As a homeowner with a lane that was recently paved through the Local Improvement Process, you are in a unique position to provide feedback on surface types. This will allow us to compare the attributes of lane types. At this time we are asking for feedback on your new asphalt surfaced lane.

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 how the lane is used.

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.

* If you do not currently have a paved lane, or would like to provide input about your previous gravel lane, please click here as your input will greatly help us in assessing gravel lane surfaces.

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.