Canwests

Canwests is a term used in urban planning to describe a proposed class of mixed-use, transit-oriented communities in Western Canada. It is used in planning literature to discuss strategies for accommodating growth while reducing car dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. The term is not an official designation and has not been codified into municipal planning documents.

Etymology and scope: Canwests combines Canada’s western geography with the notion of compact, connected neighborhoods. It emerged in academic and policy discussions in the early 2010s and has since appeared in planning reports as a descriptive concept rather than a policy brand.

Characteristics: Typical Canwest models center on pedestrian-friendly street networks, medium- to high-density housing near transit corridors, and a mix of residences, workplaces, and services within walkable blocks. Shared public spaces, climate-responsive design, and affordable housing provisions are often highlighted. Projects are usually anchored by rapid transit, bus rapid transit, or major cycling corridors.

Geographic application and examples: The term covers planning approaches described across several Western Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria. There is no single district officially named "Canwest", but the concept is used to frame redevelopment corridors or new neighborhoods that integrate housing with transit and services.

Governance and planning process: Canwest discussions emphasize collaborative, multi-jurisdictional planning, alignment among municipal, provincial, and developer interests, and participatory community engagement. Critics worry about feasibility, cost, and potential displacement.

Reception and status: As a concept, Canwests functions more as a framework for evaluating planning proposals than as a binding program. It has influenced discourse on transit-oriented development in Western Canada but remains informal and varied in interpretation.

Related topics include transit-oriented development, the 15-minute city concept, and discussions of urban planning in Canada.