Exploring the Cumulative Effects of Urban Growth Strategies in the Calgary Region

The ALCES land-use simulation model was applied to estimate the impacts likely to result from the next 50 years of population growth in the Calgary metropolitan area. The analysis compared the consequences of continued reliance on low density suburban development with a proposed regional plan that incorporates densification.  Indicators assessed included water quality, water use, footprint, connectivity, walk score, human health, and infrastructure construction cost.