2024 - SidhuAtifAnees - Report

Banff Trail Neighbourhood Study

Plan 630 | Advanced Professional Planning Studio Sidrah Anees | Nissmah Atif | Chetna Sidhu April 20th 2024

Acknowledgments Support & Guidance

Land Acknowledgment

On behalf of the team at Sukoon, we would like to extend our immense appreciation and gratitude to our professor Francisco Alaniz Uribe, the members our steering committee, the Banff Trail community, and our many School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL) colleagues who provided feedback, encouragement, and perspective throughout the duration of this project.

We would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

Professor

The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together “in a good way.”

Francisco Alaniz Uribe

Steering Committee Banff Trail Community Association: David Kowel Kathryn Davies Wayne Lui The City of Calgary - Planning & Development Scott Thomson Planner – Local Area Planning Team The City of Calgary – Community Partners Yana Soldatenko Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator Arcadis Ben Lee Associate Principal Studio Manager, Placemaking

Special thanks to:

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Farah Anees, Husnain Anees, Zanjeel Anees, Shadan Atif, Manal Atif, Mustafa Atif, Sohela Bozai, Atif Ehsan, Anadil Ittehad, Maliha Rasool, Maneet Singh Duggal (SAPL), Mustafa Kagdi (SAPL), Kinjal Ribadia (B&A), Chanita Shum, Mohit Sidhu, Poonam Sidhu, Tarun Sidhu, Roop Lal Sidhu, Komal Syed, Mariam Tohamy, Laura Young (B&A)

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Contents

“

Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”

- Jane Jacobs

INTRODUCTION Executive Summary Company Profile The Banff Trail Community Legal Framework & Policies Project Goals Scope of Work Interest Groups Roles & Responsibilities Phasing & Deliverables Project Methodology & Timeline

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RESEARCH & ANALYSIS Site Introduction Environmental Analysis Mobility Analysis Land Use & Built Form Analysis Research & Analysis Summary

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Community Engagement Strategy Analysis Workshop Open House Virtual Reality Physical Model

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CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Overview Mobility Precedent Study Open Spaces Precedent Study Built Form Precedent Study

111

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Vision & Principles Mobility Open Spaces Land Use & Built Form Motel Village Redesign Tactical Urbanism & Wayfinding Community Identity & Placemaking

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CONCLUSION Recommendations Implementation References

189

“

Moving elements in a city , and in particular the people and their activities , are as important as the stationary physical parts. We are not simply observers of this spectacle, but are ourselves a part of it, on the stage with the other participants.”

- Kevin Lynch

Introduction

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Executive Summary The Banff Trail Neighbourhood Study aims to develop a holistic understanding of the current and future needs of the Banff Trail community, establish a clear community vision and identity, and provide a set of design and planning recommendations to guide future development within Banff Trail. This is an academic study conducted as part of the Citizens + Students project at the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, in partnership with the Banff Trail Community Association.

Banff Trail is a neighbourhood in the midst of rapid change. Historically, this neighbourhood has consisted primarily of single-family residential development, but in recent years has seen increasing density and a changing urban form. Located in northwest Calgary, this site is adjacent to the University of Calgary, McMahon Stadium, SAIT, and AUArts. The site is well-connected to the downtown core and broader city through two LRT stations and several bus routes, and there is significant potential for community growth.

Through extensive research, analysis and community consultation, we identified key opportunities and challenges within Banff Trail. Existing assets such as the well-used community association hall, transit stations and stops, local commercial establishments, parks and open spaces, and street trees were catalogued and helped to inform our design concepts. Our environmental, infrastructure, and built form analysis also identified key challenges such as disconnected mobility networks, underutilized parks and open spaces, disconnection to motel village and surrounding neighbourhoods due to major thoroughfares, and a significant need for density and diversity within this community.

In collaboration with Banff Trail residents through a series of public engagements, we have developed a set of recommendations in the areas of mobility, open spaces, land use and built form, special sites, and placemaking. Additionally, this report provides information on tactical interventions, community branding and identity, and social programming. Each recommendation area is supported by an implementation plan, which includes suggested policy frameworks, guidelines for development, and potential funding avenues for community projects.

Community Workshop

Site Visit with BTCA

Phase 1 Project Initiation 8

Phase 2 Site Analysis

Open House

Phase 3 Concept Development

Phase 4 Final Design 9

Meet the Team

Nissmah Atif . BArch ‘16, MPlan ‘24

Sukoon is an innovative urban planning and design firm that focuses on increasing community connectivity and active transportation, enhancing the public realm through human centric design, and sustainable solutions to urban living that support biodiversity and a flourishing natural environment. We specialize in developing “big ideas” to empower communities to make meaningful change through a focused and realistic vision. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core tenants of our design philosophy and set the foundation for projects that create a positive social impact.

Nissmah Atif is an architect and urban designer holding a Bachelor’s in Architecture and pursuing a Master of Urban Planning degree. Her professional career has taken her from the UAE, to the Netherlands and now Canada, with a portfolio of projects ranging from low to mid rise residential and mixed used developments. Her keen eye for detail, problem solving skills and her passion in leading empowerment initiatives for local communities, has led her to projects that keep inclusivity, the public good and meaningful design at the core of their values.

People-First Sidrah Anees . BA ‘20, BEd ‘20, MPlan ‘24

Connectivity

Our Core Values

Regenerative Design Our interdisciplinary approach to planning and design is rooted in our varied expertise and commitment to holistic solution design. Our team brings together backgrounds in architecture, planning, urban design, sociology, and education through a collaborative and participatory design and planning methodology.

The Sukoon design process begins with an analysis-based approach to deeply understand the scope and factors involved in a project. This analysis supports our data-driven solution development, ensuring that our project designs respond to key contextual factors and the needs of the community. We prioritize community engagement within the planning process, working collaboratively with community members to share knowledge and co-design solutions. At our core, we seek to design people-centric urban spaces that allow for a vibrant, active, and sustainable quality of life, through rigorous and innovative analysis, ideation, and strategy development.

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Sidrah Anees is an urban planner and researcher with a passion for sustainable development and regenerative community design. She holds dual degrees in sociology and education, with an academic focus on crime, deviance, and social control. She is pursuing a Master of Urban Planning at the University of Calgary. With a prior professional background in communications and granting, Sidrah specializes in concept ideation, project logic and branding, and accessible community engagement. She is passionate about data-driven climate change solutions within the built form that prioritize environmental justice and equity.

Chetna Sidhu . BArch ‘20, MPlan ‘24 Chetna Sidhu is a dedicated urban planner, known for her innovative approach to urban development and design. Holding a degree in Architecture and pursuing a Master of Urban Planning, she combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of urban landscapes. Chetna’s expertise lies in sustainable development, mobility, GIS mapping, 3D modeling, and data analysis. She has actively contributed to several urban planning initiatives, demonstrating a keen eye for design and planning that balances aesthetic appeal with functional practicality.

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The Banff Trail Community The community of Banff Trail was established in 1951. Named for the route that connects Calgary to the mountain town of Banff, this community is a well-connected and wellloved neighbourhood with significant potential for positive growth. This community has a population of 3,805 (2021) and is located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary.

Bordered by Crowchild Trail to the west, the Trans-Canada Highway to the south, with two LRT stations and several bus routes, this neighbourhood is well-connected to the broader city of Calgary and downtown core. Proximity to the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the Alberta University for the Arts means that many students live in Banff Trail or experience this community as part of their daily commute. McMahon stadium, located immediately West of Banff Trail, adds an additional level of vibrancy to this area when activated through programming and events.

BTCA Mission We fulfill our purpose by engaging residents in a range of community-related activities and events, and work to improve the attractiveness of the Banff Trail Community at large. We directly engage with the community to influence the character and quality of our neighbourhood.

While primarily a residential community, Banff Trail is home to a large motel village in the south of the community, as well as pockets of commercial activity along Morley Trail and 20th avenue. There are three schools located in this community, Banff Trail School, Branton Junior High School, and William Aberhart High School. West Confederation park, located at the east edge of this community provides recreation opportunities in a natural environment, connected to Confederation Park and the Confederation Park Golf Course. This community has a relatively young population, with 74% of residents under the age of 50. Most residents live in 1 or 2 person households (67% overall) and 58% of households are renters. 24% of residents identified themselves as immigrants, and 36% of residents identified themselves as belonging to a visible minority. There is slightly higher unemployment rate of 16% compared to the city average of 16%, particularly high for women (19%); however there are a higher number of residents with post-secondary education (72%) compared to the city at large (61%).

One of the major strengths of this community is its strong neighbourhood association, the Banff Trail Community Association, founded in 1954. There is a strong sense of community bolstered by the active neighbourhood association and numerous social and recreation programming opportunities taking place in an around the Banff Trail Community Association Hall (est. 1956). The BTCA provides many community services, from a skating rink to a conversation club to a good food box program. The community hall also partners with external organizations to provide additional recreation and wellness opportunities. Through the support of this organizing body, Banff Trail has become an attractive neighbourhood with an enduring community character and a high-quality built form.

Bo

w

Riv

er

Guided by the 1986 Banff Trail Area Redevelopment Plan, this area has grown and changed in many ways and will continue to change rapidly as Calgary expands.

Urban design elements such as raised bike lanes along 24th street, and a destination bicycle pump track in West Confederation Park indicate a trend towards positive urban development, but a more focused vision is needed to ensure that the future growth of Banff Trail enhances neighbourhood character, improves quality of life for residents, and offers triple bottom line sustainability. This neighbourhood study will work with residents to create a strategic path forward for Banff Trail that meets the goals and objectives of the community.

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Legal Framework & Policies To align the Banff Trail Neighbourhood Study with the City of Calgary’s policy framework, we have identified several important statutory and non-statutory documents. These documents will serve as references throughout the project, guiding us on addressing the key issues we have previously identified. This approach ensures that our project remains consistent with the city’s overall policy direction and strategic goals.

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Municipal Development Plan

Banff Trail Area Redevelopment Plan

South Shaganappi Area Plan

Calgary Transport Plan

Connect: Calgary’s Parks Plan

BiodiverCity: Strategic Plan

This is a statutory document that outlines the vision for Calgary’s growth and development over the next several decades.

This is a statutory document that provide specific guidelines for redevelopment and land use in the Banff Trail Community.

This is a statutory document that provide specific guidelines for redevelopment and land use in the South Shaganappi Area. This is being redeveloped into a Local Area Plan currently.

This plan outlines the future of public transportation in Calgary.

It includes strategies for improving the transit network and services, which is crucial for neighborhoods like Banff Trail with multiple LRT stations.

This plan will focus on the development and maintenance of park spaces in Calgary, ensuring that they meet the needs of residents and contribute to the city’s environmental goals. It is currently under development.

This plan focuses on strategies for preserving and enhancing biodiversity within the city and provides direction on integrating biodiversity considerations into planning processes.

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Project Goals

Scope of Work

As Banff Trail experiences rapid densification and growth, the project will focus on aligning existing amenities with this expansion through a detailed neighbourhood study. Through a focused vision and strategic design plan, we will ensure that new developments are implemented in ways which maximize community benefit, and align with the stated goals and objectives of the association. These objectives include leveraging investments in infill development to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, improve parks and open space opportunities, and introduce new commercial amenities like coffee shops and small-scale retail. This planning work is crucial as it sets an aspirational vision to guide advocacy efforts, aiming to create a harmonious balance between growth and community enrichment.

The Banff Trail neighbourhood scope includes the following work:

Site and data analysis to create a detailed neighbourhood study including built form, social and community aspects, and an environmental inventory Community engagement and a synthesis of community feedback into project direction

Key Goals: 1. Enhancing Walkability and Safety: Focus on creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, ensuring safety in public spaces and around schools.

4. Activating Community Main Streets: Transforming 20 Ave NW and 24 Ave NW into vibrant community hubs.

2. Improving Commercial and Recreational Spaces: Further intensify commercial areas along Morley Trail and 20 Ave NW and enhance recreational facilities to foster community engagement.

5. Strengthening Neighborhood Connections: Improving connectivity between Banff Trail and Capitol Hill, particularly across 19 St SW.

3. Sustainable and Inclusive Development: Implement environmentally responsible practices and inclusive planning to cater to diverse community needs.

6. Activating LRT Stations: Enhancing the vibrancy and safety of Banff Trail LRT and University LRT stations to benefit commuters and the community.

A land use and development concept for the Banff Trail community Design concepts and recommendations for: open space and parks systems street network and pedestrian experience public space programming housing diversity and built form typologies The identification of commercial areas and corridors, including strategic recommendations for smart growth Development of an inclusive mobility and transportation strategy, including recommendations for revitalization of LRT stations A focused and cohesive vision for the Banff Trail Community Urban design guidelines that will support the realization of the community vision

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Interest Groups

Roles & Responsibilities

A preliminary assessment of major interest groups includes: Trail Community 1. Banff Association

The association is instrumental to ensuring design concepts and recommendations reflect the rich history of this community, preserve community character, and support social connection for residents.

Business Owners 3. Local Their insights are key to integrating commercial interests with community needs and enhancing local services and economy.

2.

Residents Both homeowners and renters are crucial to the redevelopment process. Their feedback will guide the development of more effective and user-friendly spaces and inform the development of a cohesive community vision.

of Calgary 4. City Essential for policy, approvals,

and resources; their role is vital in shaping the project’s framework and success.

Other interest groups to consult during the planning process include: Calgary Transit: Their involvement is critical in enhancing public transport infrastructure, improving access and mobility in Banff Trail, which is uniquely served by two LRT stations.

Calgary Board of Education: Neighboring schools will be key in addressing educational infrastructure and the impacts of redevelopment on children and youth.

Non-Profit Organizations: Provide insights on social issues and community needs, aiding in inclusive and holistic development.

Religious Groups: Represent cultural and spiritual aspects of the community, contributing to the diverse fabric of Banff Trail.

The successful redevelopment of Banff Trail hinges on the collaborative efforts and distinct roles of several key entities. This section outlines the responsibilities and functions of the major stakeholders: Sukoon Studio, the Banff Trail Community Association, the Steering Committee, and the City of Calgary. Each plays a unique and critical role in steering the project towards its vision of a vibrant, sustainable, and community-focused neighborhood. Understanding these roles is fundamental to ensuring a cohesive and efficient redevelopment process.

1. Sukoon Studio As project consultants, we oversee the day-to-day management of the project. This includes detailed project planning, design and implementation, coordination among interest groups, managing timelines, and budget. We are responsible for ensuring that project deliverables meet quality standards, and for tracking and reporting on project progress. Sukoon Studio also plays a crucial role in risk management and problem-solving throughout the project life cycle.

2. Banff Trail Community Association As the coordinating body for Banff Trail, they are responsible for facilitating community engagement and feedback by working with the project team to design engagement opportunities that work for resident needs. Their tasks include organizing community consultations, gathering and articulating resident concerns and aspirations, and ensuring that these are accurately represented in the project plans. They also work to maintain transparency and build trust between the community and the project team.

3. Steering Committee Serving as the project governance body, the committee provides oversight and strategic direction. Responsibilities include monitoring project progress, ensuring adherence to agreed objectives, and providing feedback at regular project intervals. The committee acts as a mediator in resolving interest group conflicts and ensures that different perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

Recreational Visitors: Their input can help shape recreational amenities, making Banff Trail a more attractive destination.

Heritage Preservation Groups: Important for maintaining the historical integrity and cultural heritage of the community.

Private Landowners & Developers: Key in shaping the physical landscape of Banff Trail, their investments and developments will greatly influence the area’s future.

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Phasing & Deliverables This section will provide a comprehensive understanding of the work plan developed for this project based on the request for proposal. It will outline our approach, engagement methods, and project deliverables by breaking it down into four phases as follows:

Phase 1 Project Initiation & Kick-off

Phase 3 Concept Development

Phase 2 Site Analysis Site Visit with BTCA

Upon approval of the budget and commencement of the project, Sukoon will undertake a process of data collection needed for the context analysis, examine relevant municipal policy documents, and schedule an initial kick-off meeting with the BTCA to discuss the scope of work, timeline, deliverables, communication protocols, and roles and responsibilities.

A site visit with the Banff Trail Community Association will be conducted to better understand the context through the lens of the community members and various interest groups involved.

Community Workshop

To develop an in-depth understanding of the context, Sukoon will review all the policy documents to guide the project development in alignment with the current policy context. We will also collect data to undertake a thorough site analysis by developing a detailed community profile to understand the socio-demographics of the community, study its historic evolution, and conduct an environmental analysis that includes shadow studies, topography, urban canopies etc., analyze housing, building typologies, infrastructure, and create a public realm inventory. The collection and analysis of all this data will then be used to conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate the feasibility of potential design solutions.

This phase also includes a community workshop with residents and interest groups to further deepen and validate findings of our data analysis.

Key Deliverable: Work Plan

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Key Deliverables: Site Analysis Presentation Community Workshop

Phase 4 Final Design Open House

Moving into the conceptual design phase, the team will review the feedback from the community workshop to come up with a vision and guidelines for the Banff Trail Community neighbourhood study.

The guiding principles will enable us to develop a set of design recommendations and strategies that shall be illustrated in the form of plans, sections, diagrams, and 3D models to guide future redevelopment and improvements in the community.

Various elements such as land-use, growth areas, parcel and block layouts, public spaces programming, transport and mobility, housing and building typologies shall be considered in the process and presented to the steering committee in the form of a draft design concept.

Key Deliverables: 3D Model Concept Design Presentation

The final phase will culminate in the development of a report for the Banff Trail Community neighbourhood study that shall encapsulate the refined design by summarizing all the findings from the site analysis, public engagement with the community members, and design recommendations for the future redevelopment of the community.

The final proposal shall also be presented at an open house using posters, presentations, and an interactive virtual reality element for public viewing and feedback that will be incorporated into the final report with implementation strategies for the community association.

Key Deliverables: Open House Exhibition Final Presentation Final Report 21

Project Methodology Phase

Task

Phase 1 Kick-Off and Initiation

Phase 2 Site Analysis

Phase 3 Concept Development

Phase 4 Final Design

Start Date

End Date

Project Understanding Data Collection Work Plan Policy Reviews Site Context & Base maps Identification of Key Issues, Goals and Objectives Public Engagement - Walkabout with Community Site Photos & Observations

8th January 8th January 8th January 8th January 8th January 19th January 19th January

12th January 12th January 12th January 12th January 12th January 19th January 19th January

Analysis Community Profile & Demographics Historic Evolution & Timeline Environmental Analysis Land-Use and Functions Infrastructure Analysis Open Spaces & Parks Housing and Building Typology Public Realm Inventory Parcel and Block Plan Social & Cultural Elements Analysis Presentation to Steering Committee Public Engagement - Community Workshop Workshop Preparation Community Mapping Review of Analysis with Community Members

15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 15th January 8th February 10th February 9th February 10th February 11th February

8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 8th February 10th February 10th February 10th February 11th February

Concept Design 3D Modeling (Physical and Digital) Vision & Guiding Principles Land-Use & Growth Plans Parcel and Block Plans Urban Design Interventions Public Space Programming Transport & Mobility Plans Commercial Area Corridors Housing Typologies Concept Report & Presentation Concept Presentation to Steering Committee

26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 26th February 15th March

1st March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March

Development of Final Design Revisions to Concept Report VR Development Poster & Presentation Public Engagement - Open House Presentation to Steering Committee Final Report

18th March 18th March 25th March 13th April 15th April 16th April

12th April 12th April 12th April 13th April 15th April 20th April

Week 01 02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

“

Human survival depends upon adapting ourselves and our landscapes—cities, buildings, and gardens, roadways and rivers— in new, life-sustaining ways, designing places that are functional, sustainable, meaningful, and artful, places that help us feel and understand the relationship of the natural and the built.”

- Anne Spirn

Research & Analysis

Site Introduction Regional Context

Local Context

Site Ward 7 Boundary Downtown Core Major Activity Centres Major Employee Centres

North-West quadrant 26

Vibrant residential community

Major thoroughfares provide easy access

Robust transit connectivity

University LRT Station

Nose Hill Park

Banff Trail LRT Station

Motel Village 27

Site Introduction

FreshCo

Neighborhood Context St. Pius X Parish

Banff Trail School

Cathedral Road Park

West Confederation Park

William Aberhart HS Holy Cross Church

7 Hotels • • • • • • •

Holiday Inn Comfort Inn Ramada Limited Metro Inn Aloft Calgary Best Western Inn Econo Lodge Inn

3 Parks • • •

Cathedral Road Park Exshaw Park Banff Trail Park

Exshaw Park

3805 Residents

145 hectares

2 Religious Institutions • •

Foothills Athletic Park

St. Piux X Parish Northminster United Church

Branton School Community Hall Banff Trail Park

2 Schools • •

•

Edelweiss Village

1 Community Hall •

Faith Calgary

William Aberhart High School Branton School

Hotels

1 Grocery Store

Edelweiss Village

Banff Trail Community Association

Grocery Stores

Louise Riley Library

Community Services Parks & Recreation Schools

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Religious Institutions

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Urban Morphology Historic Timeline

According to oral histories and archaeological evidence Southern Alberta was home to many Indigenous groups for thousands of years.

Treaty Seven signed at Blackfoot Crossing.

Indigenous Lands

Treaty 7

City of Calgary is Incorporated

Banff Trail Community Established

10,000bce-1787

1877

1894

1952

1788

1883

1910

1954

Colonial Settlement of Alberta

Canadian Pacific Railway Reaches Calgary

Banff Trail Lands Annexed by City of Calgary

Banff Trail Community Association Founded

Fort Chipewyan established by The Northwest Trading Company.

Engagement Summary

Phase 1: Envision In addition to broad public outreach and engagement, meetings and engagement took place with targeted groups starting in December 2022 and through to September 2023.

14 St NW

Blakiston Park

This phase was focused on looking back at the past, understanding the present and envisioning the future of the area.

14 S t NW

City of Calgary Map Senator Patrick Burns Jr High; Chicoutimi Field

West Confederation Park; West Confederation Park Depot; Formerly Canmore Park; Banff Trail Elem

32 Ave NW

Cr ow ch i ld

Tr a il NW

14 St NW

Total ENGAGED Tra il NW 1

1

1

St Andrews Hts Community

Lions Park

Av

e

St Andrews Heights Escarpment

Briar Hill Escarpment

West Hillhurst Cmty Assoc; Bowview Pool

NW

Par

kda

le Blv

2/1/2024, 2:59:45 PM

Banff Trail Area Redevelopment Plan

1966

1986

1 4 St NW

3

Bethany Slope

1 4 St NW

1A

University of Calgary Granted Autonomy

Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre

d NW Parkdale Boulevard Park

1:18,056 0 0

0.13

0.25

0.5 mi

0.2

0.4

0.8 km

510+

Total CONTRIBUTIONS

1,400+ 23-0027845: ADV-22613

nff Tye Street Park

West Parkdale Community

1956

19,800+

Ba

Cro wchild T rail NW

Banff Trail Community Association Hall Built

2M+

Total INVOLVED

St Francis High; Collingwood Elem: Confederation Golf Course

1A

Sir William Van Horne Sr High; University Elem; Utah Park; Westmoiunt Charter School

Total ADS DISPLAYED

14 St NW

Constable Slope

Awareness building, education and engagement took place with the general public from April 18 to May 23, 2023, resulting in:

What We Heard Detailed information about all outreach and engagement activities can be found on the subsequent pages and within the Phase 1 What We Heard Report at calgary.ca/Shaganappi

Esri Community Maps Contributors, City of Calgary, Esri Canada, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, US Census Bureau, USDA, NRCan, Parks Canada, The City of Calgary

City of Calgary The City of Calgary provides this information in good faith, but provides no warranty nor accepts any liability arising from incorrect, incomplete or misleading information or its improper use.

South Shaganappi Communities Local Area Planning – Phase 1 Engagement Summary

Early 1960’s

1980s

2023

Crowchild Trail Established, Trans Canada Highway Reoriented

Banff Trail LRT Station Built

South Shaganappi Communities Local Area Planning Project

1

BANFF TRAIL AREA REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

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Urban Morphology Aerial Analysis

1926: Land annexed by city, some single family developments established.

1926

1948

1953

1957

1975

2022

1948: Additional single family developments, primarily along 24th Avenue or 19th Street.

1953: Banff Trail community established, southern half of community below 24th Avenue significantly developed.

1957: Northern half of community established. North Hill Center, Calgary’s first mall opens just south east of Banff Trail in 1958.

1960s: Trans Canada highway redirected straight west, Crowchild Trail becomes major N-S connection.

1975: Upper northwest corner developed, significant growth at the University of Calgary and development of McMahon Stadium to the west.

2022: Banff Trail and surrounding communities consist of primarily lowdensity residential development, as well as number of major education, health, and recreation institutions.

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Income

Demographic Analysis 300

350

$100,000

3805 Residents (2021)

0-4

$80,000

5-9

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39

41% Visible Minority

Banff Trail

Calgary

$40,000 $20,000

9%

$0 Men Men

Women Women

Household Household

Banff Trail Household Size

45-49

Housing Tenure

55-59 60-64

33%

IMMIGRANTS

65-69

80-84

11%

69%

6% 32%

24%

70-74 75-79

Immigrants

42%

YEARS

85-89 90-94

NON-PERMANENT

95-99

RESIDENTS

1,780

100 +

2,020

11% 0%

815 Total Families

CHILDREN COMMON LAW COUPLES WITH CHILDREN MARRIED WITHOUT CHILDREN

MARRIED WITH CHILDREN

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

42%

5 people 5 or ormore more people

35%

Average: 2.3 City of Calgary Household Size:

Average: 2.6

OWNER

31%

RENTER

Education

15%

ONE-PARENT FAMILES COMMON LAW COUPLES WITHOUT

Non-Permanent Residents

2 2 people people

4 4 people people

Residents Who Moved in the 61% Last 5 Years

2%

58%

3 3 people people

16%

RESIDENTS WHO MOVED IN THE LAST 5

11 person person

Renter

Women

50-54

Owner

Men

40-44

36% Visible Minority

$84,000

$60,000

10-14

34

12%

$98,000

250

$120,000

350

200

300

250

150

200

100

150

50

100

50

0

0

Residents Living in Low Income Circumstances

36%

University Certificate or Diploma at Bachelor Level or Above

18%

51%

University Certificate or Diploma Below Bachelor Level

9% 16%

College, CEGEP, or Other Non-University Certificate or Diploma

One Parent Families

4%

Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate or Diploma

6% 23%

28%

Women

29%

Men

44% 29%

77%

High School Diploma or Equivalent No Certificate, Diploma, or Degree 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

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Demographic Analysis School Enrollment School Enrollment by Count 1600

369 Banff Trail School

1290

1400

34,000+

1200

University of Calgary

1000 800

635

600

369

400 200

Banff Trail School

0 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024

School Enrollment Rate

William Aberhart HS

635 Branton School

Branton School William Aberhart High School

Montessori Programs

120%

• Calgary Montessori School • Maria Montessori Education Centre

100% 80% 60%

SAIT AUArts

Catholic Schools

40%

• St. Piux X School • St. Francis High School • St. Margaret School

20% 0% 2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

2022-2023

2023-2024

Language Immersion Programs

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1,290

• Banff Trail School (K-6 French Immersion) • William Aberhart High School (10-12 French Immersion, Spanish Bilingual) • Senator Patrick Burns School (6-9 Spanish Bilingual) • St. Piux X School (K-6 French Immersion) • St. Francis High School (10-12 French) • St. Margaret School (K-7 Spanish Bilingual)

Post-Secondary

Junior High

Up to Grade 12

Elementary School

Banff Trail and the adjacent areas are home to a number of schools, including several elementary and junior high schools, and a senior high school. The area is also adjacent to several post-secondary institutes, including the University of Calgary, Souther Alberta Institute of Technology, and Alberta University of the Arts.

Local public school enrollment in Banff Trail has seen a slight decline since 2019, but is relatively stable- this may indicate a decline of young families in this area.

37

Demographic Analysis Crime

Banff Trail Annual Crime Count 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Banff Trail Crime by Type VIOLENCE (NON-DOMESTIC) Violence OtherOTHER (Non-Domestic)

75

THEFT VEHICLE Theft of OF Vehicle

182

THEFT FROM VEHICLE Theft from Vehicle

Average Crime Count (2018-2023) 0-99 99-199 199-299 299-399 399-598

38

520

STREET ROBBERY Street Robbery

20

COMMERCIAL ROBBERY Commercial Robbery

11

BREAK & ENTER OTHER PREMISES Break & -EnterOther

193

BREAK & ENTERDwelling - DWELLING Break & Enter-

53

& ENTER - COMMERCIAL BreakBREAK & EnterCommercial

112

ASSAULT (NON-DOMESTIC) Assault (Non-Domestic)

101 0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Overall, crime rates are stable in Banff Trail, but relatively high compared to neighbouring communities A high number of cars parked on the street (from students or renters) could explain the increased rate of thefts from vehicles.

Perceptions of safety are also impacted through urban design- limited sight lines to LRT platforms decrease feelings of safety at Banff Trail and University LRT stations.

39

Environmental Analysis Topography & Drainage Banff Trail is a relatively flat site, but features a few areas of raised and lowered topography. Steep hill slides can lead to unwelcoming park approaches and increased stormwater and snow melt runoff to the adjacent sidewalks. Through an analysis of site drainage, we can see that most drainage flows along roadways, which leads to icy roads and sidewalks in the winter. Overall, the site features a high degree of impervious surface, which leads to increased stormwater and snow melt runoff, further reducing the quality of the sidewalks and roads in the winter time. Of the 145 total hectares of the site, 112.8 hectares (excluding building footprints) feature hard or impervious surface.

The cumulative effects of Banff Trail’s topography, natural drainage pathways, and high degree of impervious surfaces result in icy sidewalks and roads, leading to dangerous winter conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Natural Drainage Paths 1m Contours

40

Impervious Surfaces 112.8 hectares of impervious surfaces (excluding buildings) 77.7% of total site area

0m

25m+ Slopes 1m Contours

41

Environmental Analysis Open Space Typology

Destination Park

Highly programmed recreation spaces with multi-community appeal.

Neighbourhood Park

Recreational spaces that feature some yearround programming and primarily serve Banff Trail.

School Field

Open spaces connected to schools, often completely fenced.

West Confederation Park • Bicycle Pump Track • Tennis Courts • Splash Park • Cross-Country Skiing

Cathedral Road Park Banff Trail Park • Playground • Ice Rink • Baseball Diamond

Branton Jr. High William Aberhart Sr. High • Football Field • Outdoor Exercise Equipment

Recreational Open Space

Open spaces located within neighbourhoods, no specific programming.

Exshaw Park • Mix of Tree Species • Open space

Green Buffer

Strips of trees or grass located adjacent to major roads.

42

Public Seating at 16th Ave • Pedestrian Bridge • Mix of Tree Species 43

Environmental Analysis • 3276 public trees • 923 private trees • 25.6 hectares covered by tree canopy • 17% tree canopy cover, almost double the city target of 9% by 2026

Diverse planting of street trees can improve ecosystem health and increase local biodiversity. Tree canopies are critical in reducing the urban heat island effect, a concern that is only exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures. The urban heat island effect occurs in urban areas due to high heat exposure and emission from impervious surfaces such as roads and buildings, as compared to more naturalized landscapes wherein trees and plants can absorb and store heat. Increasing street trees can improve the tree canopy and help to mitigate this effect.

Public Street Tree Density

Parks & Open Space Network

Ev e rg r

Banff Trail has a robust tree canopy and a high number of street trees, but there are a few notable gaps in tree planting and ecosystem connectivity. Motel Village has significantly fewer trees, smaller tree canopy coverage, and trees that are generally younger and more homogeneous in their species variation.

rees T n e e 21% 21%

De cid

s Trees

4199 Trees

u uo

Street Trees

79% 79%

Top 5 Tree Species by Count

329

361

395

403

Lilac

Colorado Spruce

229

Green Ash

44

Cotoneaster

American Elm

45

Street Trees 46

Tree Canopy 47

Environmental Analysis Climate

Seasonal Programming Average days of Sun

Average Temperature

4 oC

15oC

-8oC

Average days of Rain

Average Precipitation

66.7mm

30mm

16.7mm

Average Daylight

16h

12h

Wind Analysis

58 days

8h

Maximum Temperature

31oC Minimum Temperature

66 days

-31oC

Average days of Snow

Average Wind Speed

54 days

14 km/hr

Banff Trail in Winter

The microclimate within most of Banff Trail is similar to that within the greater city of Calgary. Extended winter climate requires winter city considerations to ensure that essential services, amenities, and recreation opportunities are available throughout the year. Banff Trail currently offers several recreational activity options throughout the year, from soccer to ice skating.

Summer Activities

Winter Activities

Bicycle Pump Track

Ice Skating

Music in the park

Tobogganing and Sledding

Stampede BBQ

Cross - Country Skiing

Motel Village features a distinct microclimate.

Chinook and prevailing winds, particularly along Banff Trail NW create an unpleasant pedestrian experience. This is exacerbated by a lack of healthy street trees along this road.

Soccer Program

Lions’ Festival of Lights

Prevailing Winds Chinook Winds

48

49

Environmental Analysis Solar Analysis & Shadow Study

Banff Trail receives year-round sun exposure on most south-facing sidewalks.

There is increased ice build-up on north-facing sidewalks, due to the lack of sun exposure. The angled street grid in parts of the site has enhanced sunlight distribution, as compared to the west-east oriented streets.

Optimal Solar Panel site Solar Potential

High

Solar Energy Study

Low

Spring / Autumn March 21

We examined solar potential in Banff Trail to better understand the capacity for solar energy utilization within the site.

The site has a high degree of overall exposure and solar potential. South facing roofs can be utilized for solar energy harvesting through solar panels within the site. The parcel blocks below 24th ave are likely to have the greatest solar energy yield due to their slanted north-south orientation, which allows for extended sunlight capture throughout the day.

Solar power could also be used for interactive urban realm elements, such as solar powered street lights within parks or touch-screen signage for improved wayfinding.

Daylight hours: 12hrs

Winter

7:30 am

November 21

12:00 pm

Daylight hours: 8hrs

7:30 pm

8:30 am 12:00 pm 4:30 pm

2 STOREYS 6 STOREYS

26 STOREYS Summer June 21

Daylight hours: 16hrs

6 am 12 pm 10 pm

December 21 @ noon

50

51

Environmental Analysis Winter City Design Poor winter city considerations within Banff Trail have led to an unsafe and unpleasant mobility experience through most of the community in the winter time, due to ice and snow build-up. A lack of snow removal on pedestrian paths creates icy sidewalks.

Windrows block pedestrian pathways, making crosswalks difficult to access, particularly for those with increased mobility needs. The overall winter condition of Banff Trail leads to a low degree of accessibility within the public realm.

Blocked Sidewalks

Drainage issues

Windrows

Icy sidewalks

Snow/Ice on roads

Priority Snow Removal Priority 1 [24 hrs] Priority 2 [48 hrs]

52

53

Environmental Analysis Summary Parks Programming • Programming limited to Banff Trail Park and Cathedral Road Park • Existing parks programming works best for children and families- more diversity is needed • Pocket parks with no activation • Largest open spaces are under utilized

Green Network & Ecological Systems • No continuity between parks • Breaks within potential ecological corridors, limiting ecosystem cohesion • Pathways (pedestrian, bike) do not have a continuous connection to parks

Site Hydrology & Drainage • High degree of impervious surfaces leads to significant stormwater runoff • Greatly impacts winter city conditions as ice and snow builds up on sidewalks and roads • Drainage pathways along roads can be blocked by snow and ice

Trees and Microclimate • Tree canopy exceeds city goals, but there is limited plant diversity • Street trees are not equally distributed • Major roadways result in poor sensory microclimate through sound and exhaust pollution

Winter City Design • Only major roads are plowed • Residential roads orientation results in significant shadowing, prolonging snow and ice melt times • Windy corridors worsen pedestrian experience

54

55

Infrastructure Analysis Roads

Traffic Intersections & Volume

Road Typology

56

Skeletal Road

Arterial Street

Collector Road

Urban Boulevard

Parkway

Residential Street

Alley

13053 vehicles/day

- 19th Street NW

11772 vehicles/day

- 24th Avenue NW

5878 vehicles/day

- 20th Street NW

1760 vehicles/6 hours

- Morley Trail NW

57

P 15.65m 12.25

24.4m 1.7

1.5

15.65m

9.9 20.2m

1.5

P

P

9.9

P20.2m

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

Banff Trail NW (has Bike Lane)

P

1.5

3.2

1.1 3.2

1.5

7.5

1.8 1.8

1.5

55m

58 3.2

1.1 3.2

7.5

8

P 1.5

RESIDENTIAL

15.5m

SIDENTIAL

7.5

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

15m

12

14.4m 15.5m 20.1m

RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL

P

1.2

8

1.5

9.5m 55m

8

9.4

P

16.6m

20.3m

P

20.2m

1.1 3.2

P

COLLECTOR ROAD

12.9m

9.9

P

Capital Hill Crescent NW

12.9m

3.2

1.2

15m

12.9m

24.4m

1.5

P

1.5

1.8 1.8

62% residents drive

COMMERCIAL

12.25

P

1.5

COLLECTOR ROAD RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 1.7

9.9

RESIDENTIAL

1.7

P

20.2m

Morley Trail NW

P

P

12.9m

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

P

P

CO

24.4m

1.8 1.8

20.3m

1.7

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

1.5

COLLECTOR ROAD

COLLECTOR ROAD

1.7

15.65m

1.8 1.8

20.3m

16.6m

12.25

RESIDENTIAL

16.6m

1.7

24.4m

RESIDENTIAL

P9.4

9.4

20th Avenue NW

P

P

RESIDENTIAL

1.8 1.8

RESIDENTIAL STREET

P

P

15.65m

22nd Street NW

20.1m

1.8 1.8

CO

RESIDENTIAL

1.2

1.2

14.4m 14.4m20.1m

P

Surrounded by Crowchild Trail & 16th Ave Trans-Canada Highway.

Collector roads link the community to major roads.

1.7 12.25 1.7 Predominantly car-oriented design, with grid patterns favoring vehicles.

COMMERCIAL

12

12

• • •

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

COLLECTOR ROAD

1.2

20.3m

P

P

16.6m

1.8 1.8

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

1.2 24th Avenue NW (has Bike Lane)

P

RESIDENTIAL

Infrastructure Analysis P

9.4

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

1.8 1.8

9.5m

P

P

59

Infrastructure Analysis Road Intersections & Traffic Incidents Banff Trail has several problematic and dangerous intersections, identified through our traffic analysis and feedback from community members. These intersections, outlined below, often feature blind corners, limited pedestrian and crosswalk infrastructure, and high volumes of traffic.

This issue is particularly concerning in the areas around schools, leading parents to prefer dropping their children off, which in turn creates a negative traffic feedback loop.

19th Street NW, Morley Trail, and 24th Avenue NW are the areas with highest traffic, and the greatest number of vehicular and pedestrian incidents. 19th Street NW and 24th Avenue NW have been identified as barriers within the community, due to their high traffic volumes and dangerous crosswalk conditions.

19th Street NW & Morley Trail

24th Avenue NW & 19th Street NW

20th Avenue NW & 19th Street NW

• Very dangerous • No crosswalks • No pedestrian crossing light

• Average number of vehicular accidents

• High rate of accidents

6 hour intersection counts

60

Bike path

1000 - 1500 vehicles

Crosswalk

1500 - 2000 vehicles

Traffic Incidents

0 - 500 vehicles

2000 - 2500 vehicles

Vehicular Incidents

500 - 1000 vehicles

2500 - 3000 vehicles

Pedestrian Incidents

61

Infrastructure Analysis Transit - LRT

Destination

LRT

Car

to SAIT

4 min

7 min

to Downtown

12 min

10 min

to Saddledome

20 min

15 min

to Chinook Centre

30 min

20 min

At-Grade Station Accessible via Overpass

Transportation Mode Split

62%

Vehicular driver

Vehicular passenger

At-Grade Station Accessible at street level

5% 6% 20%

Public Transit

Walking LRT Frequency

Bicycle

Red Line LRT

62

77%

2 - 5 min (Peak hrs)

Banff Trail

10 - 15 min (Off-Peak hrs)

Calgary

9% 7%

11% more transit riders than Calgary

4% 3% 1% 63

Five bus routes are present within the community, but service within these routes can be improved to better serve the community. A Max Orange BRT stop is located on the south edge, benefiting only some residents. Bus service frequency and route design are suboptimal, leading to longer travel times and making driving a more attractive option. There is a lack of a multi-modal transit network, leading to a disconnect between different travel modes and limiting active transportation options for residents.

Infrastructure Analysis Transit - Bus

Destination Max Orange Bus

to Market Mall

Bus

Car

20 min

10 min

35 min

15 min

1 hr

25 min

45 min

30 min

65 to Downtown

65 to YYC Airport Route 65 School Route

105 20

300

to Saddletowne

MO

Route 105, 401, 404

Bus Frequency

64

5 routes: MO, 65, 105, 404, 401

MAX Orange

Route 65

Route 105, 404, 414

15 min (Peak hrs)

20 min (Peak hrs)

30 min (Peak hrs)

30 min (Off-Peak hrs)

40 min (Off-Peak hrs)

30min - 1hr (Off-Peak hrs)

Only 65 directly passes

65

Infrastructure Analysis Pedestrian & Bike

Pedestrian Network Paved Sidewalks

66

Trails

Walking on roads

Good-street bike path

Lack of sidewalks

Raised bike path

Missing connections

No indication of bike path

• 85-90% walkability • Gaps in pedestrian network due to missing sidewalks.

• Unsafe conditions lead pedestrians to walk on roads.

Bike Network Recognized Bike Paths

• Separated bike paths on 24th Ave & Banff Trail Ave. • Other paths lack safety features.

• Network doesn’t connect to city.

67

Infrastructure Analysis Walkshed Analysis

From Community Association & Grocery Stores Grocery / Convenience Store

68

Community Association

• • • • •

Grids are not pedestrian-friendly.

Crowchild Trail and LRT create walkability barriers.

Access to local stores and community association hindered.

FreshCo’s location and surrounding roads reduce its walkability.

Short walking distance between LRT stations and schools

Between LRT Station & Schools LRT Station

School

600m buffer

600m buffer

600m buffer

600m buffer

600m walkshed

600m walkshed

600m walkshed

600m walkshed

69

Infrastructure Analysis Public Realm Qualities University LRT Station

• An island within Crowchild Trail, leading to poor sensory experience (sound, smell) • Stairs and ramps to access platform build up snow and ice • Many students park adjacent to the station (but do not use LRT) Banff Trail LRT Station

• Poor legibility and visibility of the main platform • Accessible ramp can become icy due to high walls reducing sun exposure • Dangerous pedestrian crossing Bus Stops

70

• Limited seating at bus stops • Narrow sidewalks, with little space both pedestrians and those waiting for their bus • Unsheltered stops with poor seating experience

LRT Stations

Bus Stops

71

Infrastructure Analysis Public Realm Qualities There are 15 public seating options across the whole site, but we observed that there is private investment in the public realm, with some businesses providing outdoor seating (beyond private café patios). There are 9 controlled pedestrian crossings, but streetlight outage reporting showed that there are many outages near these crosswalks, limiting their impact on safety at night. Other community features such as notice boards, little free libraries, and bike racks, visually demonstrate that there is community investment in a pleasant public realm experience.

Community Notice Board

• 15 Public Seating Options • Private businesses enhance the public realm by providing outdoor seating

9

4

1

• Controlled pedestrian crosswalks increase safety along 24th Ave • Many street light outages along 24th reduce pedestrian visibility

394

33

9

Little Free Library

Bike Racks

Grocery Store Seating

Public Furniture Controlled Crosswalk Street Light

72

Reported Street Light Outage

73

Infrastructure Analysis Heavy Infrastructure

Power Lines

LRT Line

Along 19th Street

Crowchild Trail

Residential Alleys

Infrastructure

Above ground power infrastructure

LRT

Highway Bike path

74

• No heavy infrastructure like transmission lines or CPR nearby.

• No wet/dry stormwater ponds present.

• Highways, LRT line, and bike paths are main infrastructures.

Bike Path

Low-voltage power pole Low-voltage power line

• •

Along 16th Ave in Motel Village

No high-voltage power lines.

All power structures require a 3m setback, both vertically and horizontally, in certain cases.

75

Infrastructure Analysis Summary Multimodal Transportation

• Integrate bus routes with two LRT stations to improve connectivity.

• Offer seamless access to multi-modal transit.

• Ensure efficient and convenient transitions between buses and trains.

• Enhance the overall travel experience for residents.

Enhanced Connectivity • Opportunity for improvement in bike and pedestrian path network.

• To offer seamless connectivity to broader Calgary area.

• Potential expansion of 24th Ave westward.

• Introduction of new bicycle route along 20th Ave extending eastward.

Complete Streets • Opportunity to transform 20th Ave into a complete street.

• Aim to enrich community’s commercial hub for pedestrians.

• Elevate pedestrian experience.

• Foster a vibrant, accessible urban environment.

Barrier to Active Transportation • Skeletal road and Trans-Canada Highway encircle the community.

• Inadvertently directs traffic through the community causing an influx of vehicles within the community during peak hours.

• Creates obstacles for walking and cycling.

• Severely limits active transportation options.

Car-Centric Street Design • Varying grid patterns reduce walkability.

• Pedestrian experience not enhanced.

• Paved sidewalks present but unwelcoming.

• Unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

76

Site LRT Highway Bike Paths Primary Roadway Grid Primary Bus Route LRT Highway

77

Building Density & Land Ownership Building Coverage

Land Ownership

In our analysis of the Banff Trail area, we observed that while the site is extensively built-out, it maintains a low-density profile. The building density across the 359-acre expanse of Banff Trail is quantified by a 21.1% building coverage rate, with an average of 3.5 buildings per acre.

Our analysis of land ownership reveals that only 3% of the land is municipally owned, and mainly consists of parks & open spaces. The land is divided into 18 zoning districts and a vast majority lies in the hands of private owners and developers.

Cathedral Road Park

Confederation Park

Cathedral Road Park

Community Association

Building Coverage

21.1%

Community Association

University of Calgary

Buildings per acre

3.5

Total area of Banff Trail

359 Acres

Zoning Districts Parcels

Fire Station

Fire Station

City Owned Land

78

79

Building Density & Land Ownership Building Stock

Property Values

Banff Trail saw most of it’s development happen between the years of 1950 to 1975 and about, 64% of the built form in Banff Trail is 80 years old, making this community more suited to infill and redevelopment opportunities.

77% of the buildings in Banff Trail are single-family dwellings, ranging in average property values of 600-700k. Rents range from $500-3000, depending on the type of dwelling, which is significant for the below-average median income of $84,000.

Rental Values

Room in house $500 - $1100

Apartments $900 - $1950

Property Values

Year of Construction Not Available 0 - 1940 1940 - 1960 1960 - 1980 1980 - 2000 2000 - 2022

80

64% of the built form in Banff Trail is 80 years old!

< $500K $500 - $600K $600 - $700K $700K - $800K $800K - $900K $900K - $1M $1M - $2M > $2M

Townhouse $2000 - $3000 81

Built Form Analysis Block Analysis & Parcel Layout In our parcel and block analysis of Banff Trail, we identified three distinct block layouts within the community: warped grid, diagonal grid, and perpendicular grid. Each layout corresponds to specific lot types; the warped grid predominantly features narrow lots, the diagonal grid consists of standard lots, and the perpendicular grid is characterized by multi-residential lots. This differentiation in grid orientation and lot type is crucial for understanding the spatial arrangement and potential development constraints within the neighborhood.

Block lengths within these layouts vary significantly, ranging from a more manageable 100 meters to a more expansive 300 meters, indicating a diverse scale of urban form across different sections of the community. Parcel sizes also vary widely, from as small as 0.1 acres to as large as 10 acres, accommodating a variety of land uses.

Block Lengths 100 - 150 M 150 - 200 M

Warped Grid Layout

Diagonal Grid Layout

200 - 250 M

Perpendicular Grid Layout

100 M

250 - 300 M > 300 M

100 M

318

318

M

79 M

M 100 M

5.5 M

82

50%

21 M

6M

Building Coverage 31%

Main Road

Building Coverage

Multi- Residential Lot 17.4 x 36 M

10.3 5.8 5.8 5.8 8.3

36 M

15.5 M

Standard Lots 15.2 x 36 M

36 M

Narrow Lots 7.6 x 36 M

100 M

M

36 M

79

Parcel Sizes 0 - 0.1 Acre 0.1 - 0.4 Acre 0.4 - 1 Acre

7.6 M

15.2 M

17.4 M

Street

Street

Street

1 - 2 Acres 2-5 Acres 5 - 10 Acres

83

Land Use & Built Form Analysis Current Zoning & Land Use In our analysis of land use within Banff Trail, we categorized and quantified the distribution of different land uses across the site. Our findings revealed seven distinct land uses. The zoning specifics reveals a predominance of zones designated for singledetached housing and semi-detached duplexes, reflecting the primarily residential character of the community and fragmented commercial nodes.

Neighbourhood Activity Centre

University Station

Banff Trail Station

University Station

Zoning R_C1 R_C2

R_CG M_C1 M_C2

M_CG M_H1 H_GO MU_1 MU_2

C_COR2 C_N1 C_N2 C_O

Banff Trail Station

S_CI S_CS S_SPR Z_DC

84

Land-Use

77%

9.1%

8.2%

3.1%

1.2%

1.2%

0.4%

Residential

Direct Control

Parks & Recreation

Commercial

MultiResidential

Mixed-Use

Institutional

Single Detached Housing Semi-Detached Duplex Townhouses Apartments Mixed-Use Hotels Retail/Commercial Institutional

Neighbourhood Activity Centre

85

Land Use & Built Form Analysis Building Typologies Semi-Detached Duplex

Single Detached Single Dwelling a) Front Entry

Townhouses

Apartments 26 Storeys

b) Back Entry

6 Storeys

Single Dwelling with Secondary Suite a) Front & Back Entry

2 Storeys

b) Back Entry

Zoning: RC1, RC2 & RCG

75%

of total number of building typologies

Zoning: RC1, RC2 & RCG

20%

of total number of building typologies

We conducted a thorough assessment of building typologies to understand the distribution and diversity of architectural forms within the community. This analysis identified seven primary building typologies, offering insights into the dominant architectural styles and their functional implications for the area.

86

Zoning: RCG & DC

0.9%

of total number of building typologies

Zoning: MC1, MC2 & DC

1.0%

of total number of building typologies

The most prevalent type is single-detached homes, which constitute 75% of all structures, reflecting the community’s residential character. Semi-detached duplexes are also significant, comprising 20% of the typologies and providing a form of medium-density housing. In contrast, townhouses and apartments represent a smaller fraction, totaling only 2%, which indicates a limited availability of higher-density residential options.

87

Land Use & Built Form Analysis Building Typologies Community

Commercial Strip Mall

Hotels

Churches

Missing Typologies Schools

Offices 3-6 Storey Apartment Buildings

Mixed Use Community Association

Mixed-Use MultiUnit Residential & Commercial typologies

Zoning: MU2,CCOR2, CN1, CN2, CO & DC

2.4%

of total number of building typologies

Commercial buildings make up approximately 2.4% of the structures, supporting local commerce and services. The least common are community buildings, such as community centers and public halls, which account for just 0.8% of the total.

88

Zoning: RC2, RCG, SCS, SCI

0.8%

of total number of building typologies

Grocery Store

Community Library & Co-working Spaces

There is a marked absence of mid-rise apartments (3-6 stories), which limits housing diversity and density. The area also lacks mixed-use buildings that combine residential living with commercial spaces, which are essential for vibrant community life. Additionally, the community would benefit from the development of major grocery stores and facilities such as libraries and co-working spaces, which are currently lacking within the site.

89

Land Use & Built Form Analysis Functional Analysis To understand the functionality of the Banff Trail area, we conducted a detailed functional analysis focusing on how various elements contribute to the site’s overall utility and legibility. This analysis highlighted four major landmarks: Community Landmarks

Major Landmark - The Hub

Religious Institutes - Churches

Community Association

Schools

Activity Nodes

90

Motel Village

Major landmark Community Landmarks Activity Nodes Schools Green Buffer Pedestrian Connections Park Connections Transit Stops (BRT/LRT) Community Activity Center

Strip Mall

Commercial Cluster

91

3D Built Form

The scale of the buildings within Banff Trail is highly inconsistent, ranging from low-density housing to tall hotels and The Hub, sitting at 26 storeys. There is a noticeable absence of midscale developments, particularly 4-6 storey multi-family buildings, which represent a crucial ‘missing middle’ in urban residential options.

This gap in the built environment spectrum results in a lack of progressive density transition between single-family homes and high-rise structures.

University of Calgary

Ca Ro thed se r Pa al rk

University Station Inactive Street Frontage Branton School

Banff Trail Community Association

Lack of diversity in scale and function

Despite its proximity to the University of Calgary and other major schools, the built form does not reflect or integrate elements that might suggest a connection to such a dynamic academic environment.

This disconnect indicates a missed opportunity for architectural synergy and thematic continuity that could enhance both the identity and functional integration of the community with the adjacent research institute.

92

Community Activity Center

Strip Mall

The Hub

Aloft

Undefined entry/exit points

Banff Trail Station

Holiday Inn

High Density (26 storeys)

In our 3D built-form analysis we observed several key characteristics that impact the pedestrian experience and the area’s visual cohesion. Buildings, including nonresidential ones, are set far back from the street. This creates an unpleasant street experience, as the large setbacks contribute to a sense of openness that can diminish the feeling of enclosure that typically enhances pedestrian comfort.

Low Density (Single Storey)

Land Use & Built Form Analysis

93

Built Form Summary Analysis

Densification Around Transit Stations • •

Areas around transit stations lack density and diversity of uses Potential for alignment with TOD Guidelines in the MDP

Long Block Patterns • Limited permeability along major transit routes • Prioritizes cars and reduces walkability

Uniform Grid & Parcel Layout • Flexibility of parcel sizes • Adaptability to redevelopment and land-use changes • Smaller blocks enhance pedestrian experience and walkability

Segregation of uses • Dominance of single family residential zoning challenges the opportunity to allow a mix of uses and create active nodes within the community

Limited Housing Typologies • Lacks a range of housing choices, that would cover a mix of built forms and ownership tenures

94

95

Research & Analysis Summary

Bike Network Expansion Opportunity to expand existing bike network on 24th Avenue westward towards University of Calgary & Foothills Medical Centre

Main Streets Opportunity for complete Main Street along 20th Avenue due to existing commercial node, Community Association & School with the opportunity to expand and connect to Motel Village.

Green Connections Create a network green corridors connecting all the big & small green spaces in the community towards West-Confederation Park which will further connect to Nose Hill Park.

Lack of TODs TOD areas lack density and mix of uses and lack alignment with the vision of the MDP.

Barrier to Opportunity Crowchild Trail, Trans-Canada Highway & the LRT Line act as barriers to connectivity for the residents dividing the community in two halves.

96

97

“

By being sweet to the pedestrian and the cyclist you hit five birds with one stone – you get a lively city, you get an attractive city, you get a safe city, you get a sustainable city, and you get a city that’s good for your health.”

- Jan Gehl

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Strategy At Sukoon Studio, we believe community engagement is crucial for ensuring our projects meet the real needs of the people they’re designed for. It’s about building trust, understanding diverse perspectives, and creating solutions that are beneficial and sustainable.

Our Community Engagement Principles: Inclusivity

Ensuring engagement is accessible through plain language, translation options, and physical & virtual accessibility.

Transparency

Maintaining open communication and providing clear, accessible information.

Responsiveness

Listening to community feedback and adapting our approaches accordingly.

Collaboration

Working alongside the community to develop solutions.

Engagement Methods: Our engagement methods included a walkabout with community members, an interactive workshop, and an open house. Additionally, we utilized digital platforms for wider reach and accessibility. These diverse methods ensure a comprehensive understanding and integration of community insights into our projects.

1. Walkabout with the Community: Sukoon team members were joined by community members for a community walkabout, gaining first-hand insights into their experiences, concerns, and suggestions.

A critical part of the kick-off phase, this engagement informed our site analysis and helped us to begin forming a relationship of trust with Banff Trail residents.

2. Community Workshop: This interactive session allowed community members to actively participate in discussions, share their ideas, and do mapping exercises. This workshop gave us the opportunity to better inform our analysis findings and test our initial conclusions against lived community experience. Additionally, this workshop, particularly the community mapping exercise with residents allowed us to more concretely understand the needs and desires of residents as they relate the spatial form of the community. .

3. Open House: We shared our final design recommendations with the Banff Trail community at an open house. Residents dropped in to learn about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback in a relaxed setting. The formative feedback received during this engagement session is included within this final recommendation report. .

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Constraints

Analysis Workshop Sukoon Studio conducted an in-depth analysis of the Banff Trail community, focusing on the urban morphology, natural environment, built form, and infrastructure of the site. The findings from this research were presented to the Steering Committee on February 8th, 2024, at the University of Calgary. Our Steering Committee provided valuable insight into how the analysis aligns with the current needs of the community.

Opportunities

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Community members particularly highlighted the need for better pedestrian safety at high-traffic intersections and also around school zones. They also expressed the desire for more middle-density housing options, rather than having high-rise apartments. The lack of programmed parks or a community dog park were also highlighted. These discussions informed our design concepts, ensuring that we addressed the needs and aspirations of the Banff Trail community.

“While 19th is considered a cycle route, it is challenging.”

Pedestrian Safety & Intersections

Parks & Programming open spaces

“Areas around schools are usually quite dangerous due to congestion.”

Following this presentation, Sukoon hosted a community analysis workshop at the Banff Trail Community Hall on February 10th, 2024. The workshop was attended by 12 community members and served as a platform to delve deeper into the current challenges and future possibilities of Banff Trail. Over the course of two hours, participants provided valuable feedback on today’s challenges and the future possibilities of the community.

The discussion covered areas such as walking and cycling challenges, the need for improved amenities and services, options for staying active in winter, transit issues, safety concerns, traffic, housing needs, and commercial space development.

Additionally, the workshop explored improvements to parks and open spaces, streetscape enhancements, and the integration of pet-friendly infrastructure.

Laneway Housing & Secondary Suites

“I take bus 65 to Banff Trail School.”

Connecting green spaces & creating green streets Lack of co-working spaces & coffee shops

Age-friendly community

Missing Sidewalks & Unpleasant Walking Experience

Snow & Traffic along 24th Ave & 19th St

Condition & Affordability of houses for students

“Not many amenities are missing, feels well served by surrounding communities.”

Well connected to main LRT & BRT routes “Walking along and crossing Morley Trail is difficult. “

Wider Sidewalks & Better Bike Paths “Biking towards the university is very awkward and unsafe.”

Connectivity with Motel Village & Commercial Nodes

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Open House Our final recommendations were presented to the Banff Trail community for their feedback on April 13th, 2024.

Residents were invited to learn about our proposed design and planning recommendations, and share their feedback on these recommendations.

The open house display included detailed posters of final design proposals, a meticulously crafted physical model of the project site, and innovative interactive virtual reality experiences that allowed attendees to explore the proposed changes in a dynamic and immersive environment.

“Best idea is permeable ground cover!”

“Really thoughtful approach to redevelopment at different scales”

“Like your LRT crossing. I can see patios and a plaza at 20th + 23rd”

“Like idea of mini main streets”

“Dog parks need to be cleaned + separate dogs by size”

“Dog park grass dies so it’s great that you left some green area around it. Consider gravel or other paving“

We received generally positive feedback from the community on our recommendations. Residents expressed appreciation of increased parks programming, improved access and site mobility, and density located within motel village. Some hesitations around density adjacent to single family housing was expressed.

“I’ve been living in the community for 60yrs. Too much density creates conflict with people. My backyard has a shadow cast on it and my privacy is gone”

“Making Exshaw Park more active is great!”

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“I love the idea of at-grade crossing. Its so accessible and easy to cross-over””

“Great job!”

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Virtual Reality

Banff Trail Community Design Concepts

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Scan the QR codes below to experience our vibrant conceptual renders, showcasing transformative urban planning and design ideas tailored to the Banff Trail community.

S re id

Sidrah Anees, Nissmah Atif, Chetna Sidhu

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Cathedral Road Park

19th st & 20th Avenue Intersection

Pedestrian Street - Crescent HIll NW

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PLAN630: Advanced Professional Planning Studio 13.April.2024

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Physical Model A 2.4m x 1.8m, 1:1000 physical model of Banff Trail was built. The model was a collaborative effort from the Winter 2024 class of the PLAN 630 Advanced Professional Planning Studio. This model showcases the latest ortho-photos printed on hardboard as its base. Buildings were precisely laser-cut from 3mm wood and glued to the model base, accurately representing the height and scale of these structures.

Designed for flexibility and educational purposes, the model can be disassembled into six individual panels, each measuring 2’ x 4’. The model was prominently featured at the open house, allowing attendees to visually explore and understand the intricate urban landscape of Banff Trail.

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“

Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody only because and only when they are created by everybody” - Jane Jacobs

Concept Development

Overview Based on our analysis & the community feedback, we identified key challenges in Banff Trail, categorizing them into three primary areas: land use and built form, open spaces, and mobility. To address these challenges, we conducted a detailed precedent study to explore effective solutions. For mobility, we explored various streetscape interventions and traffic calming measures used elsewhere to enhance pedestrian safety and streamline traffic flow. In terms of open spaces, the study looked at successful implementations of greenways, the application of green design guidelines, and innovative park programming and recreational activities that enrich community life and promote ecological benefits. Additionally, for land use and built form, we analyzed the current layout of Banff Trail to identify the most effective use of different lots. This included exploring diverse housing types and optimizing building designs to create active street fronts. A particular focus was placed on motel village, where we examined building massing, public realm integration, and parking solutions.

Quality of Sidewalks

Pedestrian Infrastructure

Pedestrian Safety

Disconnection with Motel Village

Mobility

Land Use & Built Form

Bus stop Infrastructure Entry/Exit Points & Community Edges

Traffic & Snow

Environmental Concerns

Open Spaces

Lack of CoWorking Spaces

Housing Diversity & Quality

Affordable Housing for Students

Underutilized Assets

Park Connectivity

Programming & Activation Winter City Considerations

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Mobility Precedent Study

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19th Street Redesign

Transit Infrastructure

College Avenue - West,Guelph

Multi-Modal Transit BART Bike Stations, USA

Pedestrian Friendly Streets

Main Street

Shared Streets

Pedestrian Safety

Montgomery, Calgary

Elgin Street, Ottawa

Stephen Ave, Calgary

Raised Crosswalks NYC DOT, New York

Cyclist Protection

Shared Bike Lanes

Pop-Up Bike Paths

Tactical Interventions

City of Regina

Humber River Trail, Toronto

East Grand Better Block, Iowa

Art Crossing Les Jumeaux, West London

Bus Shelter Station of Being, Sweden

Pedestrian Bridge Train Station, Saint Laud

Curb Extensions Bay Street, Staten Island

Signaled Crossing City of Calgary

Painted Curbs Lake 2 Lake, Baltimore

Parking to Patio Gerrard East Market, Toronto

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Open Spaces Precedent Study Plazas, Parklets, & Alleyway Activation

All-Ages Infrastructure Fitness & other infrastructure that works for everyone

Off-Leash Dog Area Social connection & healthy pets

Fire Pits with Seating Winter park recreation & social space

Public Art Engaging art that reflects community identity

Greenway

Tree Canopy Calgary, Canada

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University City Parklet System, Philadelphia

Pittsfield Better Block Pittsfield, USA

Ellen Fletcher Middle School Palo Alto, USA

The Bounce Calgary, Canada

Vias Space Young Creation Center, Spain

Bioswale Portland, USA

School Field Recreation

Lakeshore Preserve Madison, USA

Sankt Kjeld Square Copenhagen, Denmark

Parks & Programming

Pacific Plaza Park Dallas, USA

Sundance Square Plaza Fort Worth, USA

Public School 261 New York City, USA

Green Design

Taylor Street Farms Chicago, USA

Jin Wellbeing County Prachathipat, Thailand

Miyawaki Forest Hamilton, Canada

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Built Form Precedent Study Corner Lots Laneway

22.5 M Existing

118

Road

Laneway

36 M

Laneway

36 M

36 M

36 M

Laneway

Road

Middle Lots

Motel Village Densification

22.5 M

17.4 M

17.4 M

Proposed

Existing

Proposed

Slnecnice Residential Complex, Slovakia Programmable Plaza Space

Materiality & Textures

Building Scale & Public Realm

South Calgary Row Housing, Calgary

Sundance Square, Texas

Main & Clay Multi Family, Louisville, KY

Fayna Town, KYIV

Materiality & Textures

Active Street & Spill Out Space

In Between Spaces

Active Street Frontage

Street Edges

Main & Clay Multi Family, Louisville, KY

Charenton-le-Pont Town Centre, France

Nygaard Square Renovation, Norway

Sunset Place, Miami

Buffalo Medical Campus, USA

Laneways

Townhouses

Rowhouses

Seaton Village Laneway Suite, Toronto

Core Modern Homes, Toronto

Built Form Scale

Charenton-le-Pont Town Centre, France

Parking lots

Lancaster Boulevard, California

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Concept Collages

LRT Destination & Event Space

Connected Parks System Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect Commercial Spill Out

Traffic Calming Increased Pedestrian Safety Greater Biodiversity

Increased Public Realm Space

Exposed Open Space Network Calmer Streets

Better Pedestrian Experience

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“

Design a thing by considering it in its next larger context - a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in a community, a community in a city” - Eliel Saarinen

Design Recommendations

Our Vision Banff Trail is a vibrant community where connectivity, diversity, & sustainability flourish, fostering intergenerational harmony & a strong sense of identity.

Guiding Principles

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Diversity & Vibrancy

Sustainability & Resiliency

Connectivity & Mobility

New housing, parks, & streets typologies

Retrofitting & expanding green infrastructure & design

Safer streets & seamless active transportation networks

Safety & Wellbeing

Intergenerational Approaches

Community Identity

Inclusive design that supports healthy community growth

Spaces that work for everyone

Community pride & a strong sense of place 125

Mobility Our guiding question for the concept was “How can we make our community safer & more connected for everyone?” This was informed by some of the challenges that came up during our analysis and engagement along the lines of pedestrian safety, poor sidewalks, lack of biking infrastructure, road safety around schools & the lack of a multi-modal transit network.

Concept Goal Create a safe & connected community with a diverse & seamless multi-modal transit network fostering intergenerational mobility.

Concept Approach

126

Major Intersections

Streetscape Interventions

Bike Network

Enhances safety and efficiency, incorporating traffic calming measures and pedestrian-friendly features.

Widen sidewalks, adding bike lanes, improving lighting, and integrating green spaces to encourage walking and cycling.

Build a cohesive bike network to promote cycling as a viable and safe transportation option.

Major Interventions Streetscapes Bike Network Multi-Modal Transit Major Intersections Bus Shelters

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Active Transportation Our proposed active transportation network is designed to enhance cyclist safety and promote biking as a preferred mode of transportation. This network includes separated raised bike paths for busy areas, dedicated shared streets for less trafficked zones, and sharrows where separate lanes are not feasible. For added safety, where raised paths are impractical, bike lane delineators will be used. All pathways will incorporate night safety features like reflective materials and enhanced lighting to ensure visibility after dark.

Separated Bike Paths

Potential Night Safety Measures for Cyclists

Shared Streets

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Bike Lane Delineator

Sharrows

Separated Bike Paths Shared Streets Sharrows

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Mobility Network Our mobility network promotes a multi-modal transit approach, advocating for bike routes on residential roads that connect directly to LRT stations equipped with dedicated bike parking, facilitating a seamless bike-and-ride system. Additionally, we propose installing bus shelters at high-ridership stops near main streets and schools.

These shelters will provide safe waiting areas for transit users, protecting them from harsh weather and enhancing overall transit accessibility and user comfort.

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Bike Parking at LRT Stations

University LRT Station

Bus Shelters for Harsh Weather

Morley Trail Bus Stop

Multi-Modal Transit Bus Shelters Bike Network

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Streetscape Design Pedestrian Street - Capitol Hill Crescent NW We propose transforming Capitol Hill Crescent NW into a pedestrian street next to Banff Trail LRT station. Limiting vehicle access and adding active frontages will enhance safety and local business. An at-grade crossing at 20th Avenue will improve connectivity to Motel Village, enhancing the pedestrian experience.

Pedestrian Street

Low Vehicular Traffic Missing Sidewalks

Existing Street Section

Poor connection to LRT Station

Existing Street Condition Proposed Street Section

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Proposed Street Redesign

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Streetscape Design 19th Street We propose reducing 19th Street NW from four vehicular lanes to two to accommodate raised, separated bike lanes and wider sidewalks. This enhances safety and 1.2 for cyclists 12and pedestrians 1.2 allows for the planting of street trees, enriching the 14.4m streetscape and improving environmental quality.

20.1m

P

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19th Street

1.5

Banff Trail Community Design Concepts

21m Design Concepts Banff Trail Community

Sidrah Anees, Nissmah Atif, Chetna P.L. Sidhu 2.57

6.5m

21 m

20.14m Lack of street trees

Scan the QR codes below to experience our vibrant conceptual renders, showcasing transformative urban planning and design ideas tailored to the Banff Trail community.

High commuter traffic

Lack of bike path

High count of pedestrian incidents

Existing Street Section

134

24th Avenue & 19th Street

Reduced Traffic lane Green Buffer

20th Avenue & 19th Street

SETBACK ZONE

GREEN BUFFER

SIDEWALK

BIKE LANE

GREEN BUFFER

Art - Crossing

ROAD

Raised Intersection

GREEN BUFFER

SHARED STREET

STREET PARKING

GREEN BUFFER

PATIO/SPILLOUT ZONE

SETBACK ZONE

P

Bike Path

SETBACK ZONE

Reduced Traffic lane Green Buffer

Art - Crossing

PATIO/SPILLOUT ZONE

Raised Intersection

2.5 codes 1 2 1 below 6m to experience 2 2 2.5 Scan the QR our vibrant conceptual renders, showcasing transformative urban planning and design ideas tailored to the Banff Trail community.

Proposed Street Section

GREEN BUFFER

Bike Path

P.L.

3

BIKE LANE

2.5

Electrical Poles

POWER LINES

2.57

SIDEWALK

3

Sidrah Nissmah Atif, Chetna Sidhu P.L. ExistingAnees, Street Section

SETBACK ZONE GREEN BUFFER

P.L.

1.5

12

Scan Here

Proposed Street Section

135 P.L.

Streetscape Design Main Street - 20th Ave NW We propose transforming 20th Avenue NW into a Main Street by reducing it to one traffic lane each way and adding a parking lane that doubles as a woonerf. This shared space will extend sidewalks into the roadway, supporting flexible uses like outdoor dining and pop-up events, thus fostering a vibrant street life.

P

1.2

12

P

14.4m 20.1m

20th Avenue

1.2

Existing Street Section P.L. 2.5

Potential for commercial expansion along 20th Ave

6.5m

2.57

3

PATIO/SPILLOUT ZONE

2.57

GREEN BUFFER

3

P.L.

20.14m Low Vehicular Traffic

Very wide roads with street parking

Existing Street Section

Proposed Street Section

Shared Street

Art - Crossing

Green Buffer

SETBACK ZONE

Raised Intersection

SHARED STREET

Patio / Spill out Zone

STREET PARKING

Green Buffer

GREEN BUFFER

Shared Street

PATIO/SPILLOUT ZONE

On-street parking

SETBACK ZONE

P

On-street parking

Transition from Collector Road to Main Street

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Pedestrian Environment at Main Street

Proposed Street Section

137

Pedestrian Safety & Universal Accessibility

Bus shelter

Banff Trail Elementary School Raised crosswalk

Curb extension

School road safety issues

Residential Road creating 5-way intersection

Existing Street Condition

Bus shelter

Key Intersections

20th Avenue & 19th Street Intersection

To enhance pedestrian safety and universal accessibility, we propose simple interventions such as installing raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and flashing lights at key intersections, particularly those near schools or with heavy traffic, like 19th Street and 20th Avenue. Additionally, at the Morley Trail and 24th Street intersection near Banff Trail School, we recommend converting Cochrane Road into a pedestrian plaza during school hours and summer months to improve safety and public space utilization.

Bus shelter Curb extension

Banff Trail Elementary School Drop-off/pick-up

Re-routed access Pedestrianized plaza

Raised crosswalk

Flashing lights

Bus shelter

Proposed Street Design 138

Morley Trail & 24th Street 139

Implementation Concept

Policy Statements Mobility Network

Active Transportation

Streetscape Redesign

Method

Location

Intersection Safety

Tactical Urbanism

Design + Planning

Design + Planning

Active Transportation: Bike lanes along designated separate bike paths should have physical barriers to delineate the bike lane.

•

Banff Trail should adopt a multi-modal approach to mobility. Bike paths should connect to LRT stations and LRT stations must have dedicated bike parking.

•

To improve connectivity and increase pedestrian safety, several roads should be converted from vehicle-oriented streets to pedestrian oriented streets. Capitol Hill Crescent NW should be converted to a pedestrian street and our 20th avenue NW Main Street should be a shared street.

•

19th Street NW should be reduced to 2 lanes of bidirectional traffic, with dedicated bike paths on both sides of the street. A green buffer should serve as a divider between the bike path and vehicular traffic lanes, wherever possible.

•

Sidewalk curbs at 10th avenue and 19th street NW intersection and Morley Trail and 24th Street intersection should be extended to shorten pedestrian crosswalk width. Crosswalks should be raised to calm traffic and maintain a continuous pedestrian grade. Signaled light crossings should be added at the Morley Trail intersection.

Recommendations

Partners Funding 140

Design + Planning

•

• • • •

City of Calgary Capital Projects (City of Calgary) Calgary Safer Mobility Plan (City of Calgary) City of Calgary Neighbourhood Grants ActivateYYC Grant (Federation of Calgary Communities)

•

We recommend night safety considerations along bike lanes, such as lighted bike lanes, for added cyclist safety. Sharrows can also be used to indicate shared bike-vehicle lanes.

•

We recommend investing in sheltered bus stops along key bus routes.

These bus stops can feature Banff Trail community branding to reinforce community identity and a sense of place.

•

We recommend the development of a pedestrianized plaza adjacent to Banff Trail Elementary School, with drop-off and pick-up traffic can be rerouted away from the school entrance to create a safer environment for children.

•

We recommend tactical interventions such as art crosswalks, painted curb extensions, pop-up bike paths, and branded wayfinding to improve pedestrian safety and reinforce community identity.

141

Open Spaces Our guiding question for the concept was “How can we make Banff Trail parks and open spaces work better for people and the environment?” This was informed by our extensive environmental analysis and community engagement, which identified key challenges for open spaces, including: disconnected park and open spaces, underutilized environmental assets, lack of diverse, accessible parks infrastructure and programming, microclimate and biodiversity, site drainage, snow melt, and stormwater runoff, and quality of experience within open space networks.

Concept Goal Support a healthy, connected and active environmental landscape that offers something for everyone through inclusive and accessible design.

Concept Approach

142

Cohesive Landscapes

Green Connectivity

Diverse Programming

Street tree and landscaping equity will ensure that all areas have a pleasant microclimate and reflect community identity.

Connected parks will increase recreation opportunities and take advantage of neighbouring green space assets.

Parks programming that offers something for everyone will increase community connection and lead to vibrant park spaces.

Parks & Open Space Interventions Banff Trail Greenway Green Design Alleyway Activation Parks Programming Plaza Sports Courts & Recreation

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Open Spaces

Existing Condition- 20th St NW

Banff Trail Greenway Exshaw Road NW: Existing Condition

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Exshaw Road NW: Proposed Redesign

Exshaw Park

9.1

Proposed Banff Trail Greenway

Foothills Athletic Park

Banff Trail Park

Calmer, safer streets

Greater biodiversity, reduced urban heat island effect

3.25 Connected parks network

The Banff Trail Greenway will connect Banff Trail parks through a shared-use pathway and landscaped green buffer, offering a safe, connected, and sustainable park network.

The greenway street redesign utilizes parking lanes and unused space to expand the public realm along this loop significantly and create a vibrant and cozy pedestrian experience. We’ve left 1 lane of parking available in locations where there is increased pick up/drop off traffic, such as the streets adjacent to schools.

3

6.6

3

3.25

20.1m

Proposed Greenway (with parking)

The expanded street design creates dual shared-use pathways on both sides of the street, separated from vehicular traffic with a wide green buffer. This green buffer is planted with street trees, Indigenous grasses, and companion plants to support a robust pollinator and ecosystem corridor along the greenway.

4.25

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2

9.9 20.1m

2.95

145

William Aberhart High School

Open Spaces School Field Recreation Our second open spaces recommendation is to utilize the largest open spaces in Banff Trail, school fields, to increase social and recreational opportunities in the community.

We’re proposing the addition of a basketball court to the William Aberhart field and tennis and pickleball courts in the Branton School field. These spaces make use of currently under programmed spaces, offering activation year-round. Courts can be flooded in the winter and used as ice rinks, and the shared seating spaces can be activated by students at lunch hours, and the broader community in the evenings.

1

Proposed Design

2

3 4

1. Basketball court 2. Communal seating 3. Shade trees 4. Increased street trees

Branton School

1

2 3

4

5

Increased recreation opportunities

Shared social and amenity spaces

Fences removed, improved access

1. Tennis courts 2. Pickeball courts 3. Communal seating 4. Shade trees 5. Increased street trees

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Open Spaces Exshaw Park At Exshaw Park, we have designed an enclosed dog park, surrounded on all sides by a diversely planted green buffer, offering space for flexible outdoor usage. We’ve incorporated a fire pit, shade trees, and ample seating to encourage socialization in this space year-round. A new sidewalk along all sides of park increases site accessibility.

Social seating design

Fire pits for winter use

Shaded pathways

Bioswales to capture runoff

Isolated Tree Planting

No Sidewalk, Icy Roads

Lack of Programming

Gr

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nw

ay

Existing Condition

1 2 3

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Proposed Redesign

1.

2.

3.

4.

4

Dog park Fire pit with benches Increased street trees Bioswale

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Open Spaces Cathedral Road Park At Cathedral Road Park, we have designed 5 key zones. From a flexible outdoor spillout space, to all-ages playgrounds, an large fenced dog park, open lawn space, and a miyawaki mini forest. This redesign offers a greater diversity of programming and a greater number of shared social spaces for all ages and needs.

Strong edges with spill out space

All-ages play infrastructure

Miyawaki mini forest

Social seating design

Gr

ee

nw

6

Sloped Park Entry

Bordered by Alleys

4

Lack of Programming

7

Existing Condition

1 2

6

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Proposed Redesign

ay

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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3

Spill out lawn All-ages playgrounds Dog park Open lawn Mini forest Public art space Alleyway activation

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Open Spaces Banff Trail Park At Banff Trail Park, we’ve proposed an expansion of the community association building with co-working spaces and green roofs, to further intensify the uses of this space. A large plaza and event space is programmed with seating and inclusive play infrastructure- from playground to ping pong tables. We’ve expanded the community gardens, taken advantage of the topography with a zip line, and added fire pits throughout our Miyawaki mini forest.

Plaza and event space

All-ages infrastructure

Zip line connection to forest

Fire pits with seating

Isolated Tree Planting

Opportunity for Expansion

Steep Park Entry

Main Street

Lack of Programming

3 1

Existing Condition

4

2

Greenway

5 6

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Proposed Redesign

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Plaza All ages playgrounds Pubic art space Green roof Community garden Zip line Fire pit with benches Mini forest Alleyway activation

7 8

9 153

Open Spaces Alleyway Activation Alleyways in Banff trail offer a great opportunity for expanded public realm space.

We’ve identified strategic locations for alleyway activation along existing and proposed high-pedestrian traffic corridors. These alleys can be activated using colourful paving, streetlights and string lights, street tree planting, flower and plant boxes, and branded community flags that support community identity and wayfinding.

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Cathedral Road Park

Banff Trail Community Design Concepts

Existing Condition

our vibrant conceptual an planning and design ty.

Sidrah Anees, Nissmah Atif, Chetna Sidhu

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Exshaw Park

Community Identity and Vibrancy

epts

de

Foothills Athletic Park

Scan the QR codes below to experience our vibrant conceptual Safety and Wellbeing renders, showcasing transformative urban planning and design ideas tailored to the Banff Trail community.

Banff Trail Park

154

Proposed Redesign

Connectivity and Mobility

Scan Here 155

Open Spaces Green Design Guidelines We have developed a set of green design guidelines and urban forest strategy, to support the sustainability and resiliency of Banff Trail. These guidelines support biodiversity, carbon capture, and site drainage through the addition of miyawaki mini forests within existing parks and open spaces, green roofs on infrastructure retrofits and new high density developments, and bioswales along key streets to capture snow melt and stormwater runoff.

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Cathedral Road Park Mini forests should be planted within existing parks and open spaces to support biodiversity and capture and sequester carbon.

Infrastructure and institutional retrofits, and new high density developments should feature green roofs to support biodiversity in Banff Trail.

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Exshaw Park

Foothills Athletic Park

Bioswales should be placed at strategic locations to capture stormwater and snow melt runoff.

Banff Trail Park

Green Roof Retrofit Sites Miyawaki Mini Forest Bioswale Locations

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Existing Condition

Proposed

Street Tree Enhancement

157

Open Spaces Urban Forest Strategy Our urban forest strategy seeks to fill in gaps with Banff Trail’s otherwise robust street trees, and to support complete ecosystems with the planting of companion plants with existing environmental assets to bring together fragmented ecosystems and create a more symbiotic and resilient environmental landscape.

Our environmental analysis identified green ash, cotoneaster, american elm, lilac, and colorado spruce as the most common tree species found within Banff Trail. Below, we have identified 15 companion plants that can be planted in combination with these trees to create a more complete ecosystem.

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Motel Village Target Site Most Planted Tree Species by Count

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361

229

Green Ash

Cotoneaster

American Elm

Exshaw Park

403

395

Foothills Athletic Park

Lilac

Colorado Spruce

Recommended Companion Plants

Existing Condition

Proposed 158

Banff Trail Park Chokecherry

Holly Red Maple Osmanthus

Cutleaf Coneflower

Rosemary Barberry

Lupine

Hydrangea

Sweet Bay Ornamental Silver Grass Magnolia Onion

Motel Village Target Site Miyawaki Mini Forest

Sassafras

Lilac

Sweet Gum Siberian Iris

English Ivy

Street Tree Enhancement

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Implementation Strategy Concept

Policy Statements 20th Avenue Main Street

Laneway Guidelines

Missing Middle Housing

Method

Location

Zoning Changes

Design + Planning

Design + Planning

Policy + Guidelines

Design + Planning

Parks redevelopment must consider the following: •

Parks must be accessible, accounting for topography in site access and ensuring all parks have a sidewalk where adjacent to a street.

•

Street trees should be planted along park perimeters to improve tree canopy coverage, support ecosystem health, and create a pleasant edge condition.

•

Dog parks should cover no more than 40% of a given park site, as this use can deteriorate soil and environmental quality. Dog parks should feature trees and animal-safe plants that allow for some preservation of these lands.

•

Park seating and amenities must consider winter city conditions. Fire pits create an opportunity for year-round usage to open spaces and should be added in strategic locations.

•

Play infrastructure must account for all-ages and levels of ability.

•

Mini forests should be planted in all parks and open spaces to support biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Funding

Partners

Recommendations

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• • • • •

Building Communities Grant (Parks Foundation Calgary) City of Calgary Neighbourhood Grants Community Facility Enhancement Program (Government of Alberta) Stepping Stones Grants (Calgary Foundation) ActivateYYC Grant (Federation of Calgary Communities)

•

We recommend the development of a Greenway to connect Banff Trail parks and open spaces. The Greenway can utilize parking lanes to create an expanded shared-use pathway and robust green buffer, featuring biodiverse landscaping. One lane of parking can be preserved in areas that require increased pick-up and drop-off, such as the road adjacent to Branton School.

•

We recommend the development of a partnership between the Calgary Board of Education and City of Calgary to convert school fields to more flexible and programmed public park spaces. Sport courts should be added to these fields, with seating and amenities to support community use. Fences should be removed to improve site access.

•

We recommend strategic alleyway activation through colorful paving, string lights, planter boxes, and Banff Trail branded flags to improve connectivity and safety.

161

Land Use & Built Form Our guiding question for the concept was “How we can ensure people of all ages and incomes can find a place in Banff Trail to call home?” This was informed by some of the key challenges that came up during our analysis and engagement phase such as housing affordability for young people, diversity of housing types, on grade housing for seniors, poor condition of old housing stock and the lack of commercial diversity such as coffee shops and co-working spaces in the area.

Concept Goal Create an inclusive, vibrant, & age-friendly environment that addresses the needs of students, residents, & the empowerment of local businesses.

Concept Approach

162

Introducing Gentle Density

Neighborhood Connectors & Transit Nodes

Pedestrian Activity Levels

Allowing for a variety of housing choices and budget options for a variety of people.

Increasing density along major corridors to provide more housing options for residents that do not have a car or prefer using transit.

Enhancing vibrancy of the neighborhood along streets with high pedestrian activity with commercial uses facing the street.

Urban Form Categories Civic / Recreation Neighborhood Local Neighborhood Connector Neighborhood Flex Neighborhood Commercial No change Active Street Front

163

Land Use & Built Form The way we would achieve our built form goals would firstly be to introduce gentle density in developed areas.

About 75% of the BT trail community consists of single family dwellings, so adding gentle density through neighborhood local typology will allow for a variety of housing choices and budget options on existing lots.

Laneway Housing

Seaton Village Suite, Toronto

Secondly, Banff trail is a pretty well connected neighborhood, hence adding neighborhood connectors along the major transportation network and nodes will provide greater accessibility for people that prefer to use transit or want to live in close proximity to it.

Next, we also mapped areas of high pedestrian activity along which we have placed the neighborhood flex. This type will allow for a mix of residential and commercial uses to activate the street level and encourage pedestrian activity.

Lastly, the neighborhood commercial will be concentrated in motel village consisting of 9-25 storeys that gradually transition in height from the 6 storeys across Banff trail.

This will help accommodate high scale multi- unit housing to address housing shortages in combination with a vibrant public realm.

In order to achieve this distribution of typologies across Banff Trail, a few zoning changes will be required. As per April 2024, the City of Calgary is proposing the rezoning of RC-1 and RC-2’s to R-CG which will help with introducing gentle density in Banff Trail. However, areas along major corridors and main street will require high and medium multi-residential zoning as well as mixed use districts in order to mandate commercial and residential uses with street oriented uses.

Rowhomes (Low Scale) Banff Trail, Calgary

Multi Unit (Mid Scale) Bowness Multi, Calgary

Land Use Zoning

Multi-Unit (Mid-Scale) 17 West, Calgary

CO M M ERCI A L COMMERCIAL

164

Neighborhood Local

Neighborhood Connector

Neighborhood Flex

Up to 3 Storeys

Up to 6 Storeys

Up to 6 Storeys

CO M M ERCI A L

CO M M ERCI A L

Neighborhood Commercial Minimum 9 & Maximum 25 Storeys

Multi-Unit (High Scale) East Village, Calgary

R_CG 3 storeys M_H1 4-8 Storeys M_H3 >15 storeys MU_1 4-15 storeys MU_2 4-15 storeys No change Proposed City Rezoning

165

Land Use & Built Form

I found a budget friendly place to stay so close to the university!

We love that we can age in place and gain additional income as a retired couple!

Rowhomes

Missing Middle

Multiplex

Courtyard Houses

Single Detached 1-2 units

75%

20%

Semi-Detached Duplex 2 units

Rowhomes 4-8 units

Live/Work Units

0.9%

A great community to raise our young family in the perfect rowhome!

Current Typologies

A shift to more middle housing Proposed Typologies I found the perfect place for my artist studio right under my house!

Str

ee

t

36.5M

15.5M

Laneway Housing 2-3 units

Str

ee

Str

ee

t

15.5M

Multiplexes 3-6 units

36.5M

t

36.5M

Cottage Clusters 3-6 units

15.5M

Block Layout Live/Work Units Multiple Units

15.2 m

Laneway

36.5 m

166

7.5 m

6m

The missing middle forms a very small percentage in the Banff Trail Community with only 0.9% of multi-unit housing. Being a potential site for TOD but with a predominantly low density residential character, middle housing can introduce gentle density within an established neighborhood like Banff Trail. By involving local residents, Banff Trail can aim for a shift in how middle housing is addressed in the community, by introducing various housing options like Laneway Housing, Multiplexes, Cottage Clusters and live/ work units leading to gradual densification overtime.

15.2 m

36.5 m

Rowhouses, townhouses and multi-unit dwellings all play important role in the context of redeveloping existing communities and cater to the needs of Calgary’s growing population. The “Missing Middle” represents housing types that are moderately priced and suitable for middle income earners and requires policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the development of housing options that are accessible to individuals and families to suit their lifestyle. They include a range of affordable, space efficient and appealing homes, that can significantly contribute to the character of a neighborhood.

152 m 30.4 m

Typical lot sizes in Banff Trail can be combined in various ways to accommodate more units in the same plot size. The idea with this is to create housing options for seniors looking to downsize within their community, offer students affordable units and create more options for young families and professionals to move in.

Existing Built Form

Laneway

Potential Built Form

Current lots can easily accommodate missing middle typologies that can offer diversity within the same neighborhood and laneway housing can enhance the overall laneway experience in the community as well.

167

Land Use & Built Form Laneway Design Guidelines The introduction of laneway housing can also help with improving some of the existing laneway conditions and to ensure that laneway housing contributes positively to the neighborhood and respects existing urban fabric and infrastructure, we have developed a set of design guidelines for future development to follow. These include a rear 1.5m landscape setback, a set of laneway facing balconies and windows to maintain eyes on the street, at least a 5m setback from the main building to maintain garden space on the lot and provision for bicycle racks on smaller lots or a 3M provision for parking on larger lots. The introduction of laneway housing will not only add more housing options in the community but also increase property values and give landowners an additional means to generate income through rentals as well.

Single Storey Parking Structure

Poor Pedestrian Experience

Existing Building Coverage

31%

15.

2M

.5M

Front yard 3m Setback

36

Existing Condition

Soft Landscaping Minimum 5m

Rear Landscaping Minimum 1.5m

.5M

Windows & Decks facing lane

36

Main Building Coverage: 45% of plot area

15

.2M

Direct Access from lane

168

Provisional parking 3M Maximum Height 2 storeys Maximum Laneway Coverage: 20% of plot area

Proposed Laneway Improvement

169

Land Use & Built Form Main Street, 20th Ave Our concept for the main street is to serve as an extension of the existing commercial node to fill in the amenities gap by creating a place for local businesses such as coffee shops, repair shops, daycares to thrive. We have added a co-working space and library as an extension to the Community Association where people can find a place to work or study in proximity to the community park and socialize with other members.

To celebrate Banff Trail and being one of the older neighborhoods in Calgary, façade guidelines will give a historic and contemporary character to the street, and the shared street with no curbs and street trees will breakdown the scale and create an intimate pedestrian experience that Is accessible and becomes a destination in the community.

Residential UnitsInactive Frontage

Stand Alone Commercial Unit Single Storey Parking Structure

Poor Pedestrian Experience

Wide Setbacks

Wide Roads

Street Facing Parking Lot

Concept Diagram Breakdown of scale & Massing

Spillout Spaces

Addition of co-working Treatments Pop -ups withFacade facades space & community cafe Awnings Storefronts with glazing

Existing Condition

Shared Street 20th Ave Branton School

Healthcare Services

Private podium level Community Association

Residential Types Live/Work Units Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments

170

Commercial Types Tech Repair Shop Laundromat Eye Clinic Gym/Yoga Center Coffee Shops

Live/Work Units

Proposed Main Street Experience

171

Implementation Strategy Concept

Policy Statements 20th Avenue Main Street

Laneway Guidelines

Missing Middle Housing

Method

Location

Zoning Changes

Funding

Partners

Policy + Guidelines

172

Design + Planning

Policy + Guidelines

Design + Planning

•

To allow for a built form that reflects the changing needs of Banff Trail, strategic areas of the community must be up-zoned, as outlined on our proposed land use and zoning map.

•

Buildings along the 20th avenue Main Street should be set back 2m from the property line to allow for spill out space.

•

Buildings along the Main Street must have clear glazing street facing storefronts with awnings over exterior spill out spaces.

•

Banff Trail Park land use should be examined to determine a flexible designation that would preserve the park and recreational uses of this space, while allowing for an expansion of the community association building to feature a new co-working space and library.

•

New commercial or mixed-use developments within Banff Trail must have service and parking access routed through rear service lanes. No streetfacing parking lots will be allowed.

•

New laneway housing must have direct access from the laneway. The maximum building height for a laneway house is 2 storeys. A minimum of 1.5m must be preserved in front of the laneway house for landscaping.

Laneway houses may cover no more than 20% of the plot area. Bike parking must be provided in all laneway developments- an additional 3M of provisional parking can be provided where possible within plot width.

Recommendations Local Businesses

• • • • • • • •

Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Funding Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (Govt. of Alberta) Housing Accelerator Fund (CMHC) Dual Credit – Enhancement (Govt. of Alberta) Funding for Schools (Govt. of Alberta) Stepping Stone Grants (Calgary Foundation) ActivateYYC Grant (Federation of Calgary Communities) City of Calgary Neighbourhood Grants

Home/Land Owners

•

We recommend façade treatments along the 20th avenue main street that reflect the unique character of Banff Trail. A combination of materiality and textures must be used to give a contemporary and historic character to the street.

173

Motel Village Redesign Site Observations

We know that there is a need for housing and adding density can be a challenge and Banff Trail has the best opportunity to create a vibrant community at the Motel Village. However, there are some challenges such as: • • • • • • •

Underutilized Lots Inactive Street Edge Missing Connections Poor Alley Experience Wind Tunnel Connection to green buffer

Disconnection with the rest of the community due to LRT route Lack of Transit-Oriented Development Lack of diverse housing options Crowchild Trail west of Motel Village Lack of any pedestrian or cyclist infrastructure Lack of any parks or open space for recreation Underutilized plots

In order to realize the areas complete potential we are transforming Motel village with the following goal:

Concept Goal Create the B.E.A.T. community - a bustling, energetic, accessible, and thriving transit-oriented hub that intensifies commercial, residential, and public realm activities in Banff Trail.

Site Observations - Existing Conditions

Unactivated Alleyway 174

Poor connectivity at South of Motel Village

Lack of diversity 175

Motel Village Redesign

Fort Worth, Texas

Concept Approach Seebach, Zurich Elizabeth Street Garden, NYC

01

Kowloon, Hong Kong

Major Intersections

Zoning

02

Green Network

20th

Tr

9 storeys

an

s

Ca

na

da

Hi

gh

w

ay

Aven

ue N

W

03

Legend ve

A 0th

2

NW

26 storeys

Street Improvements

Pedestrian Network & Active Frontage

Built Form

PLAN630: Advanced Professional Planning Studio 13.April.2024

176

Crowchild Trail NW

Banff Trail

Multi-Family Housing Senior Housing Student Housing Offices Retail Commercial Institutional Hotel Active Frontage

Scan for 360 Views of our Pedestrian Street!

In our design you can see how the public experience drastically changes as you get off the Banff Trail LRT and land into a vibrant open plaza bordered by a shared street with spill out cafes to the east, the senior housing complex to the north and hotel apartments on either side. You can then move down ourPLAN630: shared street with active frontages on both sides or takeProfessional a meanderingPlanning walk through Advanced Studio our programmed green plaza. The site is anchored on the southern edge with 13.April.2024 our event space, like C space in Calgary - offering creative studio spaces and an event hall bordered by the Miyawaki mini forest as well as a large sign that marks the approach into the community.

177

Motel Village Redesign B.E.A.T. Community

Site Plan & Sections

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1

Hotel Welcome Plaza Senior housing Mixed-use residential Student housing Flex Space - Commercial Mini forest

Banff Trail LRT Station 2

3

Street Detail Crowchild Trail NW

Alley Conversion to Shared Street

4

Raised crossing from 20th Ave NW 178

Street Detail

5

W

e NW

il N

Tra

g Passa

nff

Ba

Banff

5

4 6 7

Trans-Canada Highway

179

Welcome Plaza - Banff Trail LRT

180

Approach from the Trans-Canada Highway

Shared Street

181

Implementation Strategy Concept

Recommendations Streetscape Improvements

Park & Plaza Programming

20th Avenue At-grade crossing

Method

Location

TOD Densification

Design + Planning

Design + Planning

Design + Planning

•

provide underground parking, limiting surface parking to the greatest possible extent,

•

feature green roofs for improved biodiversity and to support pollinator corridors,

•

consider green connectivity to adjacent plots,

•

reserve green and recreational spaces outdoors to allow for the development of sport courts,

•

feature a landscaped setback that would support Banff Trail’s urban forest,

•

ensure plazas and larger public realm spaces are south-facing, or have a north-south linear orientation for improved sun exposure,

•

and feature active frontages along Banff Trail NW.

Funding

Partners

Design + Planning

New developments with the motel village should:

182

• • • • • • • • • • •

Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Funding Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (Govt. of Alberta) Housing Accelerator Fund (CMHC) Dual Credit – Enhancement (Govt. of Alberta) Funding for Schools (Govt. of Alberta) Stepping Stone Grants (Calgary Foundation) ActivateYYC Grant (Federation of Calgary Communities) City of Calgary Neighbourhood Grants Building Communities Grant (Parks Foundation Calgary) City of Calgary Capital Projects (City of Calgary) Calgary Safer Mobility Plan (City of Calgary)

183

Tactical Urbanism & Wayfinding Tactical urbanism can be applied strategically throughout the site to improve pedestrian safety and increase the vibrancy of the public realm.

Art Crosswalks

Art crosswalks and painted curb extensions offer an opportunity to showcase local artist talent and reflect a sense of community identity.

Pop-up bike paths can be utilized on streets with informal or unprotected bike lanes as a way to add safety and aesthetic appeal to a street.

Painted Curb Extensions

Pop-Up Bike Paths

Intersections Bike Path Wayfinding Spots

184

185

Community Identity & Placemaking

To support a sense of community identity, we have created a set of branding tools for Banff Trail. This logo and set of colours can be applied to community flags along street poles, street signs, even signage and maps, and community signs at entry points and at the Banff Trail Community Association.

BANFF TRAIL

The font style and colours reflect the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the community, inviting both residents and visitors to feel at home, wherever they are in Banff Trail.

SCAN FOR MORE

186

187

“

First life, then spaces, then buildings - the other way around never works. ” - Jan Gehl

Conclusion

Recommendation Summary

Open Spaces • • • • • •

Banff Trail Greenway School Field Recreation Park Redesign Alleyway Activation Green Design Guidelines Urban Forest Strategy Mobility

• • • • •

Active Transportation Mobility Network Streetscape Redesign Pedestrian Safety & Universal Accessibility Tactical Urbanism Land Use & Built Form

• • • •

Zoning Recommendations Main Street - 20th Avenue Missing Middle Housing Laneway Guidelines Motel Village Redesign

• • • •

190

Densification Mixed Use TOD Improved Connectivity Programmed Parks & Open Spaces

191

Implementation Strategy To envision the recommended strategies, Sukoon has outlined a timeline of implementation for the Banff Trail Community Association, starting with easily implementable tactical interventions. These initial actions are designed to quickly show visible improvements and lay the groundwork for more extensive changes.

Following these initial improvements, we suggest that the Community Association consider updating relevant policies to support and sustain these changes. This is crucial for laying the foundation for further development.

Tactical Interventions

Public Outreach

Our proposed plan progresses through a series of short-term and long-term projects, building upon the early tactical interventions and subsequent policy updates. We recommend concluding this phased approach with comprehensive policy implementation. This final phase would involve significant developments, such as transforming main streets and updating land use regulations, aimed at systematically reshaping the Banff Trail community in line with our urban planning vision. These suggestions provide a roadmap for the Community Association to follow, ensuring a structured and effective implementation of the proposed developments.

Short-Term Development

Policy Updates

Long-Term Development

Policy Implementation

Present

• • • • • • • •

192

Wayfinding Pop-up Bike Lanes Alleyway Activation Intersection Safety Art Crosswalks Painted Curbs Parklets Parking to Patio

30+ years

• • •

Education & Awareness Community Workshops Open Houses

• • •

Land-Use Bylaws Amendments Green Design Guidelines Laneway Guidelines

• • •

Street Trees Active Transportation Mobility Network

• • • •

Streetscape Redesign Banff Trail Greenway Parks Programming Motel Village Redesign

• • •

Implementation of Land Use Changes for development Main Street Development Missing Middle Housing development

Scale

Budget

193

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2500 NW University Drive, Calgary sukoonstudio_