Calgary park and ride conversion plans spark parking concerns from commuters
Calgary is weighing conversion of two Transit stations into housing, but riders worry about losing parking during peak hours.
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Calgary's plan to convert parking lots at two Transit stations into housing is hitting resistance from commuters worried they'll lose spots during peak hours.
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation is advancing master plans to build new housing at Dalhousie and Fish Creek-Lacombe stations on the Red Line, with shovels potentially in ground by late 2027. Public engagement wrapped at the end of June, with more feedback planned for the fall.
Parking availability emerged as the biggest concern during initial sessions. A city count on June 11 showed the Dalhousie lot at 95 per cent capacity — 701 occupied spots of 737 available — raising questions about how commuters will access parking if the project shrinks the lot.
"In winter, it's almost full by 7:30 [a.m.]. Like if you're here at 7:30, you might not get a spot, which is already the issue," said Rebecca Lyon, who parks at Dalhousie and commutes to work.
Clare LePan with CMLC said the corporation is working to address parking concerns so future development doesn't disrupt commuters. The city considers multiple factors when evaluating station redevelopment, including transit operations, housing need, market interest, surrounding community fit, available infrastructure, and alignment with city priorities — not parking utilization alone.
Transportation planner David Cooper noted that park and rides see strong weekday use but are underutilized evenings and weekends. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have begun converting parking near transit hubs into housing. Alex Williams with Calgary Transit Riders hopes any revenue from the development will fund improved transit service, noting the system is chronically underfunded.
