WestWinds Development Calgary: What It Means for Ward 5’s Future

Urban growth is a reality for many parts of Calgary. One of the most talked-about projects is the WestWinds development Calgary, a plan to build 428 new residential units near the WestWinds Superstore in the northeast part of the city. This area falls within Ward 5, which is home to many working families, new Canadians, and long-term residents. 

As someone who lives, works, or cares about this community, you might wonder what this kind of growth means for you. Will it improve housing access? Will schools, roads, and clinics be able to handle more people? Who makes these decisions, and how can you have a say? 

Let’s break it all down.

Why This Area Matters

The WestWinds neighbourhood is close to key transit routes and commercial hubs. It's already a busy area, with a Superstore, bus terminal, and nearby businesses. That’s part of the reason why developers see it as a good place to build.

More homes are needed in Calgary, especially affordable ones. But building hundreds of units in one area isn’t just about putting up walls and roofs. It means more cars on the road, more kids in schools, and more pressure on everything from water lines to emergency services.

When large-scale development is planned, it should come with detailed strategies for how the area will support new residents. This is where the conversation in Ward 5 is getting serious.

Can Ward 5’s Infrastructure Handle More Growth?

At the centre of the discussion around the proposed WestWinds development is the question of infrastructure readiness. The plan includes 428 new residential units near the WestWinds Superstore, a significant addition to an already active area in northeast Calgary.

This part of Ward 5 experiences regular traffic congestion, particularly along Castleridge Boulevard and WestWinds Drive NE. A Transportation Impact Assessment conducted for the proposal showed projected traffic increases of up to 5% at nearby intersections. While these numbers may seem small, they reflect added pressure on roads that are already busy during peak times.

Beyond traffic, the existing schools, clinics, and public services are limited in their ability to handle rapid population growth. Residents have raised concerns about insufficient parking, overcrowding, and limited access to recreational and community facilities. Without planned upgrades, these issues are likely to worsen as more people move into the area.

Responsible Growth and Why It Matters

Not all growth is bad. In fact, communities need growth to stay healthy and support new generations. But responsible growth means making sure the foundations are in place before adding more pressure.

You wouldn’t build a second story on your house without checking if the foundation is strong enough. City planning works the same way.

Smart development should:

• Include traffic and safety planning.
• Consider school capacities.
• Plan for transit access and safe pedestrian routes.
• Provide access to parks and recreation.
• Include input from the people who live in the area.

This is where residents of Ward 5 have a key role to play.

How Community Engagement Can Shape Outcomes

When people talk about community engagement in Ward 5, they’re talking about the chance for you and your neighbors to speak up. This can happen at open houses, surveys, town halls, or by contacting your councillor’s office directly.

Too often, big projects move forward without asking the people who will be most affected by them. That’s why many Ward 5 residents and local leaders are asking for more transparency and better consultation.

Being engaged doesn’t mean you need to be an expert. It means you know your area best — where traffic gets stuck, which parks feel unsafe, how far your kids must walk to school, or where new sidewalks are needed. This kind of input is exactly what should guide development decisions.

What’s Next and Why Your Voice Matters

The future of the WestWinds area is still open. Plans can change. Designs can improve. And most importantly, decision-makers can be held accountable to the people they represent.

If you live in or care about Ward 5, it’s worth paying attention to how this development unfolds. It’s not just about one project — it’s about setting a standard for how future growth happens. Are community needs respected? Are services expanded in time? Are long-term impacts considered?

These are the kinds of questions that shape a community’s success, safety, and sense of belonging.

Planning That Respects People

As conversations continue around the WestWinds development Calgary, one thing is clear: growth is coming, but it must be done right. That means infrastructure must be ready, community voices must be heard, and city leaders must prioritize fairness and livability.

Councillor Raj Dhaliwal has raised strong points about ensuring the people of Ward 5 aren’t left out of the process. He’s called for better planning, more transparency, and meaningful engagement. For more detailed information on this development and other community initiatives, you can visit Councillor Raj Dhaliwal’s official website.