Low Traffic Neighbourhood Network Study in Teepee Town, Canmore, AB

Formerly a low-density neighborhood in Canmore, Alberta, Teepee Town is seeing increasing density as the town grows. To ensure efficient growth, the Town of Canmore is aiming to manage the increased density and expand mobility options in the neighbourhood. A neighborhood vision was outlined in an approved Area Redevelopment plan and the Town of Canmore engaged Mobycon to support this effort by creating conceptual design options for safe and attractive places for active transportation. Mobycon, alongside subconsultant Dick van Veen, assessed the current transportation network of the neighbourhood and provided conceptual designs for achieving a “low-traffic neighbourhood” vision.

Graphic rendering of a car-free street with children playing, cycling, and walking.

Mobycon’s work focused on balancing active transportation and residential place values with parking and reduced vehicle traffic. Mobycon provided the town with two similar but fundamentally different approaches: a low-traffic neighbourhood concept and a “woonerf” concept. The team then explored each concept in depth, providing network design concepts and potential street cross-sections for future community consultation. A vision statement and storyboard were developed for each visionary perspective. Community feedback was used to create a network plan with final design recommendations for roadway network changes.

The Town of Canmore wants to retrofit this neighbourhood to create a safe and attractive street network that responds to the recently approved Area Redevelopment Plan. Mobycon, with subconsultant Dick van Veen, was retained by the Town to assess the current transportation network of the neighbourhood and provide conceptual designs for achieving a “low-traffic neighbourhood.” To achieve this, the work focused on active transportation and residential place values while accommodating a reduced level of car travel and parking. Mobycon provided the Town with two similar, but fundamentally different approaches; a low-traffic neighbourhood concept and a ‘woonerf’ concept. Mobycon explored each concept, providing network design concepts and potential street cross-sections for future community consultation. After reviewing background documents to gain an understanding of the local context, a vision statement and storyboard were developed for the two visionary perspectives. This information was used to develop a network plan with recommendations for roadway network changes. Final conceptual designs were then developed for the two approaches in the Canmore context by incorporating community feedback.