Ward 5 pathway and bikeway connections
Helping Calgarians arrive safely, no matter how they travel Ward 5 pathway and bikeway connections
Project overview
We’re expanding the network of pathways and bikeways in Ward 5 communities to make it easier and safer for people to get around. This project will be delivered over several years as funding becomes available. Each pathway built will improve connections to schools, parks, transit stops and local businesses.
Project update: May 2026
Construction of six new multi-use pathways in Falconridge, Castleridge, Saddle Ridge and Martindale is scheduled to start in summer 2026.
2026 project locations
Project timeline
- 2024 Phase 1 Public Engagement: Completed
- 2025 Phase 2 Public Engagement: Completed
- 2025 to 2026 Detailed Design: In progress
- 2026 Construction begins at first six locations
Contact
If you have any questions, please reach out to the project team.
Telephone: 311
Related information
Site 1 - Saddle Ridge: Saddletowne Circle N.E. (80 Avenue to Saddlemont Boulevard)
Details: A new 430‑metre multi‑use pathway will replace the existing sidewalk on the north side of Saddletowne Circle N.E. from 80 Avenue to Saddlemont Boulevard. It will fill a missing link in the pathway network, connecting to existing pathways in the area.
Status: Construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Site 2 - Martindale: Martindale Drive N.E. to Genesis Centre
Details: A new 270‑metre multi‑use pathway will replace the existing informal trail between Martindale Drive N.E. and the Genesis Centre. It will create a safer, more accessible route for people travelling to and from the recreation centre.
Status: Construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Site 3 – Castleridge: Castleridge Boulevard N.E. (Westwinds Crescent to Falconridge Boulevard)
Details: A new 1.1-kilometre multi-use pathway will replace segments of existing sidewalk and informal trail on the south side of Castleridge Boulevard N.E. between Westwinds Circle and Falconridge Boulevard N.E. It will fill a missing link in the pathway network by connecting to existing pathways on Falconridge Boulevard N.E. and the ones through Prairie Winds Park.
Status: Construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Site 4 – Castleridge: Westwinds Drive N.E. (47 Street to Castleridge Boulevard)
Details: A new 210-metre multi-use pathway will replace the existing sidewalk on the south side of Westwinds Drive N.E., from 47 Street to Castleridge Boulevard. It will connect to the existing pathway on Westwinds Drive N.E., completing a missing section of the route.
Status: Construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Site 5 - Falconridge - McKnight Boulevard N.E. (68 Street to Falconridge Drive)
Details: A new 2.0‑kilometre multi‑use pathway will replace segments of existing sidewalk and informal trails along McKnight Boulevard N.E. and 68 Street N.E., connecting Falconridge Boulevard N.E. to Falconridge Drive. The pathway will go around the McKnight/Falconridge Off-Leash Area. It will create a more connected route between existing neighbourhood pathways and make it safer and easier to get to Falconridge School and the off-leash park.
Status: Construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Site 6 - Falconridge - Connection from McKnight Boulevard N.E. to Falchurch Road N.E.
Details: A new 770‑metre multi‑use pathway will replace segments of the informal trail between McKnight Boulevard N.E. and Falchurch Road N.E. It will improve connections to nearby pathways and make it safer and easier to travel to and from three schools in the area – Terry Fox School, Falconridge School and Bishop McNally High School.
Status: Construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Engagement
Public engagement in 2024 and 2025 helped us better understand how people travel in the area, along with local priorities, concerns, and opportunities to improve the pathway network. Feedback on safety, accessibility, and connections to key destinations helped shape the project as it moved forward.
Visit Ward 5 Connections | Engage for more information.
Budget and funding
City Council has approved $3.9 million to construct the first six pathways as part of the Ward 5 Pathway and Bikeway Connections project.
The project is funded through Calgary’s Pathway and Bikeway Network (5A) Program.
Frequently asked questions
About the project
What is the Ward 5 Connections project?
The Ward 5 Connections project will improve walking and wheeling routes in Falconridge, Castleridge, Taradale, Saddle Ridge and Martindale.
New multi‑use pathways will:
- Support safer travel for people walking, biking, and rolling
- Make it easier to get to schools, parks, transit, and local businesses
- Provide more travel options for getting around the community
- Better connect communities in northeast to Calgary’s pathway and bikeway network
Why is this project happening in Ward 5?
Ward 5 was identified as needing improved walking and wheeling connections for several reasons:
- High number of schools and students in the area - Ward 5 has one of the highest concentrations of schools, and therefore students, in Calgary. Many students live close to where they go to school, which makes safe and comfortable walking and wheeling routes especially important for everyday trips.
- Safety data shows the need for improvement - Between 2017 and 2021, this area experienced a higher number of injury collisions compared to other parts of the city. Designing safer streets for students helps create safer routes for everyone in the community.
- To better balance infrastructure investment across Calgary - Northeast Calgary has historically received less investment in walking and wheeling infrastructure. This project helps ensure City funding and improvements are more evenly distributed across Calgary communities.
How were the first six pathway locations chosen?
We focused on locations where improvements would make the biggest difference right away. This included closing gaps in the pathway network, improving safety, and making it easier to get to nearby schools, parks and transit.
We also considered construction timing and available funding. Locations impacting schools are scheduled for future years to avoid major disruptions during the school year.
Will there be future stages of the project?
Yes. The project will be delivered over several years as funding becomes available.
Visit Ward 5 Connections | Engage to learn more about potential locations and view the long-term network map.
Pathways
What are multi‑use pathways?
A multi‑use pathway is a shared space for:
- People walking or jogging
- People using wheelchairs or other mobility devices
- People cycling or using other small, wheeled mobility devices
These pathways are wider than sidewalks (about three metres), making them more comfortable and accessible for a range of users.
For more information about where different types of travel are allowed, please refer to The City’s mobility guidelines.
How can everyone use the multi-use pathways safely?
Multi‑use pathways are shared by people walking, biking, and using mobility devices. Everyone should travel at a safe speed and be aware of others around them. The maximum speed on Calgary’s multi‑use pathways is 20 km/h, unless otherwise posted.
To help keep everyone safe:
- Keep to the right and pass on the left
- Leave at least one metre of space when passing
- Use your voice (for example, “passing on your left”) or a bell to alert others
- Slow down and check for oncoming users before passing
- Do not pass on blind corners or in underpasses
More information about pathway bylaws and safety tips can be found here.
Who is responsible for snow removal on the multi-use pathways?
Snow clearing requirements remain the same for the multi-use pathways.
As a reminder, City Bylaws require Calgary property owners and/or occupants to:
- Remove snow and ice down to the bare surface from public sidewalks bordering your property within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
- Clear at least 1.5 metres of snow and ice from public pathways bordering your property within the same timeframe.
More information can be found at: Bylaws related to snow and ice.
Construction and impacts
When will construction happen?
Construction for the first six pathway locations is expected to begin in summer 2026 and be complete by the end of the year.
Timelines may change due to weather, supply chain delays, or unexpected site conditions. Any work not completed in 2026 will be finished in 2027.
Construction timing for future Ward 5 Connections pathways will be shared as funding is approved.
How will construction affect my neighbourhood?
Construction will create some short‑term impacts, such as:
- Increased noise, dust, and vibrations
- Temporary traffic lane closures, shifts and detours
- Temporary sidewalk closures and detours
- Temporary parking restrictions
Access to homes, schools, and businesses will be maintained.
Will any trees be affected?
The project team is committed to preserving the neighbourhood’s tree canopy as much as possible. Tree pruning or removal is always considered a last resort.
To accommodate the pathway, some tree pruning and limited removals will be required. The City of Calgary’s Urban Forestry team has worked closely with the project design team to reduce the number of affected trees and minimize impacts wherever feasible.
All pruning and removals will be reviewed and approved by Urban Forestry and be completed by a qualified arborist.
When tree removal is necessary, The City collects compensation for the loss of the trees, which Urban Forestry uses to reinvest in tree planting across the city. This helps maintain and grow a healthy urban tree canopy for all Calgarians.