Deep South Operations Work Centre
Project Overview
The City of Calgary is now in the master planning stage for two new facilities known as the Deep South Operations Work Centre (OWC) and the Deep South Bus Maintenance and Storage Facility (or Bus Garage). These proposed facilities will be located north of 194 Avenue S.W.
Long-term planning for these facilities is part of a phased strategy to enhance Calgary’s transportation infrastructure and improve City operations, to address future growth. The project responds to strategic needs identified in the Southwest Community A and Employment Centre Mixed Use Area Structure Plan, West Macleod Outline Plan, Calgary Transit’s Route Ahead and the Municipal Development Plan.
Strategic plans such as this help to build Calgary’s future by developing, maintaining, and improving critical infrastructure.
Timeline
- West Macleod Outline Plan – Underway, approval expected Q4 2026.
- Deep South OWC Master Plan – Completion planned Q3 2026.
- Deep South OWC Feasibility Study – Completed November 2024.
- Deep South OWC detailed design and construction – subject to funding in next 4 years.
- Deep South Bus Garage detailed design and construction – subject to funding in next 10 years.
Deep South Operations Work Centre
The future Deep South Operations Work Centre is a proposed, multi-purpose facility that will provide materials and enhance operations primarily for the City’s Fleet, Mobility, and Parks business units. It will function as a combined operations depot, integrating mobility and transportation services into a central hub that supports a wide range of needs for fleet upkeep and dispatch and equipment storage.
It will improve the maintenance of roads, pathways, and park spaces in the deep south as well as providing improved fleet management for other business units, enhancing service efficiency and effectiveness in south Calgary. It will also serve as a workplace and training centre for City staff. The new Operations Work Centre will deliver services year-round to maintain the city’s infrastructure and public safety.
Deep South Bus Maintenance and Storage Facility (Bus Garage)
A new bus garage is crucial to support the rapidly growing population in south Calgary. The development of a new Deep South bus garage will significantly improve transit services, accessibility, and reliability for area residents. At present, there is no nearby bus depot to address increasing transit demands in the area.
In addition to improving bus service and coverage, benefits include streamlining operations, reducing downtime for buses, and increasing efficiency. This will help reduce travel times for buses that currently have to travel long distances to and from other garages, contributing to reduced operating costs, better service frequency, and quicker response times.
Planning for these multi-use facilities aims to increase the efficiency of City operations and maintenance, while providing best value depot infrastructure to deliver essential services. The project aligns with Calgary’s commitment to sustainable urban development and improved public transportation.
Project details and impact
Location
The project is being planned on City-owned land north of 194 Avenue SW between the Priddis Slough and Macleod Trail (the “West Macleod” site).
Background
In 2024, The City completed a Feasibility Study to determine the suitability of the 194 Avenue S.W. location for both the Deep South Operations Work Centre and Bus Garage. The study evaluated options and identified future planning needs to address population growth and service delivery in South Calgary. More specifically, it looked at:
- The need for and suitability of City-owned land north of 194 Avenue SW between the Priddis Slough and Macleod Trail (the “West Macleod” site) for an Operations Workplace Centre and Transit Bus Garage.
- The optimal boundary for the Deep South OWC and Bus Garage site in relation to the West Macleod Outline Plan, considering service needs, site suitability, and development costs.
In February 2025, the project team attended a community outreach session as part of West MacLeod Lands Land Use / Outline Plan.
Benefits to Calgarians
- Improved Transit Accessibility: Better bus services for residents in south Calgary.
- Efficient Winter and Year-Round Operations: Enhanced snow and ice management on south Calgary roads and pathways for safety.
- Improved park space upkeep: A more efficient response to the upkeep of south Calgary’s park spaces by having an operations site close by.
- Economic Growth: Job creation and support for local businesses.
- Sustainable Development: Aligns with Calgary’s goals for sustainable urban growth and investment in infrastructure.
Next steps
Now that the feasibility study is complete, a comprehensive master plan for both facilities is expected to be finalized in Q3 2026. This plan will outline the high-level design concept and operational framework for the Deep South Operations Work Centre and Bus Garage, including future cost estimates.
FAQs
Project details
What is a master plan?
A master plan creates a long-term vision for a project that guides land use and infrastructure requirements to achieve a cohesive vision. It also helps to create a high-level costing of the project to inform future funding. The master plan typically includes:
- A description of how the land, amenities and facilities will be used and the best layout for development.
- A vision that aligns with City land use policies, requirements and other strategic plans.
- A conceptual design for integrating programs and services at the site.
What is a Feasibility Study?
A feasibility study is a thorough analysis that assesses the viability of a project by examining factors such as location, cost, environmental impact, and operational efficiency.
The results of the study provide essential recommendations on the site’s suitability and its alignment with community needs.
Why is this project being developed?
This project is designed to address rapid population growth in South Calgary, with improved transportation services, mobility support, and park space upkeep.
For example, it will support the maintenance and dispatch of up to 350+ buses over time. It will enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Calgary's Transit system and road, pathway, and park space maintenance.
New facilities
What is the role of the Operations Workplace Centre (OWC)?
The Deep South OWC will support multiple City business units with their essential services and operations, including vehicle, equipment and materials storage, plus vehicle maintenance, staff workspace, and training facilities.
What is the role of the Deep South Bus Garage?
A bus garage – sometimes called a bus maintenance and storage facility – provides indoor storage for buses and has space for maintenance, repair and fueling of the fleet. Additional transit operations may also be located at the bus garage site to realize operating efficiencies.
Calgary Transit has identified the need for additional bus garages before 2050, to keep pace with population growth and increased transit demand. The Deep South Bus Garage will help bridge that gap and accommodate the necessary expansion and modernization efforts planned by Calgary Transit.
Funding and support
How will this project be funded?
Sources of funding for design and construction have not yet been confirmed.
Timeline and phases
What is the status of the project?
The Feasibility Study to evaluate the site’s suitability has been completed.
Master Planning work is currently underway and scheduled for completion by Q3 2026, outlining the high-level site design concept, projected cost estimates, and operational considerations.
When will construction begin?
The detailed design and construction phases of the project are not yet funded.
Community impact and consultation
Will the community be informed during the planning process?
Yes, project updates will be shared through the City’s website and other channels.
How will the project impact nearby neighbourhoods?
There may be traffic impacts during construction, and possible visual impacts subject to the design of the facilities.
Environmental impact
Will the project impact the environment
The project team will consider environmental factors during all stages of the project, including planning, design and construction, with efforts to minimize disturbances to local ecosystems and ensure sustainable development.
The project is close to the Priddis Slough, one of the largest wetlands in Calgary. To protect the wetland during development activities in the surrounding areas, the City of Calgary developed a Wetland Management Plan for the Slough, which includes stringent water quality, flow rate, and volume targets for discharges to the Slough.
The stormwater servicing strategies for the Deep South Operations Work Centre and Bus Garage will comply with these targets. Furthermore, The City will mitigate the spread of potential contaminants from the site to the wetland through stringent infrastructure design criteria and stormwater retention monitoring and control techniques.