A New Vision for Calgary’s Inner Core: The West Elbow Communities Local Area Plan

In May 2025, Calgary City Council approved the West Elbow Communities Local Area Plan (WELAP)—a comprehensive, forward-looking document designed to shape the future of 16 inner-city communities over the next 30 years. This plan is part of Calgary’s broader strategy to accommodate a growing and changing population while preserving the unique character of its historic neighborhoods.

Why Was the Plan Needed?

Calgary is at a crossroads. As the city continues to grow, demand for housing and services in established communities increases. Without clear guidance, new developments can erode neighborhood character, strain infrastructure, and create friction among stakeholders. The WELAP was crafted to manage this growth sustainably, with a clear, community-driven vision for how these neighborhoods will evolve.

The WELAP seeks to:

• Support housing diversity and affordability

• Preserve heritage and architectural character

• Enhance walkability and transportation

• Upgrade parks and public spaces

• Coordinate development with thoughtful infrastructure investment
  
  

Communities Included in the Plan

The plan covers 16 inner-city communities in the southwest part of Calgary, bordered by the Bow River, Elbow River, and Crowchild Trail:

• Altadore

• Bankview

• Cliff Bungalow

• Elbow Park

• Erlton

• Garrison Woods

• Lower Mount Royal

• Mission

• North Glenmore Park

• Richmond

• Rideau Park

• Roxboro

• Scarboro

• South Calgary

• Sunalta

• Upper Mount Royal
  
  

Key Highlights of the Plan and How They’ll Be Accomplished

1. Diverse Housing Options

To accommodate a range of household sizes and incomes, the plan supports housing variety, including single-detached homes, duplexes, rowhouses, and townhouses.

How:

• Aligns with the City’s rezoning initiatives to allow for small-scale multi-unit housing

• Incentivizes mixed-use developments near commercial corridors and transit stations
  
  

2. Heritage Preservation

Many West Elbow communities are rich with century-old homes and streetscapes. The WELAP introduces Heritage Guideline Areas to protect this legacy.

How:

• Establishes development guidelines that encourage compatible design

• Promotes adaptive reuse of historic buildings rather than demolition
  
  

3. Public Realm Improvements

To promote vibrant, safe, and inclusive public spaces, the plan includes investments in parks, sidewalks, and streetscapes.

How:

• Sidewalk widening and tree planting initiatives

• Park upgrades and pedestrian-friendly design near key intersections

• Traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety
  
  

4. Improved Transportation and Connectivity

Walkability, cycling infrastructure, and transit integration are prioritized to reduce reliance on cars and enhance accessibility.

How:

• New bike lanes and shared-use paths

• Better lighting and signage for pedestrian routes

• Improved bus stop amenities and connections to CTrain stations
  
  

5. Sustainable Infrastructure Planning

The WELAP ensures that future growth is supported by robust infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

How:

• Coordinates infrastructure upgrades with population growth

• Uses development levies to fund necessary improvements
  
  

Pros and Cons of the Plan

Pros

• Creates more housing options for Calgarians of all ages and incomes

• Helps preserve the character and heritage of historic communities

• Enhances walkability and active transportation

• Encourages community-centered development through public realm improvements
  
  

Cons

• Some residents are concerned about increased density and changes to neighborhood character

• May place pressure on existing infrastructure without careful coordination

• Requires ongoing investment and oversight to ensure successful implementation
  
  

Costs and Timeline

While exact costs are not itemized, implementation will unfold in phases over 30 years, with funding from:

• Municipal capital budgets

• Development levies and private investment

• Provincial and federal grants (where applicable)

Initial improvements—such as park upgrades and traffic calming—are expected to begin in late 2025 to early 2026.

Looking Ahead

The West Elbow Communities Local Area Plan represents a bold step toward managing growth in a way that is equitable, respectful of history, and forward-thinking. With 16 communities under its scope, the WELAP offers a shared vision to balance development with preservation.

In summary:

• It introduces more flexible housing options while protecting neighborhood identity.

• It improves infrastructure, mobility, and public spaces for all.

• It responds to citizen input and aligns with Calgary’s long-term goals of being a more inclusive, sustainable, and livable city.

As implementation begins, ongoing community involvement will be key to ensuring the plan’s success. Residents are encouraged to participate through public consultations, project feedback sessions, and local partnerships.

For more information or to get involved, visit the official West Elbow Communities Local Area Plan page.

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