Concerned residents say ‘community can’t absorb' developer’s tall targets

A plan to build nine high-rises potentially as tall as 30 storeys in one of Calgary's lowest-density areas is getting pushback.

A plan to build nine high-rise buildings—potentially as high as 30 storeys—in one of Calgary’s lowest-density neighbourhoods is facing pushback from area residents.

The developer, Truman Homes, wants to build more than 2,200 units on land south of Old Banff Coach Road near 81 Street S.W.

The proposed land-use change would allow buildings up to 30 storeys, and that has sparked concerns.

Narges Mahmoudi, a Cougar Ridge resident, started an online petition opposing the rezoning.

“I don’t think the infrastructure in their neighbourhood can support the increase in the population. Traffic is already a problem here. Parking and infrastructure such as water, sewage, emergencies, schools and doctors,” Mahmoudi said.

“I’ve been here for two years, and I wasn’t able to find a family doctor in this community. My kid is going to go to school this year, and the only public school that we have access to is lottery-based right now, and we’re just hoping that we can get in.

“So, I’m sure that this new population will impact negatively, not just us, but the kids that are going to come to this neighbourhood too.”

Community and homeowners' associations have also voiced concerns, arguing 30-storey towers are inappropriate for a residential neighbourhood.

“I can understand density because our populations are increasing, but it’s the type of product that is being proposed to be put out there, and it is just too much for the neighbourhood,” said Gwen Moriarty with the Springside Residents' Association.

“The road systems, the schools, the parks. There’s very little that can handle what’s already here. It’s at full capacity already, and this hasn’t even been developed or started to be developed. It’s a huge concern.”

David White, an urban planner with CivicWorks, which is working with Truman on the project, says west Calgary remains one of the least dense areas of the city.

“Even with what we’re proposing, assuming it is built out, we would not even achieve the minimum density expectations the city would have for developing greenfield today,” White said.

“This was always meant to be a high-density part of West Springs and Cougar Ridge. We are proposing amendments, but the infrastructure is there, both utility and mobility infrastructure.”

White says the increase in density would come with additional amenities, including a high street and new public park space.

“Truman is also actively exploring partnerships—public and private opportunities—to deliver additional amenities like community recreation services, and they’re hoping in 2025 to make some announcements about potential partnerships to deliver that in the same application area,” he said.

That explanation is little comfort to many residents, who say the project will fundamentally change their neighbourhood.

“The density is unbelievable. The community can’t absorb what that is going to bring for the infrastructure,” Moriarty said.

She says residents intend to fight the proposed changes.

Residents' representative on city council, Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans, stepped down late last year.

Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp has taken over responsibilities for that part of Ward 6 but has not yet had chance to meet with local communities.

Meanwhile, the deadline for submissions on the development permit has been extended until Jan. 27.

The city of Calgary webpage for information and submitting comments on the project can be found here.