Development around Rapid Transit Stations
What is TOD?
Transit oriented development (TOD) is a walkable, mixed-use form of area development typically focused within a 600m radius of a transit station – a Light Rail Transit (LRT) station or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stop, prior to the arrival of LRT.
Higher density development is concentrated near the station to make transit convenient for more people and encourage ridership. This form of development utilizes existing infrastructure, optimizes use of the transit network and creates mobility options for transit riders and the local community. Successful TOD provides a mix of land uses and densities that create a convenient, interesting and vibrant community for local residents and visitors alike.
TOD is also about enabling sustainable long-term urban growth. Cities without geological barriers such as Calgary typically consume large areas of easily available land for low-density development. This pattern of development is costly to build and maintain, and consumes large tracts of productive land. TOD can help mitigate these negative impacts by creating mixed-use communities in key strategic areas around the City, in our established communities.
For more information on our long-term growth plan, please go to Calgary.ca/planit 
.
TOD in Calgary
Calgary leads the nation in Transit Oriented Development policy initiatives, not to mention having the highest LRT ridership in North America. Our population is expected to double to 2 million people by the year 2070, so it is critical that we create the policy and framework today which enable transit oriented communities. Therefore, a number of station area plans are being created for key strategic areas in Calgary. The Chinook Station Area Plan was approved by Council in June 2008, and will be followed by other plans in Calgary's northwest and southeast.
The Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines were approved by City Council in December 2004 to provide land use and development polices and design guidelines for the development or redevelopment of properties within a Transit Station area. Within the document are six (6) planning objectives that must be achieved in developments and plans in station areas:
- Ensure transit-supportive land uses
- Increase density
- Create pedestrian-oriented design
- Make each station area a "place"
- Manage parking, bus and vehicular traffic
- Plan in context with local communities
Design guidelines found under each Policy Objective provide options for implementing the TOD within the contexts of the different station types throughout Calgary. Together, the Policy Objectives and Guidelines provide direction for all levels of planning processes and applications in station areas, which help to clarify the City's intent for development and achieve Council approved policy.
A copy of the Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines is available under Downloads.
Westbrook Station Area
Please follow the links for information on the Westbrook Station Area and the West LRT project.
TOD Links
10 Principles for Successful Development Around Transit
Higher Density Development: Myth and Fact
TOD 101: Why Transit-Oriented Development and Why Now?
TCRP Report 128: Effects of TOD on Housing, Parking, and Travel
TOD Best Practices
In January 2004, The City completed the Transit Oriented Development – Best Practices Handbook in order to assist in informing Calgarians about TOD. This document highlights the history of the LRT, the policies that focused on utilizing transit infrastructure, and the best practices of TOD throughout North America.
A copy of the Transit Oriented Development – Best Practices Handbook is available under Downloads.
For transit schedule and route information , please contact Calgary Transit at 403-262-1000.
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