Rezoning and development of long-established neighbourhoods to meet the growing demand for housing is an ongoing work-in-progress.

“There is a housing crisis and we have to find optimistic and realistic solutions,” said Anshuman Bhusari, University of Calgary Master of Planning student.

“It’s about transforming the overall fabric of the Banff Trail community.”

The Banff Trail community was selected for a non-binding redevelopment initiative by the Federation of Calgary Communities this year. Students from the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) held the Citizens + Students open house in the Banff Trail Community Association (BCTA) board room April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visitors saw the plans and outlines created by four student teams and voiced their concerns.

“It’s an established community, not just raw land to develop,” said Tracey Thompson, Banff Trail resident, who came with her husband after hearing about the open house on Instagram.

The student teams showcased their projects after weeks of cohesive teamwork with their colleagues. They have been able to learn from one another and expand on their knowledge of city planning. They answered questions and engaged with several residents.

“Everyone brings different aspects to the designs and the planning policies are in every thought,” said Mustafa Qadri, Master of Planning student.

Many visitors expressed curiosity about the drastic changes that could happen with the increased density and rezoning of houses.

“It’s great to see people excited and the students sharing their ideas,” said David Kowel, BCTA planning and development coordinator.

The visual spectacles of possible futures

The students used visual techniques including a neighbourhood model that could be inspected further with QR codes, along with maps and photo renditions of what buildings and spaces could look like in the future. There were 3D digital renditions that residents could view on tablets. 

The designs consisted of increased density, improved streetscapes, enhanced parks, and open spaces.  The students came intending to show Banff Trail residents the positive changes that could come with rezoning and redevelopment within the next 30 years. 

“We try to bridge those gaps from the city as well as the community,” said Qadri.

The presentations emphasized concern towards mobility access regarding the LRT station and the potential development of the Motel Village close to the LRT station.

“By increasing the density and commercial spaces around that LRT station we can make it more active, and safer for people in the community as well,” said Anastasia Blomgren, Master of Planning student.

The student-run workshop provoked dialogue between residents and SAPL students. Discussions over safety and the continuance of single-family homes were a frequent topic.

“You can see they put a lot of time and effort into it,” said Thompson, who loves the idea of new parks and converting the old fire hall into a bar or café but is concerned about storey limits.

“They enjoyed listening to me as a resident of the community and sharing my concerns with them, rather than just hearing it through the media.”

The workshops addressed growing housing demand by establishing diverse housing options while finding a balance for some neighborhood preservation. The goal was to show how changes could be beneficial to the community in the long term despite some of the expressed resistance over the years.

“Change can be hard to accept sometimes and that’s usually because we’re used to what we know,” said Blomgren.

“If it’s done thoughtfully and carefully, it doesn’t need to be bad.”

The students concluded the event by acknowledging that they would take into consideration the concerns and even protests they discussed with community members when they return to their drawing boards. They will continue to design for the public by hearing and learning from the public when they present their finding to a steering committee on Monday.

“We heard some positive things but then we also had some critical feedback which we can back to our drawing boards,” said Qadri.  

Although these plans are not part of any local area plan, there is a possibility that elements of them could be incorporated into future development for Banff Trail as these students continue to develop their careers.

“It’s only this way that we can actually create more trust in the participatory process,” said Jennifer Herring, Master of Planning student. 

“Any pushback is really welcomed here because that gives us more information to provide.”