Franklin Station area improvements
We are making improvements to the south Park and Ride lot of Franklin Station to transform it into a vibrant, livable, and accessible station area, enhancing mobility and connectivity to the transit hub. In addition to transit loop, streetscape, and park improvements, a portion of the site has been set aside to develop both market and non-market housing to further the goals of The City’s Housing Strategy.
Project update – July 2026
A big thank you to everyone who gave their feedback to us, both online and in person. Engagement on the design of the proposed streetscape and park improvements is now closed. A What We Heard report from the engagement and the final design of the streetscape and park is expected to be shared later this fall.
Construction on the transit loop at the south Park and Ride lot at Franklin Station is expected to begin next month. Intermittent, temporary parking disruptions can be expected early next month ahead of the full, permanent closure of the lot by the end of the month.
Learn more about the upcoming transit loop construction here.
Project overview
Franklin Station is just one of several priority station areas funded through the Transit-Oriented Development program at The City.
The project has three main components: the transit loop, the park space, and the Radcliffe Drive S.E. streetscape.
Upon completion, the design of the site will:
- Improve transit connections for pedestrians and cyclists to future pathway networks planned for 2 Avenue S.E., 36 Street S.E., and 8 Avenue S.E.
- Revitalize the park space with new furnishings and plantings.
- Create a welcoming, pedestrian-focused transit loop.
- Enhance lighting and sight lines to promote safety in the area.
Transit loop construction
Construction on the transit loop at Franklin Station is set to begin in the summer of 2026, with completion expected by the end of spring 2027. The redesigned transit loop will improve how the space functions for transit users and the surrounding community by:
- Keeping bus operations on-site to reduce impacts to Radcliffe Drive S.E.
- Creating safer, clearer routes for people walking and wheeling to and from the station
- Creating a more visible and comfortable environment through lighting and landscaping, including features to manage stormwater
- Providing space to support development of housing near the station
What to expect
- The south Park and Ride lot will be closed permanently.
- Transit operations will remain on-site, and access to the station will be maintained
- Those living, visiting, or travelling through the area may also experience pedestrian detours, and impacts related to regular construction activities like noise, dust, and presence of heavy equipment.
The transit loop is being constructed ahead of other improvements to support site readiness and the overall project phasing.
Investment
A portion of the funding for the Franklin Station Area Improvements has been provided by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, with funds currently supporting construction on the transit loop.
Additional funding will be required to deliver the streetscape and park improvements and will be considered in the 2027–2030 budget cycle discussions.
Project timeline
Council approves request for land use change of Franklin Station’s south Park and Ride lot
A portion of the site was sold to Onward Homes to provide both market and non-market housing options.
Outreach and engagement
Engagement on the Franklin Station Area Improvements was held in the spring of 2024. Read our What We Heard Report (verbatim feedback here) to learn more.
An additional round of engagement was held in the summer of 2026 to seek additional feedback from community members on the streetscape and park design. A What We Heard report from the engagement and the final design of the streetscape and park is expected to be shared later this fall.
Frequently asked questions
General
What is a Transit-Oriented Development?
Successful Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD) make life better in Calgary by creating lively and fun neighbourhood centres where people and businesses can do well. This means more people in Calgary will have an easy, affordable, and convenient way to live and travel in our city. Benefits include:
- More housing options
- Easier access to transit
- Better streets, pathways, and parks
- Support for local businesses and jobs
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Support for high-quality transit
- Stronger communities
- Improved social equity
Learn more at calgary.ca/TOD.
What is included in the project scope?
The project area includes a new transit loop on a portion of the south Park and Ride lot of Franklin Station, a nearby park space, and the Radcliffe Drive SE streetscape from 28 Street S.E. to 9 Avenue S.E. The housing development is a separate, privately-led project, enabled by City Council’s land use approval (fall 2024) and land sale approval (spring 2025).
Why is this project happening here?
The Franklin Station Park and Ride surface parking lot is City-owned land. It is considered a prime location for both Transit-Oriented Development and mixed market housing initiatives due to its position along primary transit networks and within its surrounding community, its proximity to area schools, its current utilization, and its potential to connect future tenants with essential services.
How many non-market housing units will the project create upon completion?
Of the approximately 350 (subject to change) new homes that are anticipated to be built onsite, half of them are expected to be below market. |
Am I still able to provide input into the design of this area?
Of the approximately 350 (subject to change) new homes that are anticipated to be built onsite, half of them are expected to be below market. |
Previous engagement for the Franklin Station Area Improvements was held between April and May 2024, gathering public feedback on proposed improvements around Franklin Station, including the land use changes, the public space enhancements, and the proposed private housing development. The results can be viewed in the What We Heard Report. Another engagement was held for several weeks in June and July 2026 to get additional design feedback on the streetscape and park from community members. We expect to share what we heard and how your feedback was used in the final design with Calgarians this fall. Please note that the feedback we collect is considered alongside technical requirements and other project considerations as we finalize the design.
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How do I learn more about the private housing development that is going to be built in the south Park and Ride lot?
The City approved the land use application in the fall of 2024 and approved the sale of the land in the spring of 2025. A Development Permit application has been submitted by the developer, and the proposal is available for review on The City’s Development Map, where you can view application details and submit comments on DMap here. Feedback received through the Development Permit process is considered by Administration before a decision is made.
Is there enough servicing infrastructure in place to support more development at this location?
Growth at this location is aligned with the East Calgary International Avenue Communities Local Area Plan, which plans for additional homes near transit. The Franklin Station site is in an established area with existing water, storm, and sanitary infrastructure. Technical servicing analysis has confirmed that the site can support additional development, with targeted upgrades where required.
A sanitary upgrade has been identified and is being delivered by The City, including phased improvements (2026 and 2028) to local pipes along Radcliffe Drive S.E. and Fonda Way S.E.
Will the East Calgary International Communities Local Area Plan affect the Franklin project and future development at the site?
The Franklin Station Area Improvements project is aligned with the East Calgary International Avenue Communities Local Area Plan approved by Council in December 2024.
Construction
Will I still be able to use the Park and Ride at Franklin Station?
The Franklin Station currently has two parking lots, one on each side of Memorial Drive. The south side will permanently close and be redeveloped, however the north Park and Ride at Franklin Station will remain open on the north side of Memorial Drive. Additional parking options and Park and Ride lots are available along the Blue Line.
Transit users are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative parking options before the permanent closure, expected this summer.
I have mobility issues and am dropped off at the south Park and Ride lot to access transit. How will I access the station now that only transit is allowed to drive up to the station?
The north Park and Ride lot at Franklin Station will remain open and accessible for vehicles to drop off and pick up passengers, and currently provides the best station access for those with mobility concerns.
The redesigned transit loop on the south side includes a Calgary Transit stop located close to the station to support accessible pick-up and drop-off via bus. The transit loop design preserves space for a future, fully accessible ramp on the south side to replace the existing corkscrew ramp that does not comply with current accessibility standards.
Will local businesses and transit remain open and operating during construction on the transit loop?
Local businesses should not be affected by this development, however Transit operations may be affected when construction begins. Transit users and other affected parties will be notified of any changes to routes or schedules.
Local residents will be notified in advance of construction beginning in the area and possible disruptions to be aware of.