The implication of regional and local growth management policies on sprawl: A case of the Calgary Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The Calgary Metropolitan Area experienced unprecedented growth between 1991 and 2011, becoming the most densifying metropolitan area in Canada. New developments during this period were concentrated in the city edge and exurban areas in parallel with the population growth and occurred contiguously to the existing urban areas. Local growth management policies were found to be effective in densifying the inner suburban areas. However, during the same 2 decades, municipalities outside the city boundary also experienced substantial growth and a considerable increase in the number of their residents relying on automobiles to commute to jobs in Calgary, showing the sign of regional sprawl. The growth challenges of the Calgary metro were felt increasingly more regionally over the years, creating a need for stronger regional growth management.