Residents in Calgary’s southeast community of Riverbend are pushing back against plans they fear could eventually send significantly more traffic through their quiet residential streets.

At the centre of the controversy is the City of Calgary’s Riverbend transit-oriented development, located on approximately 12 acres of developable City-owned land west of 24 Street S.E. and next to the future South Hill Green Line LRT station.

The City plans to use the land for low- to mid-rise multifamily and mixed-use development. Earlier planning documents anticipated about 456 residential units, although the final number will be determined as development moves forward.

But for residents, one of the biggest concerns is not simply the new development. It is what could happen to Riverstone Road.

The residential road currently ends before connecting with 24 Street S.E.

During the planning process, residents pushed back against opening Riverstone Road to regular vehicle traffic. Following those concerns, the applicant proposed restricting the connection to transit and emergency vehicles, along with a pedestrian connection.

That compromise did not last.

The Calgary Planning Commission later amended the outline plan to remove the proposed transit and emergency access gate, leaving open the possibility of regular vehicles using the connection. One commission member who opposed the change argued that opening Riverstone Road to private vehicles went against the engagement that had taken place with residents.

Residents who spoke with Rebel News say they are not opposed to emergency or future transit access. Their concern is the possibility of regular vehicles being funnelled through an established residential community.

Several residents walked Rebel News through the neighbourhood and explained why they believe opening the connection could create serious problems involving traffic, parking, and pedestrian safety. Some homes in the affected area do not have rear alley access, making the street in front of the properties particularly important for parking and access.

Residents fear opening Riverstone Road could turn their community into a shortcut for thousands of vehicles travelling through the area.

City planning documents show similar concerns were raised during the planning process, including worries about spillover parking and drivers cutting through the existing community. Calgary City Council ultimately approved the broader Riverbend planning changes in July 2024, while directing City Administration to take another look at the Riverstone Road, Rivercrest Crescent and Rivercrest Way road network during later stages of development.

The direction called for the City to consider pedestrian safety, the impact on existing Riverstone Road properties and transit connections as the project progresses.

Residents say they remain concerned about what the final road configuration could mean for their neighbourhood. They also told Rebel News they have been frustrated by what they describe as a lack of support from the Riverbend Community Association.

Residents have also brought their concerns to current Ward 11 Coun. Rob Ward. According to residents who spoke with Rebel News, Ward told them he did not believe he could secure enough support from other members of council to stop the project from moving forward. Rebel News has not independently verified Ward’s alleged comments.

Residents are now looking at organizing a petition and encouraging Calgarians to contact members of City Council as they continue fighting to prevent Riverstone Road from being opened to regular vehicle traffic. They say Calgary can accommodate new development and improved transit access without turning an established residential street into a major route for outside traffic.

Rebel News went to Riverbend to hear directly from the residents who say they could be affected by the changes.

CONTACT CALGARY CITY COUNCIL

Residents who want to make their views known can contact members of Calgary City Council:

Mayor — Jeromy Farkas
Office of the Mayor through Calgary.ca.

Ward 1 — Kim Tyers
[email protected]

Ward 2 — Jennifer Wyness
[email protected]

Ward 3 — Andrew Yule
[email protected]

Ward 4 — DJ Kelly
[email protected]

Ward 5 — Raj Dhaliwal
[email protected]

Ward 6 — John Pantazopoulos
[email protected]

Ward 7 — Myke Atkinson
[email protected]

Ward 8 — Nathaniel Schmidt
[email protected]

Ward 9 — Harrison Clark
[email protected]

Ward 10 — Andre Chabot
[email protected]

Ward 11 — Rob Ward
[email protected]

Ward 12 — Mike Jamieson
[email protected]

Ward 13 — Dan McLean
[email protected]

Ward 14 — Landon Johnston
[email protected]