Calgary is one of Canada’s economic leaders and has been ranked among the top five most livable cities in the world by Economist magazine for the past two years. This point of pride is due, in part, to the role that the City plays in planning, servicing, and selling municipally owned lands, which it has been doing for more than 50 years.
With more than 5,000 acres already developed and sold, the city has another 2,000 acres in various stages of development for the next 15 to 20 years to ensure that it can continue to compete with cities in Canada and around the world to attract business and industry.
Through the ups and downs of economic cycle, Calgary has continued to develop lands for economic development purposes. Traditionally, the city has developed industrial parks, but in response to changing market demands, future needs, and adaptive redevelopment of existing city-owned assets, Calgary is now venturing into the development of eco-industrial parks and mixed-use transit oriented development (TOD) sites.
Eastlake Industrial Centre
With more than 430 acres of fully serviced land, Eastlake Industrial Park in the heart of Calgary’s southeast is one of the largest industrial parks in Western. Eastlake has been developed to meet the varying demands of today’s businesses whether they are looking to relocate or expand. Eastlake is home to more than 100 local, national and international organizations.
Dufferin North Industrial Park
Dufferin North Industrial Park is being planned for the market in 2015. The new development will focus on larger lots that will typically be 10 acres or greater. Dufferin North offers approximately 270 acres of net developable land that could be a hub of comprehensive logistical and distribution centres. Located in Calgary’s southeast industrial complex, Dufferin North is adjacent to Canadian Pacific Railway’s intermodal yards, and is close to major transportation routes including the TransCanada Hwy and the CANAMEX corridor.
Aurora Business Park
With an expected net developable area of 188 acres, Aurora Business Park is envisioned as an employment node with office, light industrial and commercial uses. With commercial and retail sites, Aurora will offer full services to employees and nearby residents. Within the northeast corner of Aurora, a hotel node is proposed, providing accommodations for out of town business travellers and other visitors.
Located in north Calgary with direct access to Deerfoot and Beddington Trails, Aurora Business Park is adjacent to a number of established and growing residential neighbourhoods. With the recent extension of 96 Ave., this development will be conveniently located minutes away from the Calgary International Airport.
Forest Lawn Creek
The Forest Lawn Creek development in the southeast is anticipated to have a net developable area of approximately 547 acres. The product offering will range in sizes from one and two-acre lots to five and 10-acre lots. The industrial development will have enclaves of light industrial lands with pockets of business parks.
With a strong focus on sustainability, the city is pursuing the design and development of Forest Lawn Creek as an eco-industrial park. Major elements include the retention and enhancement of natural areas and wetlands within a major open space system, enhanced stormwater management by using natural features such as bioswales, and an integrated transportation system that accommodates pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders. Opportunities are also being explored to help reduce energy needs and waste production through ongoing business operations.
Currently in the planning stages, construction is expected to begin in 2016 for product availability in 2017. The first phase is expected to be along Glenmore Trail, which will give users readily access to Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail (CANAMEX corridor).
Anderson mixed-use development
Ripe for redevelopment, the existing Anderson Station lands will be the first mixed-use TOD initiative undertaken by the city. The approximate 20-acre site is currently in outline plan preparation process, which includes community consultation. Anderson’s future use is anticipated to be a mix of commercial, residential, retail, and hotel. It could develop to a maximum of 3-million square feet.
This TOD site is adjacent to the Anderson light rapid transit station, which is at the crossroad of MacLeod Trail and Anderson Rd. Together, the Calgary transit network and access to key transportation corridors provides mobility options for commuting employees living in all quadrants of Calgary and its surrounding communities.
David Purcell-Chung is the development and planning advisor with the City of Calgary’s Office of Land Servicing & Housing. Chris Jurewicz is communications advisor at the city.
