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
Design of the transit loop is nearing completion and construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2026. Design of the streetscape and park improvements are underway, however construction is not currently funded.
Onward has been selected as the official housing provider for the Franklin Station Area Improvements project.
Project overview
Franklin Station is just one of several priority station areas funded through the Transit-Oriented Development program at The City. Successful transit-oriented developments:
- Increase housing supply, choice, and affordability.
- Support transit efficiency and ridership by placing more people and services within walking distance of stations.
- Create welcoming, safe, and accessible environments by making improvements to public spaces and streets.
- Advance climate and equity goals by reducing reliance on private vehicles and directing investment to areas of higher need.
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.
A portion of the Franklin Station south Park & Ride lot has been set aside to develop both market and non-market housing. Of the approximately 350 new homes that are anticipated to be built on site, half of them are expected to be below market, with a selection of three-bedroom, family-oriented homes as well as universally-accessible homes.
Contact
Questions about the project?
Upcoming events
We will be seeking feedback from community members in the spring/summer of 2026 on the proposed streetscape and park improvements. Visit our Engage page for more information.
Related information
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.
Anticipated construction start on the transit loop improvements
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. We will be seeking feedback from community members in the spring/summer of 2026 on the proposed streetscape and park improvements. Visit our Engage page for more information.
Additional opportunities for public input will be available for the housing development on the site led by Onward as part of the normal Development Permit process.
Frequently asked questions
What’s a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
TOD is the planning, design, and building of a development centered around rapid transit stations. While TOD follows principles of design, scale, and function, each development can be unique based on a variety of factors. In some locations, TOD might include high-rise towers and high levels of activity while in other locations, it might feature low- to mid-rise buildings and a more moderate level of activity.
As a site located within 600m of an existing LRT station, future development is directed from the Transit Oriented Development Guidelines to encourage high density, walkable, mixed-use environments that optimize the use of existing transit infrastructure and to make each station a ‘place.’
Why is this project happening here?
The Franklin Station Park’n’Ride surface parking lot is City-owned land and is considered a prime location for both Transit-Oriented Development and affordable 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 350 new homes that are anticipated to be built on site, half of them are expected to be below market, with a selection of three-bedroom, family-oriented homes as well as universally-accessible homes.
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. As the south side gets redeveloped, parking options remain on the north side of Memorial Drive, as well as Park’n’Ride lots along the Blue Line.
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 Communities Local Area Plan approved by Council in December 2024.
Will local business and transit remain open and operating during the Franklin Station Area Improvements?
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.
What is included in the project scope?
The project area includes the south Park-and-Ride lot of the Franklin CTrain Station, nearby green space, and the appearance of a portion of Radcliffe Drive SE.
Am I still able to provide input into the design of this area?
The first round of engagement for the Franklin TOD project 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.
A second round of engagement is planned in spring 2026 to give community members an opportunity to provide further input on the design of the streetscape and park space improvements. Feedback collected will be balanced with other important considerations and technical requirements when finalizing the design for the space.