What is the Aurora Area Structure Plan?

Calgary is growing. Community planning is crucial for managing growth in a manner that is equitable, transparent, and consistent with Calgary's vision for the future. A new Area Structure Plan (ASP) will shape the future of the Aurora lands to make sure that change happens in the right way.

The ASP will guide development and investments over the next 30 years, serving as a reference for landowners, builders, City Planners, and Councillors as they consider future projects. It will also inform land use, transportation and utility networks and implement the broad planning objectives of the Municipal Development Plan, Calgary Transportation Plan and other City-wide Policies & Strategies (see the Useful documents section).

The ASP development process will include:

  • The review of technical studies including population and employment forecasts for the area, as well as historical and environmental assessments
  • An engagement process with interested groups and the public. See the Your input matters and Engagement timeline sections for more information
  • The development of a Land Use Concept and planning policies to replace the existing Aurora Business Park ASP

Where are the Aurora lands?

Why is The City developing a new ASP for Aurora?

In February 2024, The City began the process of creating a new ASP for the Aurora lands.

Here are some of the reasons why we are revisiting the 2008 Aurora Business Park ASP:

  • Outdated plan: The Aurora Business Park ASP was approved in 2008 and zoned for a business park. This no longer aligns with The City’s current priorities and needs. A new plan for the lands will better respond to the needs of Calgarians.
  • More options: A new plan will set a vision that allows for a variety of uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, school sites and other community amenities.
  • Housing: The new ASP provides an opportunity to help address Calgary's housing crisis.
  • Environment: The new ASP aims to create connections between neighbourhoods and parks, as well as preserving these natural spaces.
  • Complete community: Creating a new plan will allow for a mix of uses to meet the needs of local residents for an entire lifetime.

Your input matters

The creation of a new ASP allows people living in the area, landowners, and anyone interested in the community’s future to have a say in how the Aurora lands will be developed. Their feedback will guide the planning process.

It is important to note, while public input is essential in the development of the ASP, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. City policies, professional expertise, and best practices will also inform the plan.

Your input metters

Reporting back

In Summer 2024, we’ll share a report summarizing the feedback we received during Phase 1: Envision. This report will inform the project team’s work to prepare for Phase 2: Explore, where we will share a draft concept and goals for the ASP, for public feedback.

For each project phase, we’ll create a dedicated “What We Heard” report, so that we can build on insights from one phase to the next. Through our reporting process we will also share how public input influenced the development of draft and final ASP.

Next steps

We are currently planning Phase 1 engagement, which will begin in May 2024. Find the upcoming dates for online and in-person engagement in the Engagement opportunities section of this page.

Land Acknowledgement

Calgary is situated within the ancestral lands and traditional territories of the people of the Nations that made Treaty 7. These Nations in Southern Alberta are: the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations, who, altogether, form the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy); the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi (Stoney Nakoda) First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. The city of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory, Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6. We acknowledge all Indigenous people who have made Calgary their home.