Spur Line

publication

Re-imagining the Franklin spur line as a multi-modal active transportation corridor: multi-family housing, triple-use buildings, ample green spaces and vibrant public realms.

Creators: Lucia Blanco, Alfred Gomez and Juliana Morar

Featuring artwork by Nasarimba.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, City of Calgary Liveable Streets and Sustainable Calgary Society are investigating opportunities for conversion and re-purposing of the M-M-F Spur Line. With the advent of truck-based goods transport, many of the rail spurlines in Calgary have not been in use for many decades. Much of this property lies dormant and ignored.

This infrastructure provides a significant opportunity for the city of Calgary to meet its land use and transportation policy objectives of revitalization of industrial lands, intensified mixed-use development in the inner city, economic diversification and promotion of active transportation modes. 

This exploratory study examines the entire MMF Spurline from the CP mainline adjacent to the Science Centre, through to the Franklin Industrial District. The purpose is to produce design material that we hope will create interest and excitement among a diverse group of stakeholders in the potential of the Spurline. 

The Spur Line becomes a multi-modal active transportation corridor that facilitates active living all while improving connectivity across the Deerfoot divide. 

Click on the image above for the full report!