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MDP/CTP Core Indicators

The Calgary Municipal Development Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan are
The City’s key strategic policy documents that guide growth, mobility and city
building.

Together, these Plans aim to develop the kind of city that Calgarians have
asked for – a great city that attracts investment, jobs and business
opportunities, grows in an environmentally sound and affordable manner, and
provides more choices in how to travel and where to live. To evaluate the
progress being made towards the objectives of the Municipal Development
Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan goals, 14 Core Indicators measuring a
broad spectrum of urban analytics were first developed in 2009 along with the
approval of the plans.

How are we doing?

Individual indicators demonstrate that we are succeeding in certain areas but
Trend Description
need to work harder to achieve our targets in other areas.

Improvement: The past trend

indicates that indicator is on
track to achieve the target as
desired, or the target has
already been achieved.

Behind Trend for Goal: The

indicator is trending in the right
direction, but not at a pace
fast enough to achieve the
target as intended.

No Improvement: The
indicator is neither trending
positively or negatively and
has not changed significantly
since the last reporting
period. With no change, the
indicator will not achieve the
desired target.

Decline: The indicator has

moved further from the target Data
since the last reporting
period. Results are reported with the most current data available. Due to the
cancellation of the Civic Census, certain indicators provide both historical Civic
Census data as well as an updated data from an alternate data source.

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 Trend Summary Urban Expansion
Behind Trend for Goal Note the data source for this indicator has been changed from the Civic
Census to the Federal Census. Therefore, results from this report should not
60-70 Year Target: be directly compared to previously reported data.

50% This indicator shows the outward expansion of the city by measuring the
population growth accommodated within the Developed Area since 2006 as a
Latest Data (2006-2021):
percent of total city-wide population growth. Over the next 60 to 70 years, 50
per cent of the population growth is targeted to occur in Developed Areas.
12.4% Developed Area correspond to approximately communities built before the mid
2000s and is shown by the Balanced Growth Boundary on Map 1 of the MDP.
Baseline (2006-2011):
Benefit
2.5% Encouraging balanced growth between Developing and Developed Area of the
city makes the best use of our existing land, reduces the cost of City services,
Data Sources locates residents closer to where they work, shop and play, and makes
• 2021 Statistics Canada
walking, cycling and transit more attractive as a mode of transportation,
reducing the need to drive to meet daily needs.
How are we doing?
Percent of Cumulative Population Most population growth is still occurring in Developing Areas. Overall, the
Growth in Developed Areas indicator continues to show that The City is slowly moving in the right direction,
60% however, progress towards the target slowed between 2016 and 2021.
50.0%
50% Between 2006 and 2011, only 2.5% of the cumulative population growth
40% occurred in the Developed Areas of the City. By 2016, this had increased to
33.0%
15%, but declined to 12.4% by 2021. In years of strong growth, developed
30%
areas tend to attract a greater share of residents than lower growth years,
20% 15.0% 12.4%
while developing areas tend to see more relatively consistent growth.
10% 2.5% Consequently, with relatively steady suburban growth and moderate
0% forecasted population growth, this target may become increasingly difficult to
2006 - 2006 - 2006 - 2006 - 60 - 70 achieve. For progress to move forward, it will be important to continue to add
2011 2016 2021 2039 Year population in the Activity Centres and Main Streets identified in the Plans.
Target Target
Although the monitoring review shows that we are behind on this target,
progress has been made with nearly 40,000 residents added to Developed
Areas since 2006. This is more than the population of Cochrane. However,
during the same time, the Developed Areas grew by 280,000 residents.
Growth is not evenly distributed through the Developed Areas. Centre City and
the Inner City is capturing the majority this growth. Many Developed Areas
communities, particularly those ones built between 1970 and 2000, are losing
population, largely due to natural population lifecycles experienced by
communities and lack of redevelopment occurring.
Although the Developed Areas have only captured 12.4% of the population
growth from 2006 to 2021, they have captured 29% of net new dwelling unit
growth. Dwelling units in the Developed areas tend to have a lower occupancy
rate compared to Developing Areas.

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 Density
Density is measured by taking the total number of people and jobs, and
Trend Summary dividing by the total built-up area for a given year, providing a per-hectare city-
wide density measure. The 60-year target is to have 27 people per hectare
Improvement (population) and 18 jobs per hectare citywide.

No Improvement (jobs) Benefit

Directing future urban growth in a way that fosters more compact and
60 Year Target complete neighbourhoods has benefits for communities, and for Calgary as a
whole. Areas with higher densities offer more housing and mobility options,
27 people / ha
and have a population that supports amenities and infrastructure. At a city-
wide level a more compact urban form reduces the cost of service provision
18 jobs / ha
(including roads, water, and waste management), and requires less revenue in
Latest Data (2021, 2016) the form of taxes to provide the quality of life that Calgarians enjoy. From 2006
to 2021 there was a City-wide increase in population density of about 14%.
25.3 people / ha (2021)

13.5 jobs / ha (2016)

How are we doing?
The population density indicator continues to show positive performance. As
Baseline (2005) Calgary continues to grow, it is anticipated that increased housing
opportunities will be strategically located within focal areas for growth –
22.3 people / ha primarily in Activity Centres and along Main Streets. Increasing residential
development throughout the city will give Calgarians a more livable, vibrant
13.7 jobs / ha and resilient city. However, population density is not increasing uniformly
across the city. Although inner city areas and greenfield areas are seeing
Data Sources increase in density, many established communities are losing population.

• 2016 Place of Work Survey, Job density remains stable around 13 jobs per hectare, and needs to increase
Civic Census to reach the target of 18 jobs per hectare.
• 2021 Statistics Canada
Population and Job Density
30.00
Density per hectare

25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
-
2006 2011 2016 2021

Population Density Job Density

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 Population and Job Balance
Note custom Federal Census employment data has not yet been released.
Trend Summary
The most current job figures are from 2016.

Behind Trend for Goal Population and Job Balance measures the ratio between population and jobs
within each quadrant of the city. A higher ratio indicates fewer jobs are
available relative to the population of the quadrant.
60 Year Target
Pop:Job Ratio Benefit
NW - 3:1 How jobs are distributed throughout the city and where people live directly
NE -1.4:1 influences the choice of travel mode. The strategy of balancing housing and
SW – 1.5:1 job growth can reduce the need for long commutes and keep residential and
SE – 1.5:1 employment communities easily accessible to each other, and provide more
transportation options for people who may not drive a car. All quadrants are
at or near the 60-year target.
Latest Data (2016)

Pop:Job Ratio How are we doing?

All quadrants are at or moving towards the 60-year target. This trend reveals
NW - 3:1
the population to job balance ratio is moving in the right direction in all
NE -1.7:1
quadrants except the northeast. Strong population growth in the northeast
SW – 1.4:1
has increased the ratio of population to jobs. Increased industrial
SE – 1.5:1
development in the northeast sector in the future should help bring the ratio
in better alignment with the target. An increasingly unbalanced population to
Baseline (2006) jobs ratio can lead to an increase in congestion of roads and transit. A
Pop:Job Ratio decreasing share in the number of jobs in the northwest has resulted in a
higher number of people commuting from the northwest to other quadrants
NW - 3:1
for work. The key factor to achieving the target in the northwest is through
NE -1.7:1
the development of Activity Centres and Main Streets. That being said, this
SW – 1.3:1
quadrant is expected to continue to have a much higher residential
SE – 1.2:1
population than number of jobs, which increases commute lengths.
Maintaining a sustainable balance of population and jobs in the northwest will
Data Sources largely depend on the development of complete communities that provide
both housing and employment choices for people in this quadrant. Job
• 2016 Civic Census growth in areas such as the University District will improve the northwest’s
• 2016 Place of Work ratio.

Population to Job Ratios

SW SE NW NE
60 Year Target 1.5 1.5 3 1.4
2016 1.4 1.5 3.2 1.7
2011 1.4 1.2 3.3 1.6
2006 1.3 1.2 3 1.7

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 Mix of Land Use
The Land Use Diversity Index measures the variety of Land Use Districts within
Trend Summary
the city’s built area (excluding Centre City) and the share of land within each
No Improvement district. The city-wide index is the average of all community indices. Using a
method called the Simpson’s Diversity Index, total area of land uses is
measured by community. A score higher to 1 means all land uses have the
60 Year Target same share of land. A score close to 0 indicates the area of land uses is not
evenly balanced. Therefore, a community with a mixture of uses would score
0.7 high, while a community with one predominant land use district would score
low. The 60-year target is 0.7.
Latest Data (2021)
Benefit
0.56
Communities that are diverse, or have a greater mix of uses, tend to have
more destinations and therefore more complete. Mixed land uses in
Baseline (2008)
communities plays a strong role in creating equity amongst citizens. Residents
0.53 can access more services, products and amenities that they need within the
neighbourhood. By growing in a way that brings together places where you
Data Sources live, work, and play, daily trips become more convenient and result in shorter
travel times. This improves the quality of your experience living in the city and
• 2022 Land Uses
fosters a sense of community.

How are we doing?

There has been improvement in Land Use Diversity since 2012, however, in
the past 5 years, the indicator has not increased. Generally, the biggest
change in land use diversity is in new communities where more complete,
mixed neighbourhoods are being built compared to older communities with
which have less diverse land uses. In established communities, land uses do
not change as often, and when they do, much smaller areas are changed.
While there is improvement occurring in the Developed Areas, the changes are
slower and more incremental. From 2012 to 2021 there was a 15% increase in
land Use Diversity.

Land Use Diversity Index

0.8 0.7
0.7
0.6 0.53 0.53 0.56 0.56
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
2008 2012 2017 2021 MDP/CTP
Target

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 Mix of Residential Land Use
Residential Land Use Mix measures the diversity of housing forms and types
Trend Summary
within a community. This indicator describes the housing mix expressed in
Improvement terms of the number of residential land use districts. It is calculated using the
same methodology as the Mix of Land Use category, but only includes
60 Year Target residential land uses in the calculation. The 60-year target is 0.4.

0.4 Benefit
Communities with a more diverse range of housing are often less affected by
Latest Data (2021)
community demographic lifecycles and provide local level economic resilience.
0.23 A socio-economically and age diverse mix of residents supports local retail and
commercial services and uses community amenities like parks and transit most
Baseline (2008) efficiently. A range of housing choice and opportunity can foster the building of
complete communities, with more opportunities for affordability for all
0.19 Calgarians.

Data Sources How are we doing?

• 2022 Land Uses Our Plans establish a residential housing diversity target of 0.4. A number
closer to 1.0 indicates a more diverse range of residential land use types
permitted. A number close to zero means that only one land use type
dominates. Communities with high residential diversity will have more housing
options available. A score closer to 1.0 indicates there is more potential for
housing diversity.
This indicator will change slowly city-wide. In 2021, the Residential Diversity
Index was 0.23, a 21 per cent increase in housing diversity since 2008.
Development in new communities where a greater range of residential uses
are now required has helped to move this indicator. In established areas,
residential uses do not change as much or in terms of the volume of land area
re-designated as in Developing Areas, but this will become increasingly
important as Main Streets and Activity Centres continue to redevelop. The
proposed Land Use Bylaw renewal project will aim to improve this score.
Residential Land Use Diversity Index
0.5
0.4
0.4

0.3
0.22 0.23
0.19 0.2
0.2

0.1

0
2008 2012 2017 2021 MDP/CTP
Target

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 Road and Street Infrastructure
This metric measures the roads to streets ratio, which is a proportion of
Trend Summary
skeletal roads used for high-speed, long-distance travel such as freeways and
Improvement expressways to streets used for local residents, businesses and services. The
60-year target it is have 0.57 km of skeletal roads for every 1 km of arterial
60 Year Target streets.

0.57 Benefit
Calgary needs to have efficient transportation to be competitive, but requires
Latest Data (2022)
streets to provides a high-quality environment for all modes of transportation to
0.47 sustain vibrant communities, provide safe travel, enable diverse forms of
mobility for all people, and support local business. Skeletal roadways are the
Baseline (2008) major transportation connections that carry cars and trucks long distances at
high speeds while arterial streets provide access to homes, businesses, and
0.72 local services. While both types of infrastructure are required, a smaller ratio of
roads to streets means there is more accessible transportation infrastructure
Data Sources that could accommodate multi-modal transportation, resulting in a greater
share for transit, bike and pedestrian trips.
• 2022 Road data

How are we doing?

In 2005, Calgary had a road to street ratio of 0.72, meaning there was 1 km of
Arterial Streets for every 0.72 km of Skeletal Roads, whereas the CTP target is
1km for every 0.57km. When the Calgary Transportation Plan was
implemented, roadways across the city were reclassified to a new system. This
reclassification shifted the ratio to 0.49, exceeding the plan target. In 2017,
this shifted significantly again to 0.61 after the construction of the Stoney Trail
ring road, returning to behind our target for this indicator. By 2022, Calgary
surpassed its target by having a road to street ratio of 1 km of Skeletal Roads
for every 0.47 km of Arterial Street.

The ratio is lower now because we have built more or improved more arterial
roads than skeletal roads. Although parts of the Southwest Ring Road were
opened in 2020, we have added more arterials and that is moving the ratio
closer to the target. Over the next few years as portions of the Southwest and
West Ring Roads are complete, this ratio will likely change.

Road to Street Ratio

2005 2012 2017 2022 Target

0.72 0.49 0.61 0.47 0.57

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Trend Summary Accessibility to Primary Transit
Network
Decline

60 Year Target
Note population and job data previously acquired are no longer available to
Percent of population within inform this indicator. Building Permits offer a temporary proxy measure.
400m of a Primary Transit
Network: 45% Accessibility to the Primary Transit Network (PTN) is measured by the percent
of population and jobs that are located within 400 meters of the PTN.
Percent of jobs within 400m of
a Primary Transit Network:
67% Benefit
The Primary Transit Network is a system of interconnected routes that are fast,
Latest Data (2019, 2016) convenient, and easy to use. Primary transit routes run every ten minutes, 15
hours a day, seven days a week. Having access to this level of service is key to
Percent of population within making travel equitable, affordable and easy throughout Calgary. Accessible
400m of a Primary Transit transit provides an affordable option to people who may not drive, such as
Network: 0% youth, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Percent of jobs within 400m of

a Primary Transit Network: 0%
How are we doing?
Baseline (2008) In 2005, there were no areas in Calgary that had Primary Transit Network
levels of transit service. By 2016, service levels on Route 3 and both CTrain
Percent of population within
lines had increased to a PTN level of service. and 37 per cent of jobs and 14
400m of a Primary Transit
per cent of the population were in the Primary Transit Network area. By 2022,
Network: 0%
the level of service has decreased and no routes operate at a PTN level of
Percent of jobs within 400m of service due to service reductions initially attributed to the economic recession
a Primary Transit Network: 0% and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data Sources With no Civic Census data available, Building Permits (BP) can be used as a
proxy measure. The share of BPs near the hypothetical PTN increased from
• 2022 PTN
2009 to 2016, but has since levelled off. The following chart shows BPs within
• 2019 Civic Census
a hypothetical PTN, including both LRT lines and Bus Route 3.
• 2016 Place of Work

Cumulative Percentage of Issued Building Permits (Units) within 400 m

of the Primary Transit Network
18.0%
15.8% 15.3% 15.2% 15.4% 15.3%
16.0% 15.0%
13.8% 14.4%
14.0%
12.0% 10.4% 10.9%
10.0%
8.0% 7.2%
6.0% 4.0% 4.2%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
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Cumulative Percentage of BPs within 400m of PTN
Trend Summary Transit Service
Decline
Transit Service is measured by annual transit service hours divided by total
population for a given year and is measured in service hours per capita. In a
60 Year Target growing city, more service is required each year to maintain a baseline level.

Transit Service Hours Per

Capita: 3.70
Benefit
Transit service needs to be safe, frequent and reliable to attract a high level of
Latest Data (2021) ridership. People begin to rely on transit as a preferred mode when they are
able to walk a short distance to service and can expect a bus or train to arrive
Transit Service Hours Per with minimal and predictable wait time. Improving transit service improves
Capita: 1.77 equity amongst Calgarians.

Baseline (2005)
How are we doing?
Transit Service Hours Per Investments in service improved between 2005 and 2012, when the city was
Capita: 2.22 experiencing economic growth. During the recent economic downturn, fewer
transit riders resulted in decreased service. COVID-19 has significantly
Data Sources affected transit service; however, this is likely a short-term decrease and
• Calgary Transit expected to rise after the pandemic as work from home orders end. The extent
to which it will rise is unclear. Calgary Transit strategically adjusted schedules,
however, considerable effort will be needed to reverse this decrease and move
towards the Plans’ target.

Transit Service Hours per Capita

4.00 3.70
3.50

3.00

2.50 2.36
2.22 2.24 2.17 2.21
2.00 1.81 1.77

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00
2005 2012 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Target

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Trend Summary Goods Access
Improvement
A new consistent data source is required for this indicator.
60 Year Target
Goods Access measures the percentage of intermodal and warehousing
Per cent of intermodal and facilities in close proximity (1600 metres) to the Primary Goods Movement
warehousing facilities within network.
1600 m (actual) of Primary
Goods Movement Network: Benefit
95% Locating intermodal and warehousing facilities close to the Primary Goods
Movement Network contributes to transportation efficiency and supports the
city and regional economy. Smaller distances between these facilities and the
Latest Data (2022) network decreases trip length and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Per cent of intermodal and

warehousing facilities within
1600 m (actual) of Primary
How are we doing?
Goods Movement Network: Currently 98 per cent of Calgary’s intermodal and warehousing facilities are
98% within 1600m of the Primary Goods Movement Network, above the target of 95
per cent throughout reporting periods. New intermodal and warehousing
facilities have been successful in locating near the Goods Movement Network,
Baseline (2008)
and adjustments have been made to the Primary Goods Movement Network.
Success can also be attributed to the Industrial Strategy and Goods Movement
Per cent of intermodal and Strategy.
warehousing facilities within
1600 m (actual) of Primary
Goods Movement Network: Percent of Intermodal Facilities within 1600m of Goods Movement Network
73%
2005 2012 2022 Target
0.73 0.73 0.98 0.95
Data Sources
A new data source is required
for this indicator.
• Logistics Council

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 Transportation Mode Split
Percentage of all-purpose, city-wide trips made by walking, cycling, transit and
Trend Summary car within a 24-hour period. This includes trips for work, school, leisure or
other.
Behind trend for goal

Benefit
60 Year Target Most people have access to a variety of travel modes, but will only choose a
mode if it is safe, affordable and easy to use. The way Calgarians move around
Per cent split (all purpose trips,
24 hours, city-wide) the city is reflective of the urban form, urban design, transit services, and
street connectivity. Reducing vehicle dependence improves equity amongst
Walking and cycling: 20% - 25% Calgarians. More Calgarians using transit and active forms of transportation
Transit: 15% - 20% reduces GHG emissions and promotes health. Less reliance on personal
Auto: 65% - 55% vehicles also strengthens equity amongst Calgarians.

Latest Data (2022) How are we doing?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected transportation mode split,
Per cent split (all purpose trips, particularly in terms of active transportation and transit usage.
24 hours, city-wide) Reductions in service prompted by COVID-19 as well as the economic
downturn impacted the ability of transit to recover in mode share. During the
Walking and cycling: 22% pandemic, workers were more likely to have worked from home, a situation
Transit: 3% which especially affected downtown workers who may have previously taken
Auto: 75% transit. Automobile travel has remained the primary transportation option for
Calgarians. Active modes of transportation have increased significantly during
Baseline (2008) the pandemic, with increasing options, such as bike lanes and the scooter-
share program proliferating, as well as street closures for active transportation.
Per cent split (all purpose trips, Long term remote and hybrid work scenarios could result in latent capacity in
24 hours, city-wide) the transportation system at traditional peak times. This may enable utilizing
more road space to enable dedicated transit, walking/wheeling space to aid in
Walking and cycling: 14% shifting mode share over time.
Transit: 9%
Transportation Mode Split
Auto: 77%
90%

Data Sources 80%

77% 79%
74% 73% 73% 75%
70%
• Transportation Data
60%

50%

40%

30%

20% 22%
18% 18% 18%
14% 13%
10% 9% 9% 8% 9% 9%
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0%
2005 2012 2017 2018 2019 2020

Active Transit Auto Active Target Transit Target Auto Target

Trend Summary Accessibility to Daily Needs
Improvement
Note population and job data previously acquired are no longer available.
Additional reporting using Building Permits offers a temporary proxy
60 Year Target
measurement.
Per cent of population within
Accessibility to daily needs is measured by the percentage of Calgarians living
Major and Community Activity
within Activity Centres, or within 600 metres of Main Streets.
Centres, and 600 m of Urban
and Neighbourhood Corridors:
30% Benefit
Encouraging new development and redevelopment that focuses on intensifying
Latest Data (2019) and diversifying housing and urban activities within community hubs (Activity
Centres and Main Streets) around transit stations and premium transit routes
Per cent of population within encourages more walking, cycling and transit use. Destination within a
Major and Community Activity community make for efficient use of public investment and infrastructure, and
Centres, and 600 m of Urban creates less of a need for personal vehicles, increasing equity amongst
and Neighbourhood Corridors: Calgarians by making services readily available in close proximity, and
22% (2019) reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This also strengthens our business and
commercial districts.
Baseline (2008)

Per cent of population within How are we doing?

Major and Community Activity In 2019, 22 per cent of Calgary’s population was located within Activity
Centres, and 600 m of Urban Centres and Main Streets. These strategically important areas have added
and Neighbourhood Corridors: over 48,000 people since 2006. This share of growth is consistent with long
18% term objectives.

Data Sources Household level Civic Census data is required to monitor this indicator. In the
absence of a Civic Census, Building Permit data has been analysed to
• Civic Census
determine if residential unit construction is occurring within proximity to daily
• Building Permits
needs. This data shows that an increasing share of dwelling unit growth is
occurring in these strategic growth areas.

Cumulative % of Issued Building Permits within Activity Centres or

600m of Main Streets (2009 - 2021)
35.0%
28.8% 29.0% 29.5%
30.0% 27.1% 26.9% 28.2%
24.8% 25.5%
25.0%
20.9% 21.5%
20.0% 17.9%

15.0% 13.4%

10.0% 8.2%

5.0%
0.0%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
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Within AC or MS
Trend Summary Watershed Health
Decline Watershed Health measures the amount of impervious surface area (land area
covered by buildings, roadways, and parking lots) within the urban area. As
60 Year Target imperviousness increases there is a degradation in river and creek channel
stability, water quality, and aquatic biodiversity. As land is developed,
Per cent of impervious impervious surfaces can have a significant impact on the quantity and quality
surfaces: 10% - 20% of rainfall run-off that flows to the river. The amount of imperviousness rises in
the city as more area is developed with buildings, roads, and parking lots.
Latest Data (2018) There is a direct correlation between the increase in impervious surfaces and
an increase in stormwater runoff to the rivers which affects water quality and
quantity.
Per cent of impervious
surfaces: 45%
Benefit
Baseline (1998) Protecting the watershed by decreasing impervious surfaces is necessary to
sustain and enhance river and creek channel stability, water quality, and
Per cent of impervious aquatic biodiversity. Limiting impervious surface area can lower the stress load
surfaces: 33% on stormwater systems, mitigate surface and bank erosion, and avoid
damaging run-off.
Data Sources

• Calgary Impervious Surface How are we doing?

Calgary’s impervious surface cover has been increasing since 1998.
Compared to baseline data, imperviousness has increased by 12 per cent. As
urban development continues, less area remains green and permeable.

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Trend Summary Urban Forest
No Improvement Urban Forest measures the percentage of area covered by tree canopy in
Calgary’s urbanized area. It is an important indicator of the health of forests
60 Year Target throughout the city.

Per cent of tree cover: 14% -

20%
Benefit
Trees provide many ecological services, including cleaning the air, reducing
erosion and creating wildlife habitats. In general, trees contribute to the quality
Latest Data (2020)
of life, providing shade to residents and adding a sense of serenity and
character to the neighbourhoods. In 1998, a baseline of 7% was established
Per cent of tree cover: 8.25% for tree canopy cover. Our Plans set a target of 14% to 20% tree canopy
coverage.
Baseline (1998)

Per cent of tree cover: 7% How are we doing?

This was a slight drop in canopy since 2017, however, the minor decrease of a
land area of almost 85,000 ha is likely not of statistical significance. The trend
Data Sources
is that our canopy is remained stable since the 2014 storm despite having
• Calgary Tree Cover, City of planted approximately 39,000 trees since 2014. Regrowth and steady
Calgary increases of tree canopy city-wide are a result of Calgary Parks’ strategies and
actions.

1998 2012 2013 2015 2017 2020 Target

7.0% 8.5% 8.4% 8.2% 8.3% 8.2% 14-20%

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 District Energy
Trend Summary Note population and job data previously acquired from the Civic Census are no
longer available.
Improvement
District Energy measures the percentage of Calgary’s land area with enough
60 Year Target population and job density to potentially support a district energy system.

6.5% Benefit
District energy systems are communal heating, cooling and power networks
Latest Data (2016) that can reduce the demand for non-renewable energy resources. The
increased efficiency of supplying energy in this form reduces overall energy
Per cent of land area with consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
densities supportive of district
energy systems: 2.6%
How are we doing?
District energy systems rely on a dense network of uses to enable cost
Baseline (1998) effective management and distribution of heating, cooling and electricity
efficiently. While the number of district energy facilities has not increased in
Per cent of land area with Calgary since the last reporting period, a greater percent of the city now has a
densities supportive of district sufficient density to support these systems. However, only 2.6% of urban area
energy systems: 1.8% in Calgary in 2016 was dense enough to support district energy.

Data Sources

• Civic Census

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