Planning approach

The Green Line LRT will have long-term impacts on our city, communities and citizens. Taking a thoughtful approach ensures the proper investments are in place to support plans 50 years into the future.

Our four-layered planning process is a holistic planning approach for the whole Green Line program. It involves working with all City departments and lots of engagement with external partners, industry and the public. This makes sure we’ve considered how we include all other City programs and needs for the future.

Four-layered planning approach

Layer 1 - Transit Infrastructure

This layer plans for all the pieces required to operate the Green Line LRT. This includes:

  • LRT track (ground level and elevated)
  • Transit stations
  • Tunnels and bridges
  • Light rail vehicles (LRVs)
  • Overhead contact system (electrical and power structures)
  • Station and passenger facilities (e.g. Park and Ride, passenger shelters, bicycle parking, bus terminals)
  • Maintenance and Storage Facility (located at Shepard station)

These items will be delivered in Stage 1 and will help lay the foundation for things in the other layers.

Layer 2 - Connection to Stations

This layer plans for key infrastructure details around station areas. This includes:

  • Improvements to pedestrian safety (pedestrian bridges, sidewalks, etc.)
  • New multi-use pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and more to connect from where they live, work and play to Green Line stations
  • Support for alternative transportation modes to access the station (bike share, car share, e-scooters, etc.)

Some of these items will be delivered in Stage 1 and will help prepare for things in other layers.

Layer 3 - Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is the planning, design and development of communities centred around rapid transit stations. It typically includes:

  • Designs to encourage walking, cycling and transit use
  • Easy pedestrian connections to various destinations
  • A variety of residences, shops and services
  • Multi-story buildings for residents and businesses
  • Reduced need for high automobile use

These items are part of a long-term vision for Calgary and will take time to build out. Several stations along Stage 1 of the Green Line will be future TOD locations. Planning for TODs will start once Stage 1 is complete.

Learn more about our Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Strategy, or visit calgary.ca/TOD.

Layer 4 - City Shaping

City shaping plans for the look, feel and function of our city. This layer looks at how the Green Line can be leveraged and transform communities 50 years into the future. The goals of the City Shaping Framework for communities along the green line are:

  • Equitable and inclusive: Affordable access to housing, transit, social and community services
  • Vibrant and thriving: Access to cultural destinations, local spaces that foster cultural activities, and a connection to Calgary’s heritage
  • Safe and resilient: Safe, protected and prepared
  • Healthy and active: Physically active, good mental health and quality natural environments

These items are a long-term vision and will take time to build out. Thinking about them now allows us to make sure future development is possible.

   

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