EXP is excited to begin the first phase of the Osprey Hill residential development project in Calgary. Phase one was recently awarded to EXP by Homes by Avi and includes approximately 110 residential lots, a temporary stormwater facility and ±3.5 km of offsite underground utilities that will service the community.
The project is divided into three phases of residential development and will be designed and constructed over the next five years. EXP has been involved with the Osprey Hill lands since 2015 and in 2019, EXP began providing engineering support services for land use, creating an outline plan application approved by the City of Calgary Council on September 13, 2021.
Phase 1 of the Osprey Hill development will include a temporary stormwater facility until a permanent “regional stormwater facility” is available. The Osprey Hill development consists of 19.60 hectares, including two existing drainage courses/environmental reserves running north-south through the site. The drainage courses are heavily covered with trees and gravel trails with the proposed plans including several small bridges that will cross the watercourses. A key aspect of the plan is to maintain and enhance the natural environment and serenity of the location in compliance with Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) – Water Act Approval. EXP will facilitate all AEP approvals required for Phase 1 of the development.
Once the project is completed, residents of the development will enjoy views of the Bow River that will be visible from nearly every home. These views will be accommodated through integrating the landscape’s existing slope and adapted to provide a terraced feel.
Currently, an existing AltaLink transmission line is running east-west through the site that means the team has to maintain the required mandatory open space so that there is no interference with the transmission lines. The open space throughout the design will accommodate the transmission line, as well as incorporate pathways for pedestrians to provide connectivity for the community, as well as the necessary electricity requirements.
There are many other challenges to the development of this site, including proximity to the West Calgary Ring Road, which is currently under construction and is likely to be operational by 2024. To meet these challenges, EXP will continue to coordinate with Alberta Transportation throughout the entire first phase of the development.
To learn more about EXP’s western Canada land development capabilities contact Vice President, Civil Infrastructure and Land Development, Sid Vanderzwaag.
