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 – June 2026
Design of the transit loop is nearing completion and construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026. Design of the streetscape and park improvements are underway, however construction is not currently funded. Provide your thoughts on the proposed streetscape and park space improvements today!
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.
The transit loop is being constructed ahead of other improvements to support site readiness and the overall project phasing. The transit loop design is largely complete and reflects previous public input and planning work. It must meet transit, safety, accessibility, and operational requirements, and is being shared for information only as it moves toward construction.
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.
Subscribe
Sign up for updates delivered right to your inbox.
Upcoming events
Join us at our upcoming in-person engagement event to learn more about the project, ask the team your questions, and provide your feedback on the streetscape and park designs. No registration is required.
When: June 24, 2026, from 3 to 6 pm (drop-in).
Where: Grace Baptist Church parking lot (2670 Radcliffe Dr S.E.) adjacent to Franklin Station. The event will be held inside the church in the event of inclement weather.
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 are currently seeking feedback from community members on the proposed streetscape and park improvements. Visit our Engage page for more information.
Frequently asked questions
What’s a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
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
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.
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 gets 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.
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 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.
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 (spring 2025).
Am I still able to provide input into the design of this area?
Engagement is now open giving community members an opportunity to provide further input on the design of the proposed streetscape and park improvements. The transit loop design is largely complete and reflects previous public input and planning work. It must meet transit, safety, accessibility, and operational requirements, and is being shared for information only as it moves toward construction.
Previous engagement for the Franklin Transit-Oriented Development 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.
The feedback we collect will be considered alongside technical requirements and other project considerations as we finalize the designs for the streetscape and park.
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 submitted by the developer, and the proposal will be 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.