Pearce Estate Park: Parking lot expansion
Less time parking – more time playing Pearce Estate Park: Parking lot expansion
The Pearce Estate Park parking lot is being expanded to better support the growing number of visitors to this popular riverfront destination.
Project update: June 2026
To reduce impacts on park visitors, construction is being planned sometime between fall 2026 and spring 2027. Exact timing will be shared as it becomes available. The expanded parking lot is expected to be ready by summer 2027.
Project overview
This project will help more people enjoy Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage while protecting the surrounding environment and nearby communities.
The expanded lot will:
- Add more official parking spaces
- Make it easier to find parking when visiting Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage
- Reduce parking congestion and simplify traffic flow
- Use smart stormwater management (Low-Impact Development) features to reduce flooding and strain on stormwater infrastructure
Project photos
Current overflow parking on the greenspace where the expansion is planned.
Concept design showing the expanded lot, including approximately 72 new parking spaces.
Low impact development (LID) landscaping uses plants and soil to naturally capture and absorb stormwater, helping reduce runoff. Images shown are examples; final design may vary.
Construction timeline
Construction is planned between fall 2026 and spring 2027, with completion expected by summer 2027.
During construction, park visitors can expect:
- Temporary parking changes or reduced availability
- Construction activity and noise
- Possible detours
Outreach and engagement
In 2025, we held an open house to better understand how park visitors and nearby residents use the area and the challenges they experience. This feedback helped shape the design.
Learn more at:
engage.calgary.ca/pearceestateparking.
Budget
The project has an approved budget of $1.15 million.
Contact us
Questions? Email the project team at PearceEstatePark@calgary.ca or contact 311.
Related information
Frequently Asked Questions
About the project
What is the Pearce Estate Parking Improvement Project?
The City is converting an underused, City‑owned green space south of the existing Pearce Estate Park Parking lot into a formal parking area. This will add approximately 72 parking stalls, improve traffic flow and safety, and include landscaping that helps manage stormwater using natural processes.
Why is this project needed?
Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage are very popular destinations, especially on warm summer days. The existing parking lot often fills up. This can lead to:
- Parking in greenspaces and along road edges
- Vehicles circling, double‑parking, or stopping unpredictably
- Safety concerns for people walking, wheeling, or unloading equipment
- Limited access for people using strollers, wheelchairs, or watercraft
To help address these issues and reduce impacts on nearby properties, this project was identified as a recommended improvement in the Harvie Passage Facility Enhancement Plan.
How will this project improve conditions for nearby residents?
The expanded lot will keep parking organized and reduce overflow near homes and alleys. The new parking area will directly connect to the existing and will not require the alley for access.
When will the expanded parking lot open?
The expanded lot is expected to be open by the end of 2027.
Location and design
Where will the new parking area be built?
The new parking lot will be built on City owned land directly south of the existing Pearce Estate Park parking lot. This area is currently informally used for overflow parking.
How many new parking stalls will be added?
Approximately 72 new stalls will be added to the existing 225 stalls.
Parking and access
Will this fix parking shortages on busy days?
While more parking is being added, demand may still exceed supply on very busy days.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider:
- Walking or cycling via nearby pathway connections
- Carpooling
- Using transit (The MAX Purple bus stop on 9 Avenue S.E. is approximately 600m or a 10‑minute walk from the site)
Who can park in the expanded lot?
The parking lot is intended for park users. Standard park-use rules apply, and long-term parking is not permitted.
Will informal parking still be allowed in the greenspace once the lot is built?
No. Parking in the greenspace will not be permitted once the new lot is built, as it can damage natural areas, interfere with how the site manages stormwater and create safety concerns.
Will there be trailer parking?
Trailer parking is being considered as part of the project.
Environment and landscaping
What are Low Impact Development (LID) features? Why are they being used?
Low Impact Development (LID) features are landscaping and design elements that use natural processes to capture, absorb and filter stormwater where it falls.
These features help:
- Slow down and absorb runoff
- Decreases the volume of stormwater entering our waterways.
Learn more here.
Will any trees be affected?
The project team is working closely with The City of Calgary’s Urban Forestry team to minimize impacts to trees as much as possible. Any required pruning or removals will be minimal and completed by a qualified arborist, under the supervision of Urban Forestry.
Construction
Will the park and parking lot remain open during construction?
Yes. Pearce Estate Park and Harvie Passage will remain open. The existing parking lot will be open to visitors, but capacity may be reduced to accommodate construction.