A Sustainable Vitalization Framework for Calgary’s Back Lanes
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The environmental challenges posed by the surface erosion of Calgary's gravel back lanes necessitate a sustainable approach to their surface treatment. Back lanes, primarily used as utilitarian corridors for vehicular access and waste collection, present design and planning opportunities that extend beyond proposing an optimal paving option. These opportunities could transform the role of back lanes in Calgary from service corridors to residential alleys by creating a “laneway urbanism”, contributing to the city's overall sustainability and resilience particularly in the Post World War II suburbs. This thesis proposes a “vitalization” framework for back lanes in Calgary’s postwar suburbs, consisting of strategies for short-term and long-term changes that would collectively constitute a laneway urbanism as the big picture. The short-term scenario focuses on finding an optimal paving solution and promoting ecological systems through greening underutilized edges, connecting to a long-term scenario that emphasizes densification through the development of backyard suites, as well as the integration of renewable energy and the exploration of new waste collection systems in the alleyscape. Adoption of these strategies within the proposed framework stems from the significance of tackling broader urban issues. Naturalization would promote ecological and social health while enhancing resilience to potential climate change impacts. Densification through developing backyard suites would alleviate some of the negative consequences of low-density urban sprawl, particularly by enabling increased housing supply and housing choices to accommodate population growth. Infill development also aligns with the City of Calgary’s intention to densify the single-family zoning districts through the recently approved blanket rezoning proposal that allows for alternative types of low-density housing in these areas besides single detached dwellings. Integrating renewable energy systems into back lane vitalization also aligns with broader energy transition goals that are pursued nationwide through initiatives such as Canada Greener Homes . In essence, this study proposes a holistic framework that integrates environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic aspects for a sustainable vitalization of back lanes. It envisions back lanes as "new front streets", providing a roadmap for building resilient and sustainable back lanes as a means for a laneway urbanism to emerge.