As part of a multidisciplinary team led by Cushman & Wakefield, Urban Strategies provided planning analysis for the Calgary Main Street Study, part of the City of Calgary’s robust and integrated planning programs that include the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP), and the Centre City Plan and implementation framework. Several million dollars of public investment have already occurred in Centre City under the guidance of these plans. The Main Streets Study looks at a total of 24 main streets – of which Urban Strategies’ team looked at twelve. These Main Streets are set in diverse contexts: from some of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods to post-war suburbs, newer communities, and former small towns. Our planning work focused on opportunities to develop a strategy for mixed-use streets and active streetscapes in light of a limited retail market in Calgary. We also focused on creating better flexibility for automotive-oriented corridors, developer-funded public amenities and future City actions to address uncertainty and facilitate redevelopment. The study provides a strong foundation for ongoing streetscape and public realm master planning, which will guide public investment in these areas, support the vision put forward in these new land use policies, and attract new private sector development.

Calgary Main Streets

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