The City of Calgary is conducting research to better understand how Calgarians use their back lane and how either a gravel or paved asphalt surface makes a difference to back lane use.

Most of Calgary’s back lanes (72%) are gravel with more being added each year in new communities. However, gravel lanes can have significant economic, environmental, social and safety disadvantages.

	While the cost to construct gravel lanes is low, gravel surfaces are prone to potholes, rutting and erosion during storms and snowmelt. This can result in higher operating costs to maintain these surfaces over time.
	Gravel surfaced laneways are a major source of sediment in Calgary’s waterways. This has the potential to reduce water quality and affect fish and wildlife habitats.
	Gravel surfaces can add to vehicle maintenance costs and reduce air quality caused by regular disruption of surface materials.
	Gravel surfaces can also create safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists when gravel is tracked or carried by rain onto sidewalks and roadways.

As a homeowner with a gravel lane that will have their lane paved through the Local Improvement Program, you are in a unique position to provide feedback on both surface types. This will allow us to compare the attributes of each lane type. At this time we are asking for feedback on your existing gravel surfaced lane.

We will be utilizing the information gathered to adjust assumptions on lane performance and satisfaction. This will help us determine the relationship between back lane surfaces and lane use, performance, and customer satisfaction to help shape the future of new development in Calgary.

Please note this is an ongoing study and process, to review the WWH report collected up to May 31,2023.

Results will be utilized to assess and report on impacts of back lane surfaces in relation to costs, environmental impacts and social benefits as outlined in the engagement process.