The Final Draft Area Structure Plan is Ready

The final draft Saatoohtsi (West Macleod Residual Lands) Area Structure Plan is ready for review. The final draft includes policies that will guide future growth and development of the lands in Southwest Calgary over the next 20 to 30 years.
Saatoohtsi Phase 4 Timeline

Final Draft Saatoohtsi Area Structure Plan

READ THE FINAL DRAFT PLAN

Highlights of changes

As part of the process, key considerations including technical studies, public input and City direction have influenced some changes that are included in the final draft Saatoohtsi (West Macleod Residual Lands) Area Structure Plan. Here is a quick summary of some of the changes in the final draft ASP.

Content and structure updates

  • Corrected Plan name - updated from Saatootsi to Saatoohtsi to reflect accurate Blackfoot language, based on expert guidance.
  • New policy sub-section on slope hazards (Section 4.1) - provides guidance on how to manage risks from unstable ground and slopes to ensure building projects are safe.
  • New section on Macleod Trail interface (Section 4.6) - added to guide transition, design, and access along this major roadway.
  • Reorganized emergency response section - content moved under Community and Neighbourhood framework as Section 3.10.
  • Removed performance monitoring section to reduce duplication.

Policy and language refinements

  • Renamed “Special-Purpose Recreation Site” to “Recreation Site.”
  • Removed the standalone “Indigenous Relations” implementation section and integrated content into Historic and Contemporary Matters of Significance to help content fit together better.
  • Updated history section with minor refinements to language to better reflect local context and Indigenous perspectives.
  • Removed or merged duplicate policies across sections (e.g., mobility, environment, public realm) to reduce redundancy and improve clarity.
  • Refined and repositioned “Intent” statements for consistency and to ensure it linked well to corresponding policy content.
  • Shifted the tone of several policies (e.g., mobility, housing, cultural) from focusing on procedure to focusing on outcomes.

Policy tone and flexibility enhancements

  • Policies were refined to support long-term adaptability and resilience, addressing evolving needs in areas like mobility, and infrastructure phasing.
  • Shift from “shall” to “should” - updated language across policies to offer more flexibility while maintaining clear guidance and enabling application of the policies in ways that fit local context.

Mapping and appendices

  • Improved visual clarity and accuracy across land use, mobility network, natural systems, and open space maps.
  • Updated appendices to reflect latest technical information.

Vision

Goals

These Goals outline the aspirations for the Plan Area to effectively implement the Plan’s vision:

The Plan Area will offer a variety of housing types to support multi-generational living. Housing forms will range from higher-density developments to lowerdensity and ground-oriented options, ensuring that all residents have access to housing that meets their needs, preferences, and life stages.

The Plan Area recognizes the importance of protecting natural features and celebrating cultural identity. Pine Creek and its surrounding landscape will be preserved to maintain ecological function and serve as a vital wildlife corridor. Indigenous history and cultural contributions will be respectfully recognizing through design, interpretation, and place-based storytelling.

A range of community amenities will be integrated into the Plan Area to support healthy, active, and connected lifestyles. Schools, childcare, parks, local commercial services, and recreational spaces will be located to enhance walkability and foster social interaction. These spaces will promote placemaking, cultural expression, DRAFTand a strong sense of community.

The inspiration for future community design will support multiple ways of getting around, including walking, wheeling, public transit, and driving. While early phases of development will rely primarily on vehicular access, the long-term vision supports a gradual transition towards enhanced active transportation, transit integration, and reduced reliance on personal vehicles. The mobility network will ensure accessible, safe and convenient access to key destinations within and beyond the Plan Area, encouraging active transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles

The Plan Area will incorporate strategies to support climate resilience and long-term environmental sustainability. This includes advanced water management, low-impact development, and energy efficient infrastructure aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These measures will contribute to a more sustainable, adaptable, and future-ready community.

Final Draft Land Use Concept

Saatoohtsi Final Draft Land Use Concept

Share Your Thoughts with Committee

Committee Date

The proposed Plan will be brought forward to the Infrastructure and Planning Committee (IPC) for review and decision on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Public Submissions

Anyone who is interested can participate in the public hearing of Committee and/or Council. You can submit your comments in writing, register to speak or watch proceedings online.

Submissions should clearly state that the comment is for the "Saatoohtsi (West Macleod Residual Lands) Area Structure Plan". The deadline to have your public submission added to the agenda is 12 p.m. (noon) on July 14, 2025.

Watch Committee and Council hearings via live webcast.

Public Hearing Process

Are you interested in submitting comments or speaking at committee? Learn more about the process here.

The agendas will be posted a few days prior to the hearings at the link below: