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PLAN630-2026 (Imran, Wisla, Islam, Nishad) Report

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ALDEA C O N S U L T I N G Mehar Imran | Robert Wisla | Rabita Islam | Nupur Nishad

North Haven/Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Plan Project PLAN 630: Advanced Professional Planning Studio

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to acknowledge that we are gathered in the Thorncliffe-Greenview/North Haven area of Calgary, which is located on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7. This includes the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai Nations—as well as the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Stoney Nakoda Nations, including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. We honour the histories, cultures, and enduring connections to this land, and we recognize our shared responsibility to move forward in the spirit of respect, reconciliation, and relationship.

ALDEA CONSULTING

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Instructor Francisco Alaniz Uribe MEDes-Urban Design / RPP MCIP Steering Committee: Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Association Alison Abbott Patrick Sauders Stacey McDade North Haven Community Association Celina Baharally Meritt Kularatne Karen Boudewyn City of Calgary Scott Thomson CivicWorks Natan Stelfox Federation of Calgarian Communities Afrah Reyes The Citizens + Students Program brings local residents and students together to explore our neighbourhood through research, mapping, and lived experience. Aldea Consulting is proud to be part of this program and to help provide new ideas for the future of the neighhourhoods.

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PROJECT TEAM

MEHAR IMRAN BUF’ 21 | MPLAN’ 26

RABITA ISLAM BA’ 22 | MPLAN’ 26

ROBERT WISLA BJOUR’ 19 | MPLAN’ 26

NUPUR NISHAD BARCH’24 | MPLAN’ 26

SENIOR PLANNER

PLANNER/ ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

PLANNER/SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT

URBAN DESIGNER

Mehar Imran brings over four years of experience in community engagement, environmental education, and public programming. Her work focuses on urban ecology, climate action, and equitable community planning, with a strong interest in urban forestry and fostering resilient, inclusive communities.

Rabita Islam holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, informing her understanding of how people relate to place and community. With experience in crisis response and resource and information referral, she brings a relational, communityfocused approach to planning practice.

Robert Wisla has an extensive background in public relations and community outreach having previously worked with several environmental nonprofits and as a national award winning journalist. His work in planning focuses on rural resilience, natural disaster management and sustainability.

Nupur Nishad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, where she developed a foundation in architectural and urban design. Her training shaped her interest in planning, sustainability, and in equitable community development. As part of our consultancy team, she brings a design-led, interdisciplinary approach to creating inclusive urban environments.

ALDEA CONSULTING

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At Aldea Consulting, our philosophy is to bring community forward ideas to fruition by fostering equitable connections between people and nature and promoting intergenerational accessibility to build a sustainable, resilient future for all. Our student-led team from the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape combines backgrounds in planning, architecture, human sciences, and journalism to provide a design-led, interdisciplinary approach to urban environments. In partnership with the North Haven and Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Associations, Aldea developed a long-term vision clarifying how these neighbourhoods should evolve in the next 20-25 years. Our primary objective was to produce a concise planning and design framework, a practical toolkit for board decision-making, resident engagement, and advocacy with City Administration. Key areas of focus included housing and density, where we identified appropriate housing options to support community growth; commercial activation, which brought amenities and businesses closer to residents across both communities; active mobility, through improvements to safety and connectivity for walking and cycling routes; and the public realm, where we enhanced parks, natural environments, and public spaces to strengthen residents' connection to nature. Our approach was rooted in meaningful engagement and careful analysis of existing conditions. Through workshops and open houses, we platformed diverse perspectives to ensure the resulting plans reflected the community's lived experience. This collaborative process produced detailed urban morphology studies and base maps capturing the site's physical, demographic, and historic context. Our planning strategies are grounded in a complex hierarchy of federal, provincial, and municipal regulations. We navigated specific constraints and prioritized solutions that were built on precedents and best practices. The resulting framework reflects the shared priorities of North Haven and Thorncliffe-Greenview residents, offering a clear and actionable vision for how these communities can grow equitably and sustainably. By grounding recommendations in both rigorous analysis and genuine community input, we have delivered a document that empowers residents and community association boards to advocate confidently for the future they want to see.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Legal Framework................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Project Understanding........................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Methodology........................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Project Schedule..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Project Budget........................................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Site Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Site Analysis............................................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Public Engagement................................................................................................................................................................................ 55 Land Use Design Approaches............................................................................................................................................................... 62 Residential Policy Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 67 Residential Design Concepts.......................................................................................................................................................... 68 Non Residential Policy Overview................................................................................................................................................... 77 Non Residential Design Concepts................................................................................................................................................. 78 Mobility Design Approaches................................................................................................................................................................. 85 Policy Overview................................................................................................................................................................................ 88 Design Concepts.............................................................................................................................................................................. 90 Parks and Open Spaces Design Approaches..................................................................................................................................... 95 Policy Overview................................................................................................................................................................................ 98 Design Concepts.............................................................................................................................................................................. 102 Community Showcase............................................................................................................................................................................ 111 References................................................................................................................................................................................................ 113

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LETTER OF INTEREST PLAN 630 Advanced Planning Studio School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 January 16th, 2026 To, North Haven and Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Associations Subject: Expression of interest Respected board members, We are writing to express our interest in collaborating with the Community Associations of North Haven and Thorncliffe-Greenview on a community planning project that will help your board clarify a long‑term vision for how your community should grow and evolve, better understand and respond to current and future land use and redevelopment proposals, and identify concrete opportunities to improve mobility, public spaces, and the natural environment. Our student team from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape is committed to inclusive, sustainable, and practical urban design, and we see a strong alignment between your priorities and our studio objectives. In particular, we are prepared to focus on appropriate density and housing options, safe and connected walking and cycling routes, enhancement of parks and the public realm, and strategies that support environmental resilience. The studio consists of four students with backgrounds in planning, human and environmental sciences, and related disciplines, supported by experienced faculty. Together, we can develop a concise planning and design framework that your association can rely on as a guiding document for your planning and development committee, as a reference for engaging residents and neighbouring communities, and as an evidence‑based resource when communicating with City Administration, your Ward councillor, and potential funding partners. Our work would include community engagement activities such as a workshop and open house with a focus on platforming diverse perspectives, analysis of existing conditions, and the creation of clear maps, diagrams, and design concepts that translate community priorities into actionable ideas. The final materials will be organized so they can be shared easily in board meetings, public communications, and future grant applications, giving your association a practical toolkit to support decision‑making and advocacy. We would be pleased to meet at your convenience to discuss potential project directions, timelines, and how our work can best complement your ongoing initiatives. Thank you for considering this expression of interest. Sincerely, Mehar I., Rabita I., Nupur N., Robert W. ALDEA Consulting

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INTRODUCTION At Aldea Consulting, we see planning as a shared act of care for people and the places they inhabit. Communities are shaped by relationships - to land, to one another, and to the histories that move through them - and meaningful planning begins by paying attention to those connections over time. Our work grows from social and behavioural insight, environmental understanding, design thinking, and careful communication. We listen closely, then translate lived experience into plans that support everyday life, strengthen connections between people and nature, and respond thoughtfully to local context. With respect for Indigenous presence and stewardship, we approach land as living and relational, not simply as space to be organized. This perspective guides our commitment to equity, accessibility, climate resilience, and long-term care. We work across scales and disciplines, attentive to both immediate needs and long horizons. Our approach is shaped by patience, care, and the understanding that strong communities are not imposed, but slowly formed through trust, connection, and time.

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LEGAL FRAMEWORK STATUTORY CALGARY PLAN (MUNICIPAL) The Calgary Plan (Integrated Municipal Development Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan) which guides Calgary’s overall growth into one cohesive strategy. For North Haven - Thorncliffe - Greenview, this document dictates that the communities must focus on "infill" development rather than outward sprawl, (City of Calgary, 2024). NORTH HILL LOCAL AREA PLAN (MUNICIPAL) The North Hill Local Area Plan is a localized statutory document which provides the specific vision for Thorncliffe and Greenview south of McKnight Blvd. It maps out different areas based on "Urban Form" and "Scale," telling developers exactly where the city wants to see small-scale rowhouses versus larger-scale apartment buildings near transit hubs like Centre Street. The North Hill Heritage Guidelines also apply to the portion of the site south of McKnight Blvd, (City of Calgary, 2021a). LAND USE BYLAW 1P2007 (MUNICIPAL) Land Use Bylaw (1P2007) is the law that governs what can be built on parcels in the neighbourhood. It defines the "Zoning" (like R-CG or H-GO), setting rigid rules for building heights, how far a house must be from the sidewalk (setbacks), and how many parking stalls are required, (City of Calgary, 2007). AIRPORT PROTECTION AND ZONING REGULATIONS (FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL) The Airport Vicinity Protection Area is a provincial regulation designed to ensure that land use under flight paths is compatible with aircraft noise. It uses Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) contours—essentially "noise zones"—to determine what can be built. These impact the southwestern most part of the site area. (Government of Alberta, 2021). While the AVPA deals with noise, the Calgary International Airport Zoning Regulations (a Federal regulation under the Aeronautics Act) deals with height and safety. As this is a federal regulation it supersedes all local and provincial zoning laws, (Government of Canada, 1978)

GREEN LINE LRT STAGE 1 PLAN (MUNICIPAL) Green Line LRT Stage 1 Plan is a high-level infrastructure and land-use document that specifically impacts land within 600 meters of the future Green Line stations. It triggers "Transit Oriented Development" (TOD) rules, which legally permit higher density and lower parking requirements for buildings near the proposed Thorncliffe LRT station and significant changes to Centre St. (City of Calgary, 2020).

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LEGAL FRAMEWORK

NON-STATUTORY

There are several key planning documents that guide and limit how neighbourhoods such as North Haven -Thorncliffe - Greenview and Skyline West are redesigned in the City of Calgary. These plans and policy’s are both statutory and non-statutory. Statutory are legally binding while non-statutory are guiding documents.

COMPLETE STREETS GUIDE (MUNICIPAL) The Complete Streets Policy and Guide dictates how the "public realm" (sidewalks, boulevards, and street trees) must be built to ensure the street is safe and accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike, (City of Calgary, 2014a)

MAIN STREETS POLICY (MUNICIPAL) The Main Streets Policy specifically targets Centre Street and 4th Street NW. It treats these roads as "Main Streets" rather than just thoroughfares. Legally, it encourages "Mixed-Use" developments, buildings with retail or cafes on the ground floor and several stories of residential units above to create a more walkable, vibrant commercial core for Thorncliffe, (City of Calgary, 2014b).

GUIDEBOOK FOR GREAT COMMUNITIES (MUNICIPAL) Guidebook for Great Communities acts as the technical manual used to write the Local Area Plans. It defines the categories used in the North Hill LAP, such as "Neighborhood Local" or "Neighborhood Connector" providing the standard definitions for what those areas should look and feel like, ensuring consistency across all Calgary neighborhoods as they redevelop, (City of Calgary, 2021c).

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PROJECT UNDERSTANDING

GOAL The goal of this project is to collaboratively develop a community planning and urban design framework for the North Haven and ThorncliffeGreenview communities. The framework will help clarify a longterm vision for how the communities should grow and evolve, support informed responses to land use and redevelopment proposals, and identify opportunities to enhance mobility, public spaces, housing options, and environmental resilience.

OBJECTIVE Define a shared long-term vision for North Haven and ThorncliffeGreenview Identify key opportunities, challenges, and constraints related to land use, redevelopment, housing, mobility, public space, and the natural environment. Collaborate with community association members, residents, and other stakeholders through inclusive and accessible engagement activities. Develop design and planning strategies to improve walking and cycling safety, connectivity, and access to daily needs. Produce clear, visually accessible materials and actionable recommendations that support implementation and advocacy.

SCOPE Community Engagement- Designing and facilitating engagement activities such as a community workshop and open house to gather diverse perspectives and local knowledge. Existing Conditions AnalysisReviewing current land use patterns, transportation networks, housing types, parks and open spaces, environmental features, and relevant municipal policies. Mobility and ConnectivityIdentifying opportunities to improve pedestrian and cycling routes, safety, accessibility, and connections within and between the communities. Parks, Public Realm, and Natural EnvironmentEnhancing parks, public spaces, streetscapes, and natural areas to support social interaction, recreation, and environmental resilience.

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PROJECT UNDERSTANDING KEY ISSUES

Housing options within the communities are limited, with a predominance of single-detached housing and fewer options for diverse household types, ages, and incomes. Balancing appropriate density, affordability, and community context is a key challenge. Environmental protection and resilience are increasingly important, particularly in relation to climate impacts, natural systems, and long-term sustainability. Integrating environmental considerations into planning and design decisions is essential for future community wellbeing. Mobility and connectivity remain key challenges, as buses are the only available form of public transport. Although walking and cycling are important travel modes, gaps in infrastructure, safety concerns, and physical barriers between neighbourhoods restrict access to local amenities, parks, and essential services.

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PROJECT UNDERSTANDING STAKEHOLDERS

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS The Thorncliffe‑Greenview and North Haven Community Associations represent local residents and manage recreation programs, events, and community initiatives. They are key voices in neighbourhood planning and advocacy

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Local schools include Thorncliffe Elementary, North Haven Elementary, Corpus Christi (Catholic), and John G. Diefenbaker High School. These institutions serve students of all ages and are overseen by the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic Separate School District.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT The City of Calgary Planning & Development and the local Ward Councillor Office guide zoning, development, and policy decisions. City Parks & Recreation manages Nose Hill Park, Nose Creek, and other green spaces, linking ecological stewardship with community use.

Friends of Nose Creek

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS Groups including the Friends of Nose Hill Society, Friends of Nose Creek, and Nature Calgary protect and promote local natural areas. They provide expertise and advocacy for ecological considerations in planning decisions in the locality.

INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS The Greenview Industrial BIA and local employers, including auto, manufacturing, and service businesses, are important stakeholders in economic and land-use planning. Their operations shape both employment and the character of the area.

RESIDENTS & GRASSROOTS GROUPS Residents, often engaged through community associations, are central to neighbourhood life. Volunteer or grassroots groups focusing on youth, senior, safety, or cultural programs also contribute to community vitality and advocacy.

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METHODOLOGY

OVERVIEW Aldea Consulting employs a phased, mixed-methods methodology grounded in established planning research practices - including document analysis, systematic field observation, GIS-based quantitative mapping, and thematic qualitative synthesis - while integrating participatory elements at scheduled community touchpoints to empower residents in co-creating the ThorncliffeGreenview and North Haven neighbourhood plan. This methodology precisely follows the project's five phases, ensuring logical progression from data gathering to final delivery, with traditional research rigor enhanced by community collaboration.

ALDEA CONSULTING

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

Project Initiation

Neighbourhood Site Analysis

Project foundations are laid through comprehensive document analysis of municipal policies (e.g., Municipal Development Plan, Local Area Plans), census statistics, historical records, and GIS datasets, establishing quantitative baselines for demographics, land use patterns, housing typologies, and infrastructure conditions. Simultaneously, project orientation orients the team and steering committee on objectives, roles, and timelines, while a review of legal and policy frameworks identifies opportunities, constraints, and regulatory alignments.

Fieldwork drives this phase with structured walkabouts featuring observational audits, photo documentation, measurements, and checklists to catalog built form, street conditions, public realm quality, and activity patterns. GIS overlay analysis quantifies land use distribution, density gradients, site conditions (topography, drainage), green/open space networks, and mobility corridors, culminating in SWOT profiling of socio-economic trends and vulnerabilities. Participatory walking workshops engage residents as co-observers, with a steering committee preview ensuring local validation of findings.

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PHASE 3

PHASE 4

PHASE 5

Engagement & Concepts

Concept Design

Review & Finalization

Mixed-methods public engagement via collaborative workshops captures aspirations and priorities, with input thematically coded to inform conceptual land use designs, community facility proposals, and preliminary directions for growth, mobility, and amenities. Community workshops provide handson review through mapping stations, narrative opportunities, and prioritization exercises like dot-voting, directly shaping viable concept options.

Iterative desk reviews and field verification refine concepts into cohesive frameworks for land use, public realm enhancements, and infrastructure. Final design presentations to the steering committee elicit structured feedback via rubrics on clarity, feasibility, and alignment, enabling targeted revisions that polish the proposals without overlap.

Synthesis workshops compile engagement reports, integrating all feedback into a final design with detailed policies, implementation roadmaps (short/medium/long-term actions), and visuals. Steering ratification and open houses confirm community buy-in, leading to report assembly with traceability matrices. The complete submission - document, posters, and digital files - delivers a robust, actionable neighbourhood plan.

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METHODOLOGY

Site Visit January 22

Project Initiation

Community Workshop March 7

Neighbourhood Site Analysis

1 Presentation to Steering Committee February 26

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

ALDEA CONSULTING

Conceptual Design

3 Presentation to Steering Committee April 16

Concept Design Revision

2 Presentation to Steering Committee March 20

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

Final Design

FINAL REPORT

Open House April 18

PHASE 5

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PROJECT SCHEDULE JANUARY

Phase 1 : Project Understanding

Lead

1.1 Project Initiation

Team

1.2 Review of Legal Framework

Team

1.3 Review of Data/Base Mapping

Team

1.4 Project Timeline/Budget

Team

W1

W2

MARCH

FEBRUARY

W3

W4

W5

W6

W7

W8

APRIL

W 9 W 10 W 11 W 12 W 13 W 14 W 15

Phase 2 : Site Analysis 2.1 Community Profile

Team

2.2 Site Visit (Jan. 22)

Team

2.3 SWOT Analysis

Team

2.4 Land Use + Functions

Robert/Rabita

2.5 Open Space Analysis

Mehar

2.6 Traffic + Mobility

Nupur

2.7 Presentation to Steering Committee (Feb. 26)

Team

Phase 3 : Engagement/Concept Design 3.1 Review of analysis and Committee feedback

Team

3.2 Concept Design Drafting

Nupur

3.3 Model Prototype Creation

Robert

3.4 Community Workshop (March 7)

Team

Phase 4 : Concept Design Review 4.1 Workshop Review/What we heard

Rabita

4.2 Concept Design Revision

Nupur

4.3 Presentation to Steering Committee (March 20)

Team

Phase 5 : Design Finalization 5.1 Review of Committee feedback

Rabita

5.2 Concept Design Revisions

Robert

5.3 Final Presentation to Steering Committee (April 16)

Team

5.4 Open House Presentation (April 18)

Team

5.4 Final Report Submission (April 22)

Team

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BUDGET Phase 1 : Project Understanding 1.1 Project Initiation 1.2 Review of Legal Framework 1.3 Review of Data/Base Mapping 1.4 Project Timeline/Budget Subtotal

Phase 2 : Site Analysis 2.1 Community Profile 2.2 Site Visit 2.3 SWOT Analysis 2.4 Land Use + Functions 2.5 Open Space Analysis 2.6 Traffic + Mobility 2.7 Presentation to Steering Committee Subtotal

$250/hr

$175/hr

$150/hr

$150/hr

MEHAR

NUPUR

RABITA

ROBERT

Senior Planner

Urban Designer

Engagement Specialist/Planner

Communications Specialist/Planner

1

3

3

TOTAL HOURS

SUBTOTAL FEE

EXPENSES

TOTAL

3

10

$1675

$117

$1792

27

$4375

$306

$4681

2

5

10

10

2

10

10

10

32

$5250

2

4

5

5

16

$368 $189

$2889

7

22

28

28

85

$2700 $14000

$980

$14980

2

5

15

20

42

$6625

$464

$7089

0

4

4

4

12

$1900

$133

1

2

5

5

13

$2100

$147

$2033 $2247

3

8

15

20

46

$7400

3

8

10

12

33

$5450

2

5

8

12

$4375

$5832 $4682

1

2

27 5

$518 $382 $306 $61 $2011

$30736

1

1

$7918

$936

12

33

58

75

178

$875 $28725

2

3

15

10

30

$4775

$334

$5109

5

10

5

20

40

$6750

$7223

22

$3625

9

$473 $254 $112 $1173

Phase 3 : Engagement/Concept Design 3.1 Review of analysis and Committee feedback 3.2 Concept Design Drafting 3.3 Model Prototype Creation 3.4 Community Workshop

$5618

2

5

5

10

2

2

2

3

$3879 $1712

11

20

27

43

101

$1600 $16750

4.1 Workshop Review/What we heard 4.2 Concept Design Revision 4.3 Presentation to Steering Committee

2

5

20

10

37

$5875

$411

$6286

Subtotal

$6420 $776 $13482

Subtotal

$17923

Phase 4 : Concept Design Review 5

10

5

15

35

$6000

$420

1

1

1

1

4

8

16

26

26

76

$725 $12600

$51 $882

5

4

15

10

34

$5700

5

10

5

15

35

$6000

1

1

1

2

5

$875

$399 $420 $61

1

1

1

2

5

$875

$61

8 24

10 32

10

$5650 $19100

$6046

39

33 112

$396

Subtotal

5 17

$1337

$20437

Total

55

115

171

211

552

$91175

$6382

$97557

Phase 5 : Design Finalization 5.1 Review of Committee feedback 5.2 Concept Design Revisions 5.3 Final Presentation to Steering Committee 5.4 Open House Presentation 5.4 Final Report Submission

Total with 5% GST

ALDEA CONSULTING

$6099 $6420 $936 $936

$102435

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SITE INTRODUCTION

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COMMUNITY CONTEXT Project Site

The project site is composed of five neighbourhood districts each with their own unique character; Thorncliffe, Greenview, North Haven, Upper North Haven and Skyline West. Centre Street runs down the middle of the site with the boundaries roughly set at McKnight Blvd in the south, 64th Avenue in the north, 14th Street in the West and Deerfoot Trail to the East.

ALDEA CONSULTING

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HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1880s – 1940s Following the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, the land was surveyed and sold to large-scale farming operations

1960s - 1970s

1980s - 2000s

Development began in North Haven in 1963. Planners utilized the community's "foothills" character, designing winding roads that followed the natural contours of the area

In 1991, the City officially subdivided the large Thorncliffe/Greenview planning area into three distinct neighborhoods

Pre-1880

1940s - 1950's

1970s - 1980s

For millennia, this land has been the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), including the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations, the Îyârhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations

Thorncliffe was officially established in 1954 after the City of Calgary annexed the northern plateau in 1953

The 1970s were defined by a large grassroots movement to save Nose Hill from a large residential development.

2000s - Present As these neighborhoods mature, the community is seeing movement to infill development

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DEMOGRAPHICS CENSUS (2021) Thorncliffe-Greenview

Nor th Haven

Owners

0-14

Renters

100

15-24

15-24

80

20

15

10

5

0

5

10

15

20

25

AGE PYRAMID

ar

y

w

lg

ie

Ca

25

N or

30

nv

85+

fe

85+

0 lif

70-84

Gr ee

70-84

20

nc

55-69

s

55-69

40

Th or

40-54

av en

40-54

60

H

25-39

th

25-39

12%

5+ persons 10%

1 person 20%

1 person 26% 4 persons 16%

3 persons 18%

150,000 to $199,999 125,000 to $149,999 100,000 to $124,999 80,000 to $99,999 60,000 to $79,999 40,000 to $59,999 20,000 to $39,999 Under $20,000

OWN VS. RENT

5+ persons 4% 4 persons

NORTH HAVEN

THORNCLIFFEGREENVIEW

3 persons 16% 2 persons 46%

HOUSEHOLD SIZE ALDEA CONSULTING

2 persons 32%

Thorncliffe-Greenview

200000+

0

5

% Visible Minority

DIVERSITY

0-14

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

North Haven

10

15

20

% All Immigrants

% Recent Immigrants 40 30 20 10 0

North Haven

Greenview

Thorncliffe

The area shows two distinct demographic profiles. North Haven trends older, with higher homeownership, larger household sizes, and higher incomes. Thorncliffe–Greenview is younger and more diverse, with a greater share of renters, smaller households, and a wider range of incomes, including more lower-income households. Together, the data reflects a mixed community with differing housing needs, tenure patterns, and levels of diversity across neighbourhoods.

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LA

NGUAGE

ED

KEI CARE C

E

R

2.

TE

W

G

N

1

IN

ION

1 . CH

AT

IN

SE

UC

E

RESIDENT VIGNETTES

2

4.

CH I

NATOW

I

HUB

4

US

SS

3 . SUPE

RM

AR

NE

3

AND B KET

N

Mandarin Cantonese

THORNCLIFFE

NORTH HAVEN

GREENVIEW

The Wong family bought a house in 1984, raising their daughter Cathy while working as chefs in Chinatown. As she had children of her own, Cathy chose to settle near her parents to retain her heritage.

The Davidoffs have spent many happy years with their two children in their backyard. Though the kids have left the nest to pursue their dreams, Jane and Paul continue to tend to their garden as their health allows.

Mariam is just starting life in Canada as a caregiver. As a newcomer, she was overjoyed to have found a small rental apartment in her limited budget with good access to transit until she’s ready to put down roots in the city.

CULTURAL LAYERS

0

2

4

8

The communities along Centre Street N reflect a strong Chinese presence, extending north from Calgary Chinatown. Shaped by waves of immigration from Hong Kong, this is evident in the concentration of Cantonese speakers, along with Chinese-serving businesses, cultural institutions, and a seniors centre that support community life along the corridor.

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URBAN MORPHOLOGY HISTORICAL EVOLUTION 1953

1956

Farming & ranching dominate areas land use

1969

ALDEA CONSULTING

th

and Centre

1984

Construction begins on Upper NH and realigning Nose Creek into a straighter course

Developed Area

Thorncliffe develops in flatter areas 4 St. are extended north

1962

Construction completes on Skyline West Industrial Park and Northeast Thorncliffe

Lower North Haven and Greenview near completion

2023

Community continues to slowly densify along Centre St. and Nose Creek fully straightened

Creeks

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BUILT FORM ANALYSIS

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BUILT FORM CURRENT LAND USE Across the communities low density residential is the dominate land use accounting for over 57% of land use, this is especially prevalent in North Haven and Thorncliffe. Most of the medium density residential is focused in Greenview north of McKnight Blvd. and the Huntcliffe Gardens and Oak Hill Estate complexes along 64th Ave. in the north of the site. The east side of the site, across Nose Creek is dominated by industrial uses with the Edm. to Calgary CN Railway cutting though the industrial park. Residential Medium Density 9%%

Industrial 6%%

THORNCLIFFEGREENVIEW/ NORTH HAVEN LAND USE

LAND USE Residential- Low Density Residential- Medium Density Commercial Commercial - Core

ALDEA CONSULTING

Mixed Use Industrial Transportation & Utility Parks and Education

Instiutional Major Infrastructure Direct Control Hydrology

Parks, Rec and Education 20.7%%

Residential Low Density 57.4%%

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CURRENT LAND USE ZONING The Land Use Bylaw Zoning map for North Haven and Thorncliffe-Greenview serves as a regulatory visualization of Bylaw 1P2007, delineating the specific rules for building heights, setbacks, and parking requirements across the plan area. The map identifies a core of light-yellow Residential Grade-Oriented Infill (R-CG) zoning for low-density growth, while strategically clustering higher-density MultiResidential (M-CG, M-C1, M-C2) and Commercial (C-COR) zones along major transit spines like Centre Street.

R-CG

M-CG

M-C1

M-C2

LAND USE BYLAW ZONING C-C1 - Commerical, Community 1

S-CRI - Special Purpose, City + Regional Infrastructure

DC - Direct Control

C-COR2 - Commerical, Corridor 2

S-CS - Special Purpose, Community Service

I-G - Industrial, General

C-COR3 - Commerical, Corridor 3

S-FUD - Future Urban Development

M-C1 - Multi-Residential, Contextual Low Profile

C-N2 - Commerical, Neighbourhood 2

S-R - Special Purpose, Recreation

M-CG - Multi-Residential, Contextual Ground Oriented

C-R1- Commercial - Regional 1 District

S-SPR - Special Purpose,School, Park + Community Reserve

M-X2 - Multi-Residential – Medium Profile

S-CI - Special Purpose, Community Institution

S-UN - Special Purpose, Urban Nature

R-CG - Residential, Grade-Oriented Infill

27


BUILT FORM PROPERTY ASSESSMENT Medium Property Value in 2025: 569,000

Greenview and Thorncliffe offer some of the most accessible entry points into North Calgary, with a housing stock primarily composed of 1950s and 1960s bungalows on generous lots (Federation of Calgary Communities, n.d.). As of January 2026, single-family homes in these areas typically range from $520,000 to $600,000. (City of Calgary, 2026; Zolo, 2026). These communities are currently hotspots for densification, as market data indicates a return to balanced conditions where older bungalows are increasingly being replaced by modern multi-unit infills (Calgary Real Estate Board, 2026).

1 - 200K

200 - 400K

400 - 600K

600 - 800k

800 - 1M

1 - 2m+ 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0

1 - 200K

200 - 400K

400 - 600K

600 - 800k

800 - 1M

1 - 2m+

ASSESSED PROPERTY VALUES (2025) $1- 200k

200 - 400k

400 - 600k

600 - 800k

800k - 1m

1 - 2m+

ALDEA CONSULTING

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PROPERTY OWNERSHIP The community is primarily privately owned residential land, however, the City of Calgary owns significant parcels of land in the form of parks and recreation centres. There are also several properties owned by the city particularly along McKnight Blvd. as the City of Calgary originally planned to expand that corridor.

Photo Credit: Google Streetview th

4 & Northmount Dr. parking lot in the Towne Centre is owned by the City and presents a notable redevelopment opportunity

Public Land 28.6%

PRIVATE VS PUBLIC OWNERSHIP Site Boundary

Private Parcels

School Owned Land

City Owned Small Lot Parcels

City Owned Parkland

Private Land 71.4%

29


BUILT FORM AIRPORT REGULATIONS The site lies partly within the Provincially and Municipally regulated Calgary International Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA). This regulation created Noise Exposure Forecast Contour Areas (NFCA) which are designed to limit what kind of development is allowed near the airport (such as residential high rises limiting plane approaches). Greenview south of Mcknight Blvd. and half of Skyline West are in the AVPA, although only a part of Skyline West is in the 25 contour zone. This contour zone is the least restrictive area within the AVPA and almost all standard land uses are permitted here.

25

30

Not allowed uses in 25 Contour Zone: Campgrounds: These are specially prohibited because users are typically in tents or non-insulated structures, making them highly sensitive to aircraft noise for extended periods.

FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL AIRPORT RESTRICTIONS Site Boundary

Park Space

Buildings

AVPA Boundary

NEF Contours

Roads

ALDEA CONSULTING

30


BUILDING AGE The community was developed in 4 distinct periods, 1960-1970 (Thorncliffe and Greenview), 1980-1990 (North Haven) and 2000s to today (most of the Skyline West Industrial Park). More recent builds from the 2000s onwards have been higher density apartments and missing middle row houses. Given the age of buildings in Thorncliffe and Lower Greenview there is significant opportunity for redevelopment for higher density to replace aging housing stock. 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200

4 -2 02 Un 4 kn ow n

5

-2 01

14

20

20

05

-2 00

7

1

-1 99

91

19

97

4

99

-1

84

19

7

-1 98

77

-1 97

71

19

19

5

97

-1

65

19

9

-1 96 19

-1 95

59

1997 - 2005 2005 - 2024

25

1977 - 1984 1984 - 1991 1991 - 1997

19

1965 - 1971 1971- 1977 1971 - 1984

19

Site Boundary 1925 - 1959 1959 - 1965

1

0

BUILDING AGE

31


BUILT FORM ROAD NETWORK Buildings 16.6%

Open Space and Roads 83.4%

FRAGMENTED GRID

WARPED PARALLEL

GRID

FIGURE GROUND Site Boundary Urban Greenspace

ALDEA CONSULTING

Buildings

The road network reflects a shift from traditional grid patterns to more curvilinear suburban forms shaped by topography and phased development. Natural features and grading influenced warped and discontinuous street layouts, while newer neighbourhood design principles prioritized hierarchical roads and inward-facing residential streets. This has resulted in a fragmented grid with limited permeability, particularly in east–west connections, and a built form pattern where open space and road infrastructure dominate over building coverage.

32


MISSING TYPOLOGIES Duplex / semi 5%

COMMUNITY

SUPPORTED TYPOLOGIES

MISSING TYPOLOGIES NORTH HAVEN

North Haven

Single-detached Mature 55-84 age cohort High ownership Affluent couples Long-term stability (low turnover)

Apartments, townhouses, accessible duplexes Aging in place challenges Empty nesters wanting to downsize locally Adult children wanting to stay nearby

Single-detached 90% Apartment 8.9%

Townhouse 21.8%

Thorncliffe

Diverse mix Working-age families Some 3-4 person households Multi-generational integration

Newer accessible mid-rise, family rentals Aging diverse seniors Growing young families

THORNCLIFFE

Duplex 9.9%

Other / mixed 5%

Greenview

Low-rise apartments + townhouses 30-34 peak (young professionals) Significant renters and singles Recent immigrants

Ground-oriented family ownership (e.g. new row, duplex) Young families wanting to buy locally Multi-gen households needing space

Single-detached house 53.5%

Low-rise apartment 35%

Single / semi-detached 35%

GREENVIEW

Row / townhouse 25%

33


INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYSIS

34


INFRASTRUCTURE PUBLIC TRANSPORT Public transit service in the area is currently limited to bus routes. The MAX BRT line runs along Centre Street at approximately 10-minute intervals, providing connections south to downtown and north toward the airport. Despite this service, private vehicle use remains high, reflecting broader patterns across Calgary, as travel times by car are generally shorter than by transit. Looking ahead, the proposed Green Line LRT is expected to be transformative. With two planned stations within the community, it will significantly improve connectivity, reduce reliance on private vehicles, shorten travel times, and support the development of transit-oriented communities.

ALDEA CONSULTING

35


URBAN MORPHOLOGY EDUCATION & HEALTH FACILITIES 6 2

1

5

3

The area has strong overall access to schools, recreation, and health amenities, with most neighbourhoods falling within walkable catchments; however, these overlaps mask gaps in practical access. Limited east–west connectivity— particularly across arterial corridors— creates discontinuous routes, reducing the number of destinations that are comfortably walkable despite their proximity. This is reinforced by the distribution of schools, with elementary schools located within residential areas while junior and senior high schools are sited along arterials, requiring longer and less direct trips. Schools are generally near or over capacity, with TLC programs drawing higher out-of-area attendance. Overall, while regionally well-connected, local connectivity and walkability gaps constrain access to everyday destinations.

4

ALDEA CONSULTING

36


THORNCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

1) THORNCLIFFE SCHOOL

12 min

DOWNTOWN CALGARY

2) SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD

3) NORTH HAVEN SCHOOL

20 min

8 min

YYC AIRPORT

20 min

6 min

NOSE CREEK PARKWAY

35 min

TRAVEL TIME COMPARISON

4) JAMES FOWLER HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL CAPACITY Over

Near

OUT OF AREA ATTENDANCE Under

S rH le Fo w

es

Ja m

Di

ef en ba

ke r

H S

ld

ol

Colonel Sanders (+TLC) Thorncliffe (+TLC) North Haven School Sir John A. Macdonald Diefenbaker HS James Fowler HS 0%

2%

4% 6% Out Of Area %

8%

10%

Si

rJ oh

n

A.

M

ac do na

ho Sc

TL C) (+ N

or

th

H av en

nc lif fe or

er nd Sa on el Co l

Th

s

(+

TL C)

5) COLONEL SANDERS SCHOOL

School

120 100 80 60 40 20 0

6) JOHN G. DIEFENBAKER

37


INFRASTRUCTURE MOBILITY NETWORK The community is bounded by 4 major arterial roads, Deerfoot Trail, 64 Avenue NE, McKnight Boulevard, and 14 Street NW which provide strong vehicular access and connectivity to the broader city. Centre Street functions as the primary north–south spine, and serves as a key corridor.

C A

B

Internal mobility remains largely autooriented, with limited cycling infrastructure, primarily confined to green spaces. Toward the southern boundary, Centre Street is designated by the City as an urban boulevard, indicating future potential for wider sidewalks, enhanced landscaping, and a more pedestrian-oriented streetscape. Roadway conditions within the community can be understood in three distinct categories. The first category consists of quiet, low-density residential streets that prioritize neighborhood character. The second is the Centre Street corridor, which accommodates higher traffic volumes and presents greater commercial potential. The third category is the western edge of the community, which establishes a strong visual and spatial relationship with Nose Hill Park.

ALDEA CONSULTING

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SECTION A

SECTION B

SECTION C

0m

2m

4m

8m

39


INFRASTRUCTURE KEY INTERSECTIONS An analysis of key intersections highlights several important safety concerns within the community. Significant concentration of pedestrian-related incidents are observed along Centre Street and at the intersection of 4 Street NW and McKnight Boulevard.

D

Focusing on making the intersection more safer for pedestrians will help in improving accessibility and also make it safer for vehicular passage.

A B

C

Furthermore, the highest concentrations of vehicular incidents occur along Centre Street, John Laurie Boulevard, and McKnight Boulevard—major arterial corridors that prioritize vehicle movement. This emphasis on vehicular flow may be contributing to increased safety conflicts.

Collectively, these findings point to the need for targeted intersection improvements, including enhanced crosswalk visibility, signal timing adjustments, and traffic calming measures to improve overall Source:Calgary Traffic Counts System safety.

ALDEA CONSULTING

40


TOTAL PEDESTRIAN COUNTS

STREET

A.48 AV NW & JOHN LAURIE BV NW

B.CENTRE ST N & 64 AV NW

48 AV NW & JOHN LAURIE BV NW

53

CENTRE ST N & 64 AV NW

1560

4 ST NE & MCKNIGHT BV NW

380

CENTRE ST N & MCKNIGHT BV NE

457

SOURCE: Calgary Traffic Counts

C.4 ST NE & MCKNIGHT BV NW

D.CENTRE ST N & MCKNIGHT BV NE Pedestrian refuge island

41


INFRASTRUCTURE HEAVY INFRASTRUCTURE

UNDERPASS

POWERLINES

BRIDGES

Skyline West is a primarily industrial area located east of Nose Creek, characterized by a mix of land uses that include automotive services, an animal shelter, cafés, and storage facilities. This diversity presents opportunities for thoughtful redevelopment that enhances pedestrian accessibility The site benefits from existing connectivity infrastructure. Two underpasses link the area to Nose Hill on the western side, while bridges on the eastern side provide additional access into Skyline West. However, overhead power lines impose constraints on development. They influence land use planning, particularly with respect to building placement, redevelopment potential, and tree plantings.

ALDEA CONSULTING

42


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

43


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS SLOPE

Laycock Park

Slope in the project area influences the developability and flow of water on the site. Areas with steep slopes include North Haven and Upper Haven as well as Egert’s, Thorncliffe and Laycock park that use their steep slopes as informal tobogganing hills

Egert’s Park

Thorncliffe Park

SLOPE VALUE (%) 0-2

Poor Drainage

3-15 Ideal for Development

ALDEA CONSULTING

16-20 Requires Slope Stability Analysis >20

Development is Discouraged

44


TOPOGRAPHY High Elevation is prominent in areas in close proximity to Nose Hill Park. As the area approaches skyline west we see the area plateau. Flat areas limit wind protect as well collect water during spring melt and rainstorms.

HILLY AREA

FLAT PLATEAU

ELEVATION 1226 m

Contours (5 m)

1040 m

45


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS URBAN FOREST 12.8 Tree Canopy Cover (%)

11 Public Trees Maintained per Hectare The Project Area has a total canopy cover of 12.8 %. Of this, 39 % is provided by 6,242 publicly maintained trees. The City maintains an average of 11 trees per hectare, with Colorado spruce being the most common publicly maintained tree species. Top 5 Common Public Tree Species 1400

1367

No. of Public Trees

1200 1000 929

800

795

600

640

640

400 200

ALDEA CONSULTING

Sp hi te W

Am

er ic

an

ru c

e

El m

ci es pe rS la

Po p

Gr ee n

e ru c Sp

Public Tree Canopy

o

Urban Greenspace

Public Trees in Poor Condition

la ro d

Private Tree Canopy

Co

Site Boundary

As h

0

URBAN FOREST TREE CANOPY

46


OPEN SPACES

Laycock Park

OUTDOOR RECREATION

SCHOOL GROUNDS

NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS

LINEAR CORRIDORS

ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES

OFF-LEASH DOG PARK

Egert’s Park Thorncliffe Park

Open Spaces on the project site cover 19.5% of the total area with Egert’s, Thorncliffe and Laycock Park being the 3 main recreational hubs of the area. OPEN SPACE TYPOLOGY Site Boundary

Outdoor Recreation

Linear Corridors

Nose Creek

School Grounds

Ecological Landscape

Dog Park

Neighbourhood Parks

Abandoned Golf Course

47


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS RECREATIONAL HUBS

Photo Credits: Serhii Koppalov (2025)

Photo Credits: Maya Steiningerova (2025)

Photo Credits: calgaryplaygroundreview (2011)

EGERTS PARK

THORNCLIFFE PARK

LAYCOCK PARK

17.6 Ha

10.2 Ha

21 Ha

Recreational Amenities

Recreational Amenities

Recreational Amenities

Playground

Soccer Field

Inclusive Playground

Off-Leash Dog Area

Cross Country Sking

Baseball Field Toboganning Hill

ALDEA CONSULTING

Disc Golf

Playground

Nature Trails

Baseball Field

Off-Leash Dog Area

PIcnic Shelter

Toboganning Hill

2 Baseball Fields Toboganning Hill

48


CLIMATE

Average Precipitation

Average Temperature

Summer Solstice

73.3 mm

14 C

Winter Solstice

48.1 mm

-6 C

Spring Equinox

60 mm

-1 C

Climate Projections

Climate projections reveal that Calgary will receive higher precipitation and temperatures in the coming decades. This will impact how we think about long term resilience of community stormwater management and solar potential.

CLIMATE CONDITIONS Sun Path

Wind Direction

Urban Greenspace

Buildings

49


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS SHADOW STUDY

SUMMER SOLSTICE JUNE 21

ALDEA CONSULTING

SPRING EQUINOX MARCH21

WINTER NOVEMBER 21

50


WINTER CITY WINTER STATISTICS 41 Annual Snow Days in 2025

Tobaggan Hill

87.3 cm Total Snow precipitation in 2025 -6 C Average Temperature Jan 2025

Tobaggan Hill Tobaggan Hill Outdoor Skating Rink

Photo Credits: Calgaryhomes (2024)

Photo Credits: Mehar I. (2026)

WINTER CITY FEATURES Steep Slope

Pedestrian/Cyclist Network

Priority 1 Snow Removal Route

Predicted Cross Country Skiing Route

Priority 2 Snow Removal Route

51


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS PREDICTED DRAINAGE

Photo Credit: Mehar I. (2026)

STORMWATER BASIN IN EGERT’S PARK

PREDICTED DRAINAGE Drainage Path

Stormwater Basin

Urban Greenspace

Flood Zone

ALDEA CONSULTING

52


HISTORIC CREEKS McKnight Creek

Trafford Creek

Confederation Creek

Nose Creek Watershed

Bow River Basin

The construction of the community since the 1960’s has put the local creeks into vaults buried underground (Friends of Confederation Creek Association, 2021). Mcknight and Trafford Creeks located on our project site are all part of a larger watersheds that drains into the Bow river basin HISTORIC DRAINAGE Contours (5m) Urban Greenspace

During large rain stormwater events we see instances of flooding and large volumes of water collected in the Thorncliffe disc golf course, as well as the former highland golf course

53


ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS The Historic creeks in the neighbourhood shape the ecological corridors we see today accessed by mammals, migratory birds and by people through the fragmented pedestrians and cyclist network

LEGEND Minor Eco Corridor Major Eco Corridor Major Eco Hub

Grasslands

Minor Eco Hub LOCAL WILDLIFE ACTIVITY

Riparian Areas

Coyote

Mule Deer

White-tailed Deer

Bobcat

Skunk

Porcupine

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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

55


PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW Throughout the project discussions with community members and leaders informed design, density and final decisions on how the community should look over the next few decades.

COMMUNITY SITE VISIT (JAN. 25, 2026) North Haven Community led tour The first introduction to the community and part of the Community Association Steering Committee was by North Haven Community Association. This tour highlighted community challenges with traffic on McKnight Blvd., access to the community via recently changed bus traps, concerns regarding underutilized parks, and the importance of access to Nose Hill Park.

Tour of North Haven

Thorncliffe-Greenview Community led tour After the North Haven tour, students received a tour from ThorncliffeGreenview Community Association community leaders. This tour highlighted resident issues with traffic and crossing major arterials, the character and density of the communities, commercial access, drainage, and areas of opportunity for new development. PHASE 1 - STEERING COMMITTEE PRESENTATION (FEB. 26, 2026) After researching existing site conditions and data on issues such as collisions, zoning and property values the research was presenting to the steering committee who provided additional context and highlighted areas that were most important in the data which informed areas to focus on. Community Feedback at Public Open House

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FIRST PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE (MAR. 7, 2026) The first public open house offered an opportunity to talk with residents from across North Haven and Greenview-Thorncliffe. Using maps, postits and round table discussion, we worked through opportunities and constraints in the community, focusing on land use (i.e. density, amenity access, etc.), mobility, parks and open space, and winter city considerations. PHASE 3 - STEERING COMMITTEE PRESENTATION (MAR. 20, 2026) Preliminary understandings of community engagement were introduced through a short presentation. Building on newfound understandings of the area, a few precedent examples of how to address opportunities and constraints were applied to specified sites. Area typologies were identified for further concept development, and the steering committee provided guidance around the feasibility of these concepts as well as key considerations for outlined sites and interventions. PHASE 5 - STEERING COMMITTEE PRESENTATION (APRIL. 16, 2026) Upon taking feedback into consideration, design concepts were refined and redrafted. Revised concepts showcased policy interventions and how they may shape the built environment through design on select sites. Before showcasing to the public, these concepts were visualized and presented to the steering committee for final revision. The committee suggested stronger narrative flow and summaries for the large amount of visualization produced, which was taken into account for the final stage of engagement.

Thorncliffe Public Open House

Community Association Steering Committee Input

57


WHAT WE HEARD PARKS AND OPEN SPACE KEY TOPIC

WHAT RESIDENTS TOLD US

REPRESENTATIVE QUOTES

Strong value placed on nearby nature

Residents highly value access to Nose Hill Park, local parks, and natural areas, which contribute to the neighbourhood’s quiet and livable character.

Wildlife sightings (deer, muskrat, porcupine) were described as an important part of the neighbourhood experience.

Under-activated parks

Many parks were described as large open lawns with limited amenities, lacking seating, lighting, and programming.

“Most parks are just mowed grass lawns with little activation.”

Opportunities for ecological improvements

Residents suggested native plantings, community gardens, creek restoration, and improved tree maintenance to enhance local green spaces.

Interest in daylighting the creek and planting more flowers.

Strong community ties and history

Many residents have multi-generational connections to the area and described the neighbourhood as having once felt like a small town.

“It used to feel like a small town where everyone knew each other.”

Perception of declining investment

Some participants expressed frustration that the community feels overlooked or under-invested in, particularly regarding infrastructure, amenities, and lighting.

“It feels like older citizens are second class.”

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LAND USE KEY TOPIC

WHAT RESIDENTS TOLD US

REPRESENTATIVE QUOTES

Lack of walkable local retail

Residents reported few everyday destinations within walking distance, particularly grocery stores, cafés, and small businesses. Many commercial areas are auto-oriented strip malls.

“There are no real destinations to walk to within the community.”

Loss of key services

Closures of grocery stores and limited medical services have reduced access to essential amenities within the neighbourhood.

“Losing Safeway” and the closure of Beddington Co-op were frequently mentioned.

Desire for smallscale local businesses

Residents expressed strong interest in corner cafés, bakeries, local grocers, and neighbourhood services. Existing businesses such as Haven House Café and Pelican Pier were frequently cited as valued assets.

Pelican Pier described as “the best fish and chips in the city.”

Support for gentle density

Many residents supported incremental housing types such as laneway suites, duplexes, and townhomes that maintain neighbourhood scale.

“Laneway suites are a great way to add density.”

Concerns about large developments

Larger multi-unit developments (e.g., 6–8 plexes) raised concerns about parking availability, infrastructure capacity, and neighbourhood character.

“8-plexes clash with what homeowners envisioned.”

Need for aging-inplace housing

Residents highlighted the need for senior housing, accessible homes, and intergenerational living options to allow long-time residents to remain in the community.

“Missing senior-oriented housing options.”

59


WHAT WE HEARD MOBILITY KEY TOPIC

WHAT RESIDENTS TOLD US

REPRESENTATIVE QUOTES

Major roads act as barriers

Large arterials such as Centre St, 14 St, McKnight, and John Laurie divide neighbourhood areas and create uncomfortable pedestrian environments. Intersections are congested and crossings often feel unsafe.

“As a pedestrian, John Laurie/McKnight is evil.”

Unsafe walking conditions

Residents reported narrow or missing sidewalks, poor lighting, and high vehicle speeds, particularly near schools and along major corridors.

“Extremely dangerous to walk on 64th Ave.”

Indirect and disconnected routes

Internal connections between parks, schools, and amenities are fragmented, leading residents to drive even short distances.

“Indirect routes make it more likely to choose a car for most trips.”

Cycling infrastructure gaps

Cycling infrastructure within the neighbourhood is limited and poorly connected, forcing riders onto high-traffic roads. Residents emphasized the need for protected bike lanes rather than painted lines.

“Painted bike lanes are not sufficient.”

Transit reliability and accessibility

Transit routes exist along major corridors but frequency, reliability, and capacity are concerns. Some buses are overcrowded during peak times while others are underused locally.

“Buses only come every 35 minutes.”

Winter mobility barriers

Slopes, ice, and snow make walking and cycling difficult in winter, particularly for seniors and people using mobility devices.

Residents reported using ice cleats on shoes during winter months.

ALDEA CONSULTING

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SUMMARY OPEN SPACES

Seniors

Low-Income

Youth

MOBILITY

Transit Dependent Immigrant Communities

LAND USE

To hear from the community, an open house was held at Thorncliffe Community Center on a weekend morning. Marketing was primarily conducted through the social media and mailing lists of involved community associations, drawing in participation from long-term homeowners in the community, community association members, older residents, and individuals involved with municipal affairs. Despite the strong impact driven by land use policies on vulnerable populations, this session lacked strong representation from youth, immigrant groups, renters, and transit dependent users. To integrate considerations regarding such groups, we considered dimensions of impact as key considerations on behalf of these populations.

61


LAND USE DESIGN APPROACHES

62


LAND USE OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

ALDEA CONSULTING

Live-Work Units around North Haven

Lack of housing diversity in North Haven

Better Connections to Industrial Areas

Skinny Sidewalks limit walkability on residential streets

Future TOD Development Areas (600 m)

Convert Strip Malls into Mixed-Use Commercial Nodes

63


LAND USE DESIGN APPROACH

Accessible to all Ages and Incomes

Diverse Options for Diverse Needs

Concentrated Development

ALDEA CONSULTING

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PROPOSED BYLAW The recommended zoning for the community is to change commercial areas to C-COE3 which allowed for mixed residential and commercial developments. Areas adjacent to TOD’s to M-X2 and M-CG to allow for increased density while the industrial park will remain the same. The plan also envisions the creation of four new parcels, two at the Thorncliffe TOD, one on the west side of Centre St. at the 64th Ave. TOD station and one medium density parcel at the end of Greenfield Rd NE.

LEGEND C-C1 - Commerical, Community 1

S-CRI - Special Purpose, City + Regional Infrastructure

I-G - Industrial, General

C-COR2 - Commerical, Corridor 2

S-CS - Special Purpose, Community Service

M-C1 - Multi-Residential, Contextual Low Profile

C-COR3 - Commerical, Corridor 3

S-FUD - Future Urban Development

M-CG - Multi-Residential, Contextual Ground Oriented

C-N2 - Commerical, Neighbourhood 2

S-R - Special Purpose, Recreation

M-X2 - Multi-Residential – Medium Profile

C-R1- Commercial - Regional 1 District

S-SPR - Special Purpose, School, Park + Community Reserve

R-CG - Residential, Grade-Oriented Infill

S-CI - Special Purpose, Community Institution

S-UN - Special Purpose, Urban Nature

R-CG - Residential, Grade-Oriented Infill (Laneways Encouraged)

65


LAND USE PROPOSED URBAN SCALE The proposed scale in the community will result in significant changes to density along Centre St. with maximums of 16 stories within 100 metres of TOD’s. Areas around the new mixed-use commercial developments on Northmount Dr. will grow to 6 and 12 storeys to create new community nodes.

LIMITED (MAX 3 STOREYS)

MODIFIED (MAX 4 STOREYS)

Picture: Stock image, Brent Leah

Picture: ESP Construction, Cabanatuan City, Philippines

MID (MAX 6 STOREYS)

HIGH (MAX 16 STOREYS)

Picture: Best Calgary Homes, Bridgeland

Picture: Elite Formwork, Ellinsworth

LEGEND No Scale Modifier

High (Max 16 Storeys)

Limited (Max 3 Storeys)

Municipal Parks

Low-Modified (Max 4 Storeys)

Schools and Recreation Space Boundary

Tall (Max 12 Storeys)

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RESIDENTIAL POLICY OVERVIEW 1.0 TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

2.0 ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

3.0 FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Encourage the increase of residential density along key transit connected corridors.

2.1 Encourage the utilization of underused open space and future development areas in the community for mixed-use one stop shop facilities for all ages.

3.1 Encourage the utilization of underused open space and future development areas in the community for mixed-use one stop shop facilities for all ages.

2.2 Amending the CG-1 zone to allow for the addition of small modular ancillary dwelling units.

3.2 Amending the CG-1 zone to allow for the addition of small modular ancillary dwelling units.

2.3 Incorporate diverse ability focused design into across the community including extended crossing times for pedestrian crossings, tactile surfaces for visually impaired, and landscaping that is not a hindrance for movement.

3.3 Incorporate diverse ability focused design into across the community including extended crossing times for pedestrian crossings, tactile surfaces for visually impaired, and landscaping that is not a hindrance for movement.

2.4 Encourage a diversity of uses in residential and non-residential buildings so trips can be completed efficiently.

3.4 Encourage a diversity of uses in residential and non-residential buildings so trips can be completed efficiently.

Carpe Diem Dementia Village, Dønski, Norway (Nordic Office of Architecture)

Live-Work Units - Minneapolis, Minnesota (Pocket Properties)

1.2 Utilize underutilized municipal lands and vacant open space to create new affordable housing throughout the community. 1.3 Focus mixed-uses and higher density adjacent to or within 600 metres of high capacity rapid transit stations (such as a potential future Green Line Light Rail Transit line through the community). 1.4 Encourage densification of residential land uses adjacent to parks and open space to provide better access for more people.

TOD Bridgeland (Calgary,Alberta), Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.

67


RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENTS (TOD) 64th Ave. Station

1

1

There exists a significant opportunity for medium to high density development at 56th and Centre St. and 64th and Centre St. Ave to serve BRT and potentially future Green Line North Extension Stations Currently the MAX BRT line runs along the Centre St. corridor and is very busy during peak times. There is currently undeveloped land and sparsely used parking lots at both stations along Centre St.

McKnight Station

40th Ave. Station

LEGEND TOD Focused Lots Proposed Green Line LRT

600 m LRT Station Buffer

Proposed LRT Stations

Existing Bus Routes Nose Creek

Max BRT (6-10 Min. Freq)

Parks and Schools

ALDEA CONSULTING

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THORNCLIFFE STATION TOD EXISTING AREA 56th Ave. Bike Lane

56th Ave.

Centre St.

1 Phase 4

Phase 2

Taylor Crescent NE

4

Phase 1

6

Phase 3

The Thorncliffe Recreation Centre offers a significant opportunity for a high density TOD. Currently the publicly owned land is used for parking and a toboggan hill.

2

3

We propose utilizing the parking lot and northern portion of the lot for a mixed-use development with buildings ranging from 16 to 6 storeys tall. This can provide hundreds of affordable housing units and connect well with current and planned transit infrastructure.

1 Existing Thorncliffe Recreation Centre

3 Artificial Seasonal Wetland

5 Outdoor Patios

2 Thorncliffe Recreation Centre Expansion

4 Parking Lot Entrance

6 Bike Lanes

69


RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS THORNCLIFFE STATION TOD Thorncliffe Rec. Centre Parking Lot Facing West Mixed-Use Building Hub

Urban Canopy

Lack of Tree Canopy

Undesirable pedestrian experience

Underutilized Lot

Dedicated Tactile Pathway

AFTER

BEFORE

*Enhanced by AI

The design concept focuses on making this a more pedestrian friendly environment with added trees, tactile pathways, plaza stone and mixeduse buildings.

ALDEA CONSULTING

MASSING MODEL

The Thorncliffe Recreation Centre outdoor landscape is dominated by pavement and not many trees with a former vehicle exit off Centre St. serving as the main pedestrian enterance from Centre St.

70


ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL One common theme throughout public engagement with residents of the community and analysis from demographic data was a need for better supports for seniors.

Thornhill Community Health Centre

Manor Village

Westbourne Place

Much like the rest of Canada the communities are rapidly aging with thousands of people moving to retirement age within the next decade.

SENIOR SUPPORTS MAP

Centre Street North Medical Clinic

To help deal with this aging cohort we propose utlizing the future development area at the end of Trelle Dr. for a mixeduse seniors focused development.

Potential Seniors Focused Node

Crescent Heights Health Clinic

Cambrian Manor

AGE PYRAMID

Centre North Physiotherapy Clinic Satori Health Centre

Health Centres Recreational Amenites Seniors Homes/ Assisted Living Facilities

Thorncliffe-Greenview

Nor th Haven

0-14

0-14

15-24

15-24

25-39

25-39

40-54

40-54

55-69

55-69

70-84

70-84

85+

85+

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

5

10

15

20

25

Nose Creek Parks and Schools

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RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS

TRELLE DR. SENIORS FOCUSED DEVELOPMENT EXISTING AREA

E

.N

St

Trollinger St NE

h 4t

ee

e os

Cr

k

N 2 3 1

5 3

The privately-owned parcel at the end of Trelle Dr NE. has immense potential for development of any kind but given its proximity to transit, the Thorncliffe Recreation Centre and current undeveloped area we believe it can serve as a prime place for seniors focused development so residents can stay in the community.

Trelle Dr. NE

4

Travis Pl NE

6

56th Ave. NE

1 Tactile Pathways

3 Benches

5 Seniors Housing

2 Community Gardens

4 Connector Trail

6 Bike Lanes

ALDEA CONSULTING

The example design focuses on walkability for all abilities, tactile pathways for visually impaired and gardens that cater to community uses.

72


TRELLE DR. SENIORS FOCUSED DEVELOPMENT Trelle Dr. NE - Alleyway Facing West Mixed-Use building providing better use of land

Unpaved alley creates mud dirt

Improved pedestrian access

Underutlized real estate

Paved alley for better access

Unwelcoming pedestrian access

BEFORE

AFTER

*Enhanced by AI

The concept design aims to make the alleyway more attractive with paved streets, potential pedestrian access through sidewalks and improved lighting to make it a more welcoming space for all.

MASSING MODEL

Currently unpaved alleyways connect the backs of 5th Ave. and Travis Place to Trollinger St NE. which can become muddy and unpleasant in the winter and after storm events.

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RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENT To achieve better access to opportunities and reduce the need for communting in and out of the neighbourhood it is recommended that some of the increased density focuses on creating live-work units.

Li

These units will allow residents to set up offices and other commerical ventures in the buildings alongside residential uses. This will come in tandem with reductions in parking requirements and streetscape improvements to make these destination parts of the community.

or

-w ve k its un

Live-work units

Live-work units

14th St. Intervention

No Scale Modifier Mid (up to 6 Storeys) Parks, Civic and Recreation Boundary

ALDEA CONSULTING

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SOUTH 14TH ST. NW LIVE-WORK DEVELOPMENT EXISTING AREA 4

Norquay Drive

6

Norquay Drive

14th St. NW

14th St. NW

1

3

2

N o rt h

c ot

eD

r. N

W

At the South End of 14th St. NW there are a cluster of single-family dwellings, one storey automobile focused commercial and a 6 storey residential building right across from the massive Calgary Winter Club Recreation facility.

5

North Haven Dr.

1 Calgary Winter Club

3 Widened Sidewalks

5 Outdoor Patios

2 Pocket Park Improvements

4 Inner Courtyard Access

6 Bike Lanes

Our proposed design for this area will increase density, allow for mixed-uses, improve the streetscape and connect with nearby parks and amenities.

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RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENT 14th St. NW - Facing North Mixed-Use Buildings Close to major amenities

Urban Forest

Under Utilzation of Land

Potential future bike connections

Large street able to accomidate more

Wider Sidewalks

AFTER

BEFORE

*Enhanced by AI

Our design proposes to increase the density to 6 storeys, allow for a range of uses especially live-work units and street facing commerical developments.

ALDEA CONSULTING

MASSING MODEL

Currently the Lower 14th St. is low density residential with a simple multi-use pathway serving as both the sidewalk and bike lane for the area and right across from one of Calgary’s largest private recreation facilities.

76


NON-RESIDENTIAL POLICY OVERVIEW 1.0 EDGE ACTIVATION

2.0 GRAIN REFINEMENT

3.0 CONNECTIVITY

1.1 Require new development to provide building entrances facing public streets along neighbourhood commercial frontages.

2.1 Require publicly accessible pedestrian connections through large sites during redevelopment or major site changes.

3.1 Require sidewalks or multi-use pathways on at least one side of streets, prioritizing routes based on existing desire lines.

1.2 Support mixed-use development up to 4 storeys, allowing residential or employment uses above ground floor.

2.2 Support partial redevelopment and subdivision of large parcels without requiring full-site redesign.

3.2 Require landscape improvements along public frontages, especially adjacent to parks and open space.

1.3 Limit new vehicular access from primary streets, encouraging access from lanes or secondary frontages where feasible.

2.3 Allow additional buildings on-site, including mixed-use or podium forms, to increase intensity over time

3.3 Support adaptable building forms and smallscale commercial or maker uses at key edges, improving connections to adjacent commercial areas and park access.

INDUSTRIAL EDGE

ARTERIAL STRIP

COMMUNITY NODE

Edge Activation

Soften boundary to natural area Public-facing maker spaces

Bring buildings to sidewalk Active retail frontage

Frame plazas + civic edges Strong street walls

Grain Refinement

Subdivide large lots into flexible live-work clusters

Break superblocks into narrow frontages Insert mid-block parcels

Focus on podium + tower / stepped massing articulation

Connectivity

Selective pedestrian routes on existing desire paths Trails along ecological edge

Mid-block connections Rear-lane access

Highly connected pedestrian network Direct transit integration

Density

Low–moderate density (live-work, hybrid housing)

Missing middle (2–4 storey mixeduse)

Mid/high-rise, terraced density

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NON-RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS EDGE ACTIVATION DESIGN FOCUS AREA BEFORE / AFTER

Potential pedestrian traffic

Underutilized wall

Vehicle view blocks frontage

LAND USE Residential- Low Density Residential- Medium Density Commercial Commercial - Core

ALDEA CONSULTING

Mixed Use Industrial Transportation & Utility Parks and Education

Instiutional Major Infrastructure Direct Control Hydrology

*Enhanced by AI

Strip Plaza

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EDGE ACTIVATION EXISTING FORM

48 AV E

NW

HA VE

ND

RIV

E

1

NO RT H

2

PRECEDENTS

3

NORTH HAVEN SCHOOL

0

PROPOSED FORM Mixed Use Building Parking

Greenspace New Trees

7.5

15

30

60 m

NINE88, SAN FRANCISCO (SummerHill Apartment Communities, 2022)

GENERAL BLOCK, CALGARY (RNDSQR / FAAS, ~2020)

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NON-RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS EDGE ACTIVATION Activating North Haven’s only neighbourhood commercial site requires reorienting development to the street and improving its visibility, access, and interface with surrounding uses. The current setback and street-facing parking limit opportunities for active frontage and create barriers to entry, particularly given the site’s topography. Requiring buildings to front the street with clearly visible entrances, supporting mixed-use development that leverages grade changes, and directing vehicular access to secondary edges will enable active retail, courtyard spaces, and social enterprise uses that better connect to the adjacent school and public realm.

1

MASSING MODEL

ALDEA CONSULTING

2

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

3

COURTYARD VIEW

80


GRAIN REFINEMENT DESIGN FOCUS AREA

BEFORE / AFTER

Large parcel

Curb cuts limit accessibility

Waste and servicing adjacent park

LAND USE Residential- Low Density Residential- Medium Density Commercial Commercial - Core

Mixed Use Industrial Transportation & Utility Parks and Education

Instiutional Major Infrastructure Direct Control Community Hub Hydrology

81


NON-RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS GRAIN REFINEMENT EXISTING FORM

NORTHMOUNT DR NW

4 4 2 2

33

4TH ST NW

1

KEY FEATURES

Support incremental intensification of large sites - such as grocery stores - by requiring mid-block pedestrian connections and enabling subdivision and additional buildings over time through phased approaches, facilitating podium mixed-use edges, courtyard spaces, and flexible areas for local arts activation.

11

3 3

PROPOSED FORM Commercial Podium Mixed Use Tower Vehicle Access

ALDEA CONSULTING

0

Greenspace Pedestrian Access Planted Trees

12.5

25

50

2

1

PATIO SPACE

3

UNDERGROUND PARKING 4

MID BLOCK PASSAGE

100 m

RAISED CROSSING

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CONNECTIVITY EXISTING USES 1

3

2

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

4

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

ANIMAL SHELTER/TRAINING

6

5

6

CAFE + ROASTER

1

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE AND RV PARKING

BEFORE / AFTER 5

2

3 4

Unfiltered watershed

Desire path

INDUSTRIAL USE Site Boundary

Buildings

Urban Greenspace

Pedestrain Access Point

CP Rail

Vehicle Access Point

Child Care Centers

Sidewalk disconnect

Visual clutter *Enhanced by AI

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NON-RESIDENTIAL | DESIGN CONCEPTS CONNECTIVITY Activating the Skyline West Industrial Park requires addressing gaps in pedestrian connectivity and improving transitions to adjacent uses. Sidewalks currently terminate at the industrial edge despite strong desire lines from surrounding commercial and residential areas. Requiring pathways along key routes, enhancing landscaped frontages—particularly near Laycock Park and Nose Creek—and supporting adaptable building forms with smallscale commercial or maker uses at key edges will improve access, buffer environmental impacts, and strengthen connections to surrounding areas.

1

PARCEL RECONFIGURATION

2

MULTI-USE PATHWAY SECTION

2

BE

AV E

R

DA M

RD

NE

Property Line

Property Line

IL RA

4TH ST NE

T OT

FO

ER

DE

1

MCKNIGHT BLVD NE 0 25

100

200 m

Creek Bed 13m

Naturalized Space 20m

Multi-Use Pathway 6m

Industrial Setback 14m 0

ALDEA CONSULTING

2.5

5

10

20 m

84


MOBILITY DESIGN APPROACHES

85


MOBILITY OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity

Green Line LRT line is an opportunity for improved streetscape

Streetscape and bus stop infrastructure on 4th St is lacking

Unsafe/Busy Intersections

Green Line LRT Stations

Curve-linear grid pattern limits the entry/exit points, especially in North Haven

Steep topography can create unsafe conditions for pedestrians/cyclists

ALDEA CONSULTING

86


DESIGN APPROACH

Accessible to all Ages and Incomes

Vision Zero

Complete Streets

87


MOBILITY POLICY OVERVIEW 1.0 STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT 1.1 Improve the pedestrian network of sidewalks and bridges by providing continuous safe sidewalks which connects destinations and places. 1.2. Strengthen the connection between greenspaces and improve connectivity within green spaces through paved pathways. 1.3. Enhance streetscape safety and comfort through lighting, street furniture and public realm upgrades. 1.4. All streetscape improvements should be designed to be universally accessible, ensuring safe and equitable use by people of all ages, abilities, and mobility needs. 1.5. Integrate green infrastructure and low impact development into streetscape to improve environmental performance.

Esplanade Complete Street North Vancouver (ISL Engineering 2023)

ALDEA CONSULTING

88


2.0 INTERSECTION DESIGN 2.1 Introduce traffic calming measures on local and collector streets to regulate vehicle speeds and improve neighbourhood safety. 2.2 Support a dedicated peak-hour BRT or bus priority lane along Centre Street to improve transit efficiency and reliability. 2.3 Upgrade intersections and pedestrian crossings to improve safety and reduce conflicts between users. 2.4 Apply complete street principles on major corridors to better accommodate all modes of travel.

3.0 BIKE-INFRASTRUCTURE 3.1. Prioritize cycling access to key destinations, including schools, parks, transit, and neighbourhood services. 3.2. Provide protected dedicated lane to create a continuous and accessible bicycle network within the community.

89


MOBILITY | DESIGN CONCEPTS STREETSCAPE Narrow Sidewalks Opportunity of development along the corridor

CENTER ST N

Parking lot facing the street

PROPOSED DESIGN

PLAN

Streetscape improvements along Center Street are proposed to support anticipated increases in density and to enhance overall mobility. A dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane is envisioned to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transit, reducing travel times and encouraging greater transit use. In addition, the introduction of dedicated, physically separated bicycle lanes will strengthen active transportation networks and improve connectivity throughout the area. These interventions aim to create a safer and more accessible corridor for all users.

SECTION B CENTER STREET

ALDEA CONSULTING

The enhanced streetscape will be complemented by mixed-use developments, featuring residential units above and commercial uses at grade. This configuration will activate the street edge, foster pedestrian activity, and contribute to a more vibrant and interactive urban environment.

90


Lack of Tree Canopy

Improvements along Industrial Road are intended to enhance connectivity, particularly in response to observed desire lines along existing sidewalks, which indicate gaps in the current pedestrian network. Addressing these informal movement patterns through formalized pathways will improve accessibility and safety.

Lack of Sidewalks

BEAVER DAM RD NE

PROPOSED DESIGN

SECTION C BEAVER DAM RD NE

The presence of commercial uses that serve nearby residents further underscores the importance of streetscape enhancements. Upgrading pedestrian infrastructure, along with overall streetscape improvements, will benefit both local residents and industrial workers by creating a more functional, accessible, and user-friendly environment.

C D

SECTION D GODDARD AVE NE

91


MOBILITY | DESIGN CONCEPTS BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE Opportunity for multimodal pathway Lack of safe sidewalk

NORTHMOUNT DR NW PLAN

PROPOSED DESIGN

The introduction of dedicated, physically separated bicycle lanes along Northmount Drive is proposed to enhance east- west connectivity and support a more robust active transportation network. In parallel, widening of sidewalks is recommended to accommodate increased pedestrian volumes associated with proposed mixed-use development. These improvements will contribute to a safer, more accessible, and pedestrian-oriented streetscape, aligned with the area’s anticipated growth and urban intensification.

A SECTION A

ALDEA CONSULTING

92


TRAFFIC CALMING Pedestrian safety concerns have highlighted the need for traffic calming Large measures, particularly in school zones and areas with high pedestrian intersection for crossing Wide turning activity such as commercial districts. angle At present, the roadway adjacent to Colonel Sanders School is relatively wide and lacks designated crosswalks, which can contribute to higher vehicle speeds and increased risk for pedestrians. Implementing corner bulb-outs in this area would help shorten pedestrian crossing distances and visually narrow the roadway, encouraging drivers to reduce speed and exercise greater caution. A Large intersection for crossing Wide turning angle

B NORTHMOUNT DR NW

Narrow Sidewalks

PLAN- E

PROPOSED DESIGN

Wide Intersection

NORTHMOUNT DR NW

PROPOSED DESIGN

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MOBILITY | DESIGN CONCEPTS STREETSCAPE A. CENTRE ST N & 64 AV NW

KEY MAP

SCRAMBLE CROSSING

B. JOHN LAURIE BOULEVARD

The intersection of Centre Street and 64 Avenue NW experiences a high volume of pedestrian crossings due to the presence of nearby schools. To enhance safety and efficiency, the implementation of a timed pedestrian scramble crossing is recommended. This approach would allow pedestrians to cross in all directions simultaneously, reducing overall crossing time while also improving traffic flow by minimizing conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

VIEW

In contrast, the intersection at John Laurie Boulevard carries a significantly higher volume of vehicular traffic. To address congestion and reduce the risk of collisions, the introduction of a grade-separated overpass is proposed. Additionally, to accommodate pedestrian movement in this area, an overhead pedestrian bridge would provide a safe and continuous connection, particularly suited to the existing topography.

A

B

PLAN

ALDEA CONSULTING

94


PARKS AND OPEN SPACE DESIGN APPROACHES

95


PARKS AND OPEN SPACES OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

ALDEA CONSULTING

No decent East/West connections across the community

Steep topography makes accessing parks difficult especially during the winter

Tree canopy needs to be improved especially on 4 St, Centre St and 64 Ave

Highland Park is a well used community amenity but is privately owned

Many greenspaces lack ecological biodiversity

Areas in Thorncliffe and Greenview flood during large rainstorm events

Limited Amenities and lack of seating and lighting in park spaces

Industrial areas lack any green spaces and tree canopy

96


DESIGN APPROACH

Accessible to all Ages and Incomes

Equitable Connections to Nature

Cultivate Community Identity

97


PARKS & OPEN SPACE POLICY OVERVIEW 1.0 URBAN FORESTRY 1.1 Prioritize the long-term health and growth of newly planted trees on commercial main streets through regular maintenance, sufficient soil volume and sustainable irrigation practices. 1.2 Protect existing public trees adjacent to developable parcels to ensure equitable access to tree canopy and to preserve the local character valued by the community. 1.3 Promote new tree plantings on streets and in public areas with low or declining canopy coverage to provide equitable access to the ecological and social benefits of a healthy urban forest. 1.4 Integrate urban tree planting strategies into all open space interventions to support community and climate resilience and strengthen equitable connections to nature across the neighbourhood.

Increase Public Tree Canopy Urban Greenspaces

Calgary 2nd Ave NW Tree well Pilot Project (DeepRoot Green Infrastructure, 2013)

ALDEA CONSULTING

98


2.0 CONNECTIVITY 2.1 Support new development adjacent to existing and proposed green spaces to strengthen social and physical connections to nature and create vibrant, active park edges. 2.2 Promote clear pedestrian and cycling access routes through and between open spaces and surrounding developments to support active transportation and seamless connectivity across the neighbourhood. 2.3 Strengthen the role of open spaces as everyday destinations that enhance community well-being, environmental stewardship, and a high quality of life.

Existing 5A Network Proposed 5A Network

St. George Rainway (City of Vancouver, 2025)

Proposed Bike Network Urban Greenspaces

99


PARKS & OPEN SPACE POLICY OVERVIEW 3.0 NATURALIZATION 3.1 Support new development adjacent to existing and proposed green spaces to strengthen social and physical connections to nature and create vibrant, active park edges. 3.2 Promote clear pedestrian and cycling access routes through and between open spaces and surrounding developments to support active transportation and seamless connectivity across the neighbourhood. 3.3 Strengthen the role of open spaces as everyday destinations that enhance community well-being, environmental stewardship, and a high quality of life.

Calgary 16 Ave NE Road Naturalization Project (EarthMaster Environmental Straegies, 2023)

Daylighting of Creek Naturalized Spaces Urban Greenspaces Tatlow Creek City of Vanouver (Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd, 2025)

ALDEA CONSULTING

100


4.0 ACTIVATION 4.1 Encourage programming of pocket parks in close proximity to mixed-use nodes and cultural hubs to accommodate a variety of temporary and permanent uses that support social gathering and interactions 4.2 Create opportunities to reintegrate Indigenous cultural presence into the landscape through community art, placemaking, Indigenous place naming, and funding mechanisms that bridge history and reconciliation into the everyday fabric of the community. 4.3 Provide age-inclusive and culturally appropriate amenities that enable accessibility and create welcoming spaces reflective of the community's youth, and cultural diversity. 4.4 Provide seasonal variability in programming and amenities to ensure flexibility of use, consistent community engagement, and responsiveness to local climate conditions. Creek Activation Recreational Hubs Activated Parks Urban Greenspaces

4.5 Integrate urban furniture, including benches, bicycle parking, pedestrian lighting, wayfinding, and accessible entryways, to improve safety and accessibility around pocket parks, recreational hubs and daylighted creek corridors.

101


PARKS & OPEN SPACE| DESIGN CONCEPTS POCKET PARK The Pocket Park located adjacent to the Freshco Mixed Use development proposal provides a place of refuge for residents underneath the canopy of existing mature trees and new tree plantings. The area is also adjacent next to the Northmount Dr. NW bike lane proposal for accessibility and with the influx of new families into the new mixed-use development a unique nature play area is proposed to

KEY MAP

provides local access to nature to all ages.

PRIVATE PATIO SPACE

LOW MAINTENANCE GRASSES AND TREE PLANTINGS

Choke Cherry

Western Yarrow

1 Public Plaza with Fire Pits 2 Low Maintenance Grass Areas and Plantings

ALDEA CONSULTING

Brandon Elm

Blue Flax

Common Gaillardia

Big Oak

Prairie Coneflower

Scots Pine

Smooth Blue Aster

Wild Bergamot

3 Nature Play Area Rough

Nuttall’s

Tufted

Hairgrass

Saltgrass

Hairgrass

102


POCKET PARK Current Conditions

PROPOSED NATURE PLAY AREA DESIGN

103


PARKS & OPEN SPACE| DESIGN CONCEPTS LAYCOCK PARK Laycock Park is one of the largest recreational hubs in the community, offering access to Nose Creek, softball fields, and an off-leash dog park. It is also home to the Nose Creek cycling corridor. Recent additions by the City, including an expanded parking lot, a pedestrian bridge, and a basketball court, have further enhanced the park's infrastructure. With these improvements, the park has the potential to serve a broader population of recreational users through curated programming, expanded picnic shelter access, and the addition of fire pits to encourage year-round use. The park also has stunning views of the downtown skyline and open fields capable of accommodating event plazas. A proposed equipment lending program would allow visitors of all ages to borrow recreational items such as frisbees, rackets, and soccer balls, further enhancing the overall park experience.

KEY MAP 1 Cyclist Pump Track

3 Play equipment Rentals

5 EV Chargers in Parking Lot

7 Miyawaki Forest Plantings

2 Mini Skateboard Park

4 Pop-up Event Plaza

6 New Picnic shelters and fire pits

8 Improved Seating with downtown views

ALDEA CONSULTING

9 Natural Teraccing

104


LAYCOCK PARK Current Conditions

PROPOSED SEATING AREA

LAYCOCK PARK Current Conditions

PROPOSED PUMP TRACK

*Enhanced by AI

105


PARKS & OPEN SPACE| DESIGN CONCEPTS EGERT’S PARK Egert's Park was identified as one of the main recreational hubs in the community, as well as a crucial corridor creating an east-to-west connection from Nose Hill to Nose Creek. Prior to the 1950s, Egert's Park was home to Trafford Creek, with natural water flows and ponds existing on the site. Our proposal is to daylight Trafford Creek as an accessible pathway for residents and establish a new regional connection. Areas traditionally maintained by mowing equipment will be replaced with low-maintenance native grasses, and steep slopes will be stabilized using weir barriers or bioengineered slopes to naturally slow water flow and allow vegetation to thrive.

KEY MAP

1 Weir Barriers to Slow flow water 2 Improved Seating Areas

ALDEA CONSULTING

3 Low Maintenance Grass Areas Weir Barriers (City of Vancouver, 2025)

Bioengineered Slopes (City of Calgary, 2020)

106


EGERTS PARK PATHWAY Current Conditions

PROPOSED CREEK DESIGN *Enhanced by AI

107


PARKS & OPEN SPACE| DESIGN CONCEPTS ALLEYWAY CONNECTION Residential development surrounding the proposed creek daylighting requires a nuanced approach. Currently, many homes have installed pumps to manage water accumulation on their properties. Due to the slope and creek pipes overlapping with private property, the creek transitions underground before returning to daylight at the former golf course location. A pedestrian bridge provides easy access over McKnight Boulevard while offering elevated views of the golf course. A ramp at the former golf course area is proposed to allow visitors to access the site. Park-oriented development would allow new families to live adjacent to the creek, creating more eyes on the street along the proposed regional connection to Nose Hill Park. Ground floor units are proposed as agefriendly homes for seniors.

PARK ORIENTED DEVELOPMMENT 1 Creek Transition Underground 3 Pedestrian Bridge 2 Park Oriented Development

KEY MAP

5 Pedestrian Ramp

4 Daylight Creek into Park

ALDEA CONSULTING

108


CREEK CROSS-SECTION

REGIONAL PATHWAYS

109


PARKS & OPEN SPACE| DESIGN CONCEPTS CREEK PLACEMAKING The proposed creek daylighting runs east to west through the community, linking a series of nodes and pathways that connect to a broader network of mixed-use nodes and educational institutions. This creates a vital opportunity to cultivate community identity through public art, nature play, and a connection to the natural environment that is shared between all communities within the project site.

Creek Daylighting

Playgrounds

Proposed Bike Path

Exercise Park

Commercial Nodes

Proposed Amenities

Greenspaces

Off-leash Dog Park

PUBLIC ART MURALS

WAYFINDING OPPORTUNITIES

NATURE EDUCATION

Art Mural by Daniel J Kirk (2025)

Spirit Trails Crosswalk (Hub Surface Systems)

Nature Playscape City of Kalamazoo (2021)

Downtown Viewing

ALDEA CONSULTING

110


COMMUNITY SHOWCASE

111


COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY The final community open house at the North Haven Community Centre gave critical generally positive responses to all recommended design concepts. The open house featured all 12 design interventions on 5 large posters along with a massive 1-1000 scale model of the entire community where residents could scan QR codes to see recommended interventions across the neighbourhoods. The response was extremely positive about all interventions, particularly interventions around traffic management, active mobility, increased diversity of uses in commerical areas, aging in place and seniors focused developments and overwhelming positive response to improvements to parks and daylighting Trafford Creek. North Haven Public Open House

Traffic Calming: Several residents raised concerns about traffic management in the community, particularly about the John Laurie McKnight Blvd. Corner and were pleased to see a proposed solution. A few residents said they would prefer a high capacity round-about and the local ward councillor noted that a new study on this was planned within the next decade which he felt was a distant timeline to residents current needs. Transit Oriented Development (TOD): Residents agreed there was a need for TOD development in the neighbourhood and liked the idea of concentrating development and more parking where a potential Green Line station could go, however some raised concerns about the scale and losing too much parkland on the adjacent hill, so future designs could potentially scale this kind of development down to reduce impacts to parklands. Accessibility Residents were very positive about creating a focused development for seniors and opening opportunities for more small modular granny homes in the community. One resident explained that the cost benefit of creating a secondary dwelling unit would be very attractive if deliverable for under 100k. Residents noted that many peoples kids are moving into parents homes in later years and would like to stay in the community. Skyline West Industrial: Residents were very positive about the project including the Skyline West Industrial Park with several noting that it is in need of street paving and said that Laycock Park offered a major opportunity for uses and were happy to see the design focused on making it more of a destination park.

ALDEA CONSULTING

112


REFERENCES

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