Draper, DianneRyan, Susan Elizabeth2015-07-092015-11-202015-07-092015http://hdl.handle.net/11023/2342Calgary is a leading Alberta municipality in low impact development (LID). This thesis provides a discussion and analysis of Calgary’s transition to the LID approach to stormwater management. The drivers of change that preceded the introduction of LID to Calgary are examined. Research includes in-depth assessment of interwoven federal, provincial, regional and municipal regulatory and policy aspects, as well as interviews with practicing stormwater management professionals. The natural hydrological regime (created by Calgary's cold, semi-arid climate, Chinooks, post-glacial topography and dense clay soils) relies on evaporation and evapotranspiration, rather than infiltration for pre-development stormwater processes. The goal of the city’s Stormwater Management Strategy is to improve post-development stormwater quality and minimize morphological impact on the receiving waters. In April 2014, Calgary adopted Interim Stormwater Targets based on pre-development peak and annual volume discharge per unit area. LID remains an evolving field, with many challenges yet to be overcome.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.GeographyStormwater ManagementLow Impact DevelopmentCold Climate LIDCalgarySouthern Albertamaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/26007