Developer lowers proposed S.W. high-rise heights following community feedback

A developer has lowered the height for its proposed high-rise plans in West Springs.

A developer planning to create a new residential and retail district in southwest Calgary has lowered the maximum height of proposed buildings following feedback from the public.

The plans for the West District, located in the community of West Springs, drew criticism from some southwest Calgary residents after the initial proposal revealed plans to build nine high-rise buildings, potentially as high as 30 storeys.

Now, developer Truman Homes says the Land Use Redesignation application it submitted to the city is seeking to allow maximum building heights from six to 18 storeys depending on the location within the development.

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Truman said it made changes to its initial application, originally shared in November 2024, due to community feedback.

“Together, these changes reflect our commitment to balancing growth and housing diversity within West District while respecting the existing character of the surrounding neighbourhoods and addressing community concerns,” the developer said in an update on its website.

Earlier this year, a resident in nearby Cougar Ridge started an online petition opposing the rezoning, arguing the neighbourhood would not be able to support the increase in population.

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

In the updated application, three building sites were reduced from a maximum of 30 storeys to 18 storeys. The remainder of the buildings would now range from a maximum of six storeys to 12 storeys.

The development, located around Broadcast Avenue S.W. near Radio Park, is set to include residential, shops, grocery, fitness and medical services, with a focus on pedestrians, including an integrated walkway and bike paths.

The first phase, located along 81 Street S.W., south of Broadcast Avenue, would be built out over the next three to 10 years. The later phases are still in the permit phase.

The developer is holding an online information session on April 2 at 6 p.m. Learn more about the project and register for the session on the West District website.