analysis in 2016.

Open House Details
Thursday, November 19, 2015
5 - 8 p.m.
Parkdale Community Association
3512 5 Avenue N.W.

Can’t make it to the open house? Visit calgary.ca/southshaganappi to provide your input online starting November 19.

About the study:

This system was built in the late 1960s and is remnants of a freeway plan that was never fully completed. It was originally classified as an expressway and designed as a connector route across the river to Sarcee – Bow Trail. What was planned then is no longer appropriate today.

In 2009, Council approved the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP). It reclassified Shaganappi Trail to an arterial street. In addition, the CTP confirmed that the Bow River crossing recommendation would be removed. This means that Shaganappi Trail will no longer function as a north to south connector across the river.

In addition, in order to maintain the system and keep it operational, it will need rehabilitation within the next 20 years.These changes require us to revisit how Shaganappi Trail was designed in the south end.

Over the next two years, we will be working with citizens to determine the best way of addressing these challenges and ensure the design of the study area meets the future needs of the community and the future transportation needs as the city grows.

For more information go to calgary.ca/southshaganappi or contact the project team at southshaganappi@calgary.ca. You can also sign up for email updates to get the latest news.

Zoo Flood Mitigation Project – Upcoming information sessions

Calgarians are invited to an open house on Thursday, October 8, to learn more about the Zoo Flood Mitigation project.

The project will protect the zoo against future flooding, preserving one of Calgary’s greatest assets, and ensuring that the zoo will be able to teach and delight Calgarians and visitors for generations to come.

The project includes flood protection measures such as below-ground steel sheets, above-ground berms, and a pumping system.

Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in December, 2015, and will require closing Zoo Road over the next two winters (approx. December 2015 – June 2016 and September 2016 – June 2017). Zoo Road will re-open during the summer months, and the Calgary Zoo will be open and operating as usual throughout construction.

About the Open House
Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: The Alexandra Centre (922 9 Ave S.E.)
Parking: Street parking and bike racks available

At the open house, citizens will be provided with project details, including:

• Renderings of the planned barriers
• Anticipated construction timelines
• Impacts to traffic and associated detours
• Project alignment with 12 Street S.E. bridge replacement 

Staff from The City of Calgary and the Calgary Zoo will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns.

For more details on the project or the information session, please visit calgary.ca/ZooFloodProject

Crowchild Trail - We want your input

Crowchild Trail between 24 Ave N.W. and 17 Ave S.W.

Crowchild Trail is an important part of Calgary’s transportation network. Whether you use Crowchild daily, a few times a month, or you choose not to use it, we want to hear from you.

We’re conducting a new transportation study for Crowchild Trail from 24 Avenue N.W. to 17 Avenue S.W. The study will identify short-, medium- and long-terms plans for Crowchild Trail to accommodate future growth, and improve travel along and across the corridor. Your input will help us make better decisions for the future of Crowchild Trail.

Join us in upcoming workshops and study area tours, provide your input online, or visit us at community events throughout June and July to share your ideas about the goals of the Crowchild Trail Study.

“We’re in phase two of a new six-phase study process. We want to hear from Calgarians about how Crowchild Trail is important to their commute, to their neighbourhood, to area businesses and destinations, and to Calgary’s transportation network,” says Feisal Lakha, senior transportation engineer at The City.

The new Crowchild Trail Study has a six-phase process and is expected to be complete by end of 2016. We just wrapped up phase one of the study, which included working with a group of 18 Calgarians to develop an engagement program for the study. Calgarians will have multiple opportunities to provide input during each phase of the study.

Attend a public workshop or provide your feedback online.

“We know Calgarians are eager to discuss specific improvements to Crowchild Trail. That conversation will happen in phase three of the study, when we start to identify potential design concepts in the fall.”

From now until end of July, we’ll be gathering input to confirm study goals, which will help guide the development and evaluation of design concepts as the study progresses.

“Whether you live or work close to Crowchild, or use it to get around Calgary, I encourage you to get involved now so your input can be used to inform the remainder of the study,” says Lakha.

For more information about the Crowchild Trail Study, visit www.calgary.ca/crowchild. Click on the "Get involved" button to find out how you can participate in the study.

Cycle Track Network – A chance to check out the tracks opening July 2015

The Cycle Track Network pilot project is making tracks, and beginning the week of November 10, the public will have an opportunity to check out the plans at a number of information sessions being held around the city.

The one-year Cycle Track pilot project, which was approved by City Council in April 2014, will create 5.5 kilometres of separated cycling lanes and 700 metres of share space on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary.

Since August, the project team has been meeting with businesses and residents that are adjacent to the track routes of 5 Street, 8 Avenue, 9 Avenue and 12 Avenue. These one-on-sessions have been important to address access issues with individual buildings and work towards fine tuning the designs.

Communications Advisor Jody Crowe, a member of the project team, shares his experience of meeting with these stakeholders:

“For the most part, the businesses and property owners are very grateful that we’re taking the time to meet with them and listen to their concerns. We recognize that there are some who feel very enthusiastic about the cycle tracks – and some not so much – but sharing the plans and timeline as we move forward will encourage those who are excited to use it and those who are unsure, an opportunity to visualize the final product.”

In total, six information sessions will be held for the public to view the plans and ask questions to the project team. The first phase of construction has begun this fall with minor modifications to traffic signals. Final construction will begin in Spring 2015, with the new cycle tracks scheduled to open in July 2015.

To learn more about the Cycle Track pilot project routes, please visit calgary.ca/cycletracknetwork

Public-inspired concept for new cemetery

Since May, we have been working with citizens to come up with a final concept for a new City cemetery situated to the east of Ralph Klein Park in Calgary's southeast. After months of listening and working together, the preferred final concept is now ready to be shared.

Final concept developed with your help. Thank you!

“The input we received from citizens really helped inform and inspire a final concept for the new cemetery,” says Gary Daudlin, Cemeteries superintendant, Parks.

“For instance, people asked us to consider including spaces that build off and enhance the prairie landscape of the new cemetery’s location, while also maximizing the mountain views."

Views of both prairie and mountains

"So, we added linear shelter belts and native plant species to the design, as well as selected key locations for future buildings to focus attention on the breathtaking views of the mountains.”

The final concept also incorporates public feedback on accessibility by featuring a looped road and a north/south vehicle access route to facilitate traffic flow, ceremonial events and pedestrian circulation.

Some details still being worked

Wherever possible, we incorporated the desires and addressed the concerns people expressed through public engagement. But, a concept is exactly that, a concept. Some suggestions on where to put specific burial sections or arrangements of space are still being worked out.

“Feedback like this will help us develop a more detailed design for the new cemetery and the construction specifications,” says Daudlin.

Expected to open in 2016

Work on the detailed design will occur over the winter with construction planned to go out for tender spring 2015.

The new cemetery is expected to open in 2016 and will be the first new cemetery to be built by The City since 1940, when Queen’s Park Cemetery opened in Calgary’s northwest.

More on the new cemetery, the engagement process and the feedback received.

Submitted by Erin Martinez, Parks

WANTED: Your input on West Eau Claire Park design concepts

The City completed the first round of engagement on West Eau Claire Park, receiving over 1600 comments and ideas, and is now ready for public input on the draft design concepts created from the comments received.

What: Open house
When: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014
Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Eau Claire Market, Centre Court

At the open house, a summary of what was heard during the first round of engagement and a site analysis will be available along with the draft design concepts.

“We received very thought-out ideas in the first engagement which tells us people are passionate about this park space,” says Greg Stewart, project manager with The City of Calgary. “At this stage, the input we receive will help revise our strategy and concept designs to ensure we are using as much public input as we can, based on the budget and capabilities available for the space.”

The West Eau Claire Park is along the Eau Claire Promenade from the Louise Bridge (10th Street SW) to Eau Claire Plaza. The public input will help The City identify a clear vision to guide the design, provide a concept plan, and prioritize improvements for West Eau Claire Park.

For more information about the project and to see results from the first round of engagement visit calgary.ca/westeauclaire.

You have opinions. The City of Calgary wants to hear them.

We're looking for Calgarians to join Citizens’ View – The City’s new online research panel.

Citizens’ View is a timely and cost-effective tool that will make it easier for citizens to share their views about life in Calgary. Calgarians who join the panel will have the opportunity to participate in surveys and discussions on topics that matter to them and understand how their input is used.

“The magic of public service lies in our ability to deliver what citizens require now as well as preparing for what they will need in the future,” said Jeff Fielding, City Manager. “Citizens’ View will help The City gauge opinions about our programs and services. It will also provide us with valuable information essential to meeting the community’s long-term aspirations.”

Citizens’ View is a Transforming Government initiative that will complement The City’s existing research and engagement tools, making information sharing more transparent, accessible and interactive for citizens.

“Creating an even better Calgary takes all of us—not just government,” said Mayor Nenshi. “Citizens are the key to improving our communities and creating the best programs and services for our city. Calgarians are the experts in their lives and I encourage them to share their thoughts about life in Calgary by registering at citizensview.ca.”

Members can expect to participate in surveys approximately once or twice per month; join interactive, online discussions; and receive information and updates on upcoming City events and service improvements.

Calgarians 18 years and older can register at www.citizensview.ca.

Dog lovers invited to Working Dogs Day event

Come down to Bowmont Off-Leash Park between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 20, to meet working dogs from around the city and learn about responsible pet ownership.

Working Dogs Days will feature demonstrations from working dogs and their handlers from the Calgary Police Department, Calgary Fire Department, Animal & Bylaw Services, Calgary Search & Rescue Association, PADS Calgary (Pacific Assistance Dogs Society), PALS (Pet Access League Society), Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP Police Dog Services. Attendees can also learn about dog recall training and pet first aid.

Working Dogs Day is part of The City of Calgary’s Off-Leash Ambassador program which was launched in 2013. The program relies on volunteers to help promote the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw and teach dog owners about positive pet interactions and safety. This is accomplished through education, demonstrations and discussions led by the ambassadors who act as positive role models in off-leash areas.

“The Off-Leash Ambassador program is a great example of community and volunteerism,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Once again, we see success when The City and its citizens collaborate —together, we ensure healthy and safe off-leash areas for Calgarians and their pets.”

Councillor Ward Sutherland, who is a long time community volunteer, will attend the event to show his support of the Program and meet the working dogs.

“An event that celebrates volunteers, specifically the ambassadors that support our off-leash parks, is wonderful. The free dog recall training, first aid and service dog demonstrations are a brilliant addition to the event and a great way to educate citizens on how to keep our off-leash parks safe and fun for all of us,” he said.

For more information about responsible pet ownership, up-coming Off-Leash Ambassador events and registering to become an Off-Leash Ambassador, visit calgary.ca/animalservices or follow Animal & Bylaw Services on Facebook.

Please note: the area where the event will be held has been cleaned of tree debris from the recent storm and has been deemed safe. However, we urge all event attendees to be mindful of potential hazards, look up, stay away from large trees and be aware of surroundings.

Submitted by Tara Norton-Merrin, Animal & Bylaw Services

Making things simpler with Cut Red Tape

Simple, innovative, flexible, outcome-focused and measurable. These are the guiding principles behind The City’s Cut Red Tape program aimed at removing unnecessary red tape for citizens and businesses.

Since the program began in 2010, there has been an estimated 90,000 hours in time saved. But the biggest impact has been the difference it has made for the people that use City services. Whether it’s a citizen looking for low-income assistance or a food truck operator needing a business permit, the program has helped cut down barriers and make it easier for people to interact with The City of Calgary.

These highlights are just the beginning of a larger trend within the organization to continually improve services and focus on results. Cutting red tape may have started off as a program, but is the way we will conduct business from now on.



Take a look at our Cut Red Tape video above, which was recently produced to highlight a few stories and successes of the Cut Red Tape Initiative. It was first shown to council in Jeff Fielding’s recent presentation where he indicated he would like to see the Cut Red Tape principles embedded into how we work.

Self-serve engagement opportunity at Currie Barracks showcases area development plans

The City of Calgary is reviewing a proposal from Canada Lands Company to change the type of development on the east side of Currie Barracks, allowing for a medium-density mix of retail space, office space and residential space. The proposal includes a network of open spaces and pathways while preserving key aspects of the area’s military history.

To offer residents a convenient opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal during the busy summer months, The City has set up an on-site location at the Currie Barracks Sales Centre. Until September 18, the Sales Centre will house a variety of self-serve information about the proposed development and be staffed by City planners every Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.



“The City is excited to offer a unique way to engage with the community, offering evening office hours and a library of information concerning the new application for Currie Barracks,” says Craig Sklenar, Senior Planner with The City’s Planning Department.

For more information on the proposed redevelopment and how to provide your feedback to City Staff, please visit Calgary.ca/curriebarracks or contact 3-1-1.

The Currie Barracks Sales Centre is located at J5, 2953 Battleford Avenue SW. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 12-5 p.m. The Sales Centre is closed on Fridays.

Help shape the future of West Eau Claire Park

This plan will address the area along the Eau Claire Promenade (walkway) from the Louise Bridge (10 Street SW) to Eau Claire Plaza. The plan will identify a clear vision to guide the design, provide a concept plan, and prioritize improvements.

To ensure the plan meets community needs, Eau Claire residents, visitors, businesses and park users are invited to share their thoughts on how the area can be improved. Providing input is easy using the mapping tool or survey on our website at calgary.ca/westeauclaire.

Your input will be used to finalize the overall design direction for the area:

• In August, we are asking for initial input and ideas for area redevelopment that will be used to help create some of the design concepts. You can provide input:
• At our sounding board (wood structure) in West Eau Claire Park near the Peace Bridge;
• Online using our mapping tool or by taking our survey;
• Or in person at the site, as we talk to users and visitors (dates and times to be determined).
• In September, we will continue to analyze site issues opportunities and the ideas we receive from our various input methods. We will meet with area stakeholders while we explore design ideas for what the area can become.
• In October, we will present concepts at a public open house on the types of spaces, activities, and amenities that could be used to improve the area (dates and times will be determined closer to the day).

You will be able to review the concepts and offer suggestions about what you like and what you’d change. Based on your input, we will prepare a draft plan that is consistent with your design direction.

• In late November/early December, we will present a draft plan for the area. We will check in with you to ensure the design is consistent with the direction you provided in October.

For all engagement activities, we will clearly identify how your input was considered and what elements are considered “out of scope” for change.

Visit calgary.ca/westeauclaire for more information. Once dates are confirmed for all in-person engagement opportunities, they will be posted on the project web page.

Public input sought on Shaw Millennium Park operating hours

You are invited to share your input on operating hours at Shaw Millennium Park, North America’s largest free outdoor skate park. The park, located on 9th Ave and 11th St S.W., was established in 2000 and has more than 75,000 square feet of skateable surfaces.

Visit our online survey, open from August 6-18, or visit The City Events Vehicle at Shaw Millennium Park on August 8 (3-8 p.m.), 16 (6-10 p.m.) or 17 (12-5 p.m.).

The park has historically operated as a 24-hour park since it opened 14 years ago and the opportunity is available to reevaluate the hours.

From September 2013 to June 2014 the park operated under temporary regional hours closing at 11 p.m. and opening at 5 a.m. daily. The park returned to normal operating hours on June 1, 2014.

Citizen engagement will take place through the first two weeks of August with a final decision in regards to operating hours made in the fall of 2014. Learn more at http://bit.ly/SMPEngage.

Submitted by Michelle Irving, Parks

Farewell Critters! Calgary Stampede Parade street sweepers prepare for retirement

Since 2001 the Roads Maintenance Critters have been cleaning up along the Calgary Stampede Parade route. Now, after 13 years of service, Dixie, Samson, Rocky and Alfalfa are hanging up their cowboy hats and heading for greener pastures.

The Critters were created by a local puppeteer back in 2001 and have been placed on a street sweeper every year during the Calgary Stampede Parade to clean up after horses and humans along the parade route.

The 2014 Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 4 will be the Critters’ last. Next year you’ll see four new faces in the Stampede Parade but before we send off Dixon, Samson, Rocky and Alfalfa you’ll be able to see them and say good bye at a variety of City of Calgary Parks over the next couple of weeks.

Park	Date	Time	Location
Ralph Klein Park 12350 84 Street S.E.	Wednesday, July 9	1 p.m. to 3 p.m.	Critters will be located in the Parking lot
Prairie Winds Park 223 Castleridge Boulevard N.E.	Friday, July 11	1 p.m. to 3 p.m.	Critters will be located in the parking lot
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 2425 9 Avenue S.E.	Monday, July 14	9 a.m. to noon	Critters will be located in the parking lot.
Sue Higgins Park Southland Drive and Deerfoot Trail S.E.	Friday, July 18	9 a.m. to noon	Critter will be located in the parking lot.

The Critters will be available for children of all ages to meet and take pictures with. Post your photo on Twitter using the hashtag #farewellcritters and you’ll be entered into a draw for fun City of Calgary Roads swag. We’ll also be hosting other Twitter contests throughout the Stampede to say good bye to our Critters, follow @yyctransport for more details.

Visit the following links for more information on Calgary Stampede Parade day road closures and accessible viewing information.

@CityofCalgary reaches 100,000 Twitter followers

Earlier this week, the City of Calgary Twitter account crossed 100,000 followers. Calgary continues to have the most Twitter followers of any Canadian municipality, and that’s only because of you!

“When we started a Twitter account for The City more than five years ago, we knew it had good potential. But we had no idea that it would become this big and important for communicating with Calgarians. During the 2013 flood Twitter became our key channel to deliver on Mayor Nenshi’s promise ‘when we know, Calgarians will know’”, said Jacob George, Manager of Corporate Marketing and Communications at the City of Calgary.

Twitter is very useful, even when we are not responding to a crisis. We use Twitter to inform Calgarians of many programs and services that The City of Calgary provides. Twitter is also useful for Calgarians to tell us what they think about our services and make suggestions for improvement.

George notes, "There are so many different ways to connect with Calgarians, and it is our job to utilize the channels that will have the greatest reach to their full potential."



Our integrated communication approach includes communications, marketing, social media, media relations and 311 support. Being inclusive and accessible is core to our communication efforts and something we are constantly mindful of when reaching out to Calgarians.

"Twitter alone would not be an effective strategy," said George. "In fact, any tool alone is no longer effective. People want their news personalized, so they only receive the information that matters the most to them via the channels that are most convenient for them – and this is different for each person. This is what we aim to deliver; and Twitter has been one of our more successful social media channels - not just in Calgary, but also setting an example of best practices across the nation."

Calgary’s main streets – why do they matter?

The Planning department is launching a multi-year program this week to look at all of the ‘main streets’ throughout our city. In our Municipal Development Plan, these streets are formally known as our corridors.

How do Calgarians use these streets? As destinations for shopping and dining? For recreation? A place to call home? To get to somewhere else? How can we make them better or improve their best/most desired features? How can we leverage opportunities on these streets to aim for a better Calgary in the future? There are 24 main streets spanning 67 communities – let’s get the conversation started!



In the fall, we’ll launch the program city-wide. But first, we’re piloting it in Glamorgan and Glenbrook, Bowness, and Marlborough - home to three unique kinds of main streets. We want to talk with local residents and businesses that call these bustling streets ‘home’ and take what we learn to chat with them more in the fall. Next, we’ll visit everyone associated with the other 21 main streets over the next couple of years.

Check out the video and visit calgary.ca/corridors for information about the events this week and the program.

Live near the Paskapoo Slopes? We want to hear from you.

The eastern side of the Paskapoo Slopes are a familiar sight to many Calgarians both because of its location along the TransCanada Highway and the fact that Canada Olympic Park’s iconic ski jumps are just to the west of it. While this land has been open for the public to enjoy for many years, much of it is privately owned and The City is now reviewing a proposed development along the lower portions of the slope.

This property would have to be rezoned and a new area structure plan would have to be created to accommodate the proposed development. If approved by City Council, the proposed development would include a mix of commercial and residential buildings along the lower portions of the slope, and a significant amount of park land further upslope.

We are hosting two information sessions this week to provide more details on what is proposed and how you can provide your input into the review process:

    Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2014

    Time: Drop in anytime between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

    Location: Irish Cultural Society of Calgary (6452 – 35 Avenue N.W.)

    Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014
    Time: Drop in anytime between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
    Location: Calgary French & International School (700 – 77 Street S.W.)

We are still in the very early stages of public engagement on this proposal and, as the process continues, more details will be made available on calgary.ca. In the meantime, more information about what is being proposed can be found by visiting the developer’s website at www.trinityhills.ca.

You can also sign up for regular email updates to stay current on the proposal and any upcoming public engagement opportunities.

West Campus development incorporates public input and City's vision for growth

With each planning and development application we receive, comes an opportunity to design better communities and involve Calgarians in the process. We’re currently processing one such application for 75-hectares of prime, mostly undeveloped land, close to transit, amenities and the city’s core.

West Campus Development Trust submitted the application to The City of Calgary’s Local Area Planning & Implementation group for the site located east of Shaganappi Trail between 16 and 32 Avenues N.W., immediately west of the University of Calgary’s main campus. The University of Calgary set up the Trust to oversee the development and it has the intention of building a community that enhances the university experience while harmonizing with the surrounding communities and Calgary as a whole.

The community they wish to build includes a mix of commercial and residential space, including approximately 6,100 multi-family homes (such as apartments, condominiums, townhouses and row houses), 1.5 million square feet of office space and 250,000 square feet of retail space. This kind of development generally aligns with The City’s goals for the area. Indeed, The City is keen to see high job and population growth due to its strategic location. The developer anticipates the construction would take 15 to 20 years to complete.

City planners and engineers have been reviewing the technical and detailed planning components of this application with the developer since July 2013. We’ve also been in communication with adjacent residents and neighbouring community associations and institutions. The City is now ready to host three information sessions next week to present updated plans for this site, the complete traffic impact analysis and invite further public comment.


If you’d like to learn more about the application for the West Campus lands, we invite you to visit our project webpage and attend one of our upcoming information sessions:

• Tuesday, May 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church (4612 Varsity Drive N.W.)
• Wednesday, May 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Foothills Mennonite Church (2115 Urbana Road N.W.)
• Thursday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Calgary Campus, EEEL Building, main floor lobby (2500 University Drive N.W.)

Representatives from The City of Calgary and West Campus Development Trust will be available to answer your questions. These are drop-in sessions; attendees can come at any time.

Author: Rick Michalenko is a Senior Planner with the Local Area Planning & Implementation group at The City of Calgary, and the file manager for the West Campus application.

Keystone Hills: Growing smart with your help

We’re planning new communities that will see our city grow smart and sustainably in response to Council’s approved strategic direction. One of these new communities is called Keystone Hills and we’re seeking your input on our work.

The Keystone Hills area is located on Centre Street North past Stoney Trail. It currently consists of mostly undeveloped farmland with a few buildings. The City of Calgary’s planning and transportation departments have been tasked with conducting an integrated study to create policies, designs and implementation practices for land use, urban design and mobility for the area.

We’d like to hear your input on our plans for Keystone Hills. To learn more please visit our project webpage and provide your input via our online survey. Calgarians are also invited to drop by our next open house to review and provide feedback on the land use and transportation options for the Keystone Hills Plan.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014
Time: 5 to 8 p.m. (Note: This is a drop in session, attendees can come at any time)
Location: Cardel Place at 11950 Country Village Link N.E.

It is expected that the development pattern for this area will be unprecedented in Calgary’s new community context. Keystone Hills is set to become a hub of employment, services and higher density housing with high quality urban design, quality public spaces and a mobility network that supports pedestrians, cyclists and transit. We’re aiming to use this land in an efficient way to create a community that really works for Calgarians.

Author: Shawn Small, Senior Planner, Local Area Planning & Implementation