Planning for the Possible

Long Range Development Plan

Mount Royal University is in the process of creating Planning for the Possible, a Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) that will guide the evolution of our campus for decades to come. This long-term, collaborative process will guide how we use and shape the campus — responsibly, sustainably and intentionally — over the next 30 to 50 years.

This plan is about more than buildings. It’s about creating a campus environment that reflects who we are, how we learn and how we continue to Grow Beyond. This critical framework aligns MRU’s physical development with institutional priorities, Indigenous inclusion, sustainability, and broader municipal and provincial planning goals.

Here, you’ll find key information about the LRDP: how it’s being developed, what principles are guiding it and how you can get involved.  Please note: While Mount Royal has two campuses, this document focuses on the Lincoln Park campus — located in southwest Calgary by the junction of Glenmore and Crowchild trails. It does not include the Springbank Airport campus.

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Stay tuned for more information, including details on the two Open House events in early 2026.

Rivers around Calgary Trace of the Bow and Elbow Rivers and several tributaries"

Where the rivers meet

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

As such, Mount Royal University is committed to advancing the success of Indigenous learners and respectfully supporting Indigenous cultural identities and integrity, leading to a good life in all its aspects. Mount Royal will challenge settler colonialism and systemic racism and discrimination by addressing the legacy of broken promises and rebuilding the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This includes those who now live at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow rivers, a place referred to by the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation and the Kainai Nation as Moh’kinstsis, by the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nations as Wîcîspa, and by the Tsuut’ina Nation as Guts’ists’i. Mount Royal will meet these goals by committing to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and adopting and applying the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

View full land acknowledgement

What is MRU’s LRDP?

Planning for the Possible builds on:

Together, these plans emphasize sustainability, community integration, Indigenous inclusion and urban resilience.

This LRDP is a response to the evolving context since the last plan in 2016. It reflects how an urban MRU can grow within fixed boundaries, and it identifies opportunities to support:

  • Financial sustainability
  • Student experience
  • Community connectivity
  • Infrastructure resilience

Rather than prescribing specific buildings or uses, the LRDP defines potential building areas, land use types (e.g. academic/administrative, housing, mixed-use) and development guidelines. It focuses on how space between buildings functions, not just the structures themselves.

 

 

Planning principles

The LRDP is guided by four core principles (a consolidation of the eight principles from the 2016 campus plan):

  1. Land use and building potential
  2. Transportation access and circulation
  3. Pedestrian mobility and accessibility
  4. Open spaces and green corridors

Illustrated maps identify areas of change and highlight opportunities such as:

  • Mixed-use development
  • Activation of open spaces
  • Vibrant pedestrian streets
  • Perimeter density adjustments
  • Smarter parking strategies

It also addresses challenges including limited campus boundaries, aging infrastructure, inactive frontages and disconnected buildings.

 

 

The broader context

The area surrounding MRU is becoming denser and more urban. This includes new roads, pathways and cycling infrastructure. According to area planning documents, this trend will continue, making it essential that MRU plans intentionally to remain integrated and connected.

 

 

Who’s involved

MRU has established a Steering Committee and a Working Committee, supported by planning consultants from Stantec. Engagement has included internal stakeholders and will expand to external communities, including local residents, Indigenous Nations and the City of Calgary.

 

 

Where we are now

In December 2025, draft concepts will be presented to the Steering Committee and Executive Leadership Team. After review and refinement, a draft concept will be shared publicly in early 2026.

 

 

Questions?

You can reach us at PlanningForThePossible@mtroyal.ca.

Timeline

Initial research, campus analysis and early planning. Development of draft LRDP concepts.

An in-person Open House for the MRU campus community and external audiences (neighbours, businesses, Nations, community associations, government) to review draft concepts and share feedback. An online feedback option will also be available.

The Steering and Working Committees, with consultant support, will review public input and refine the LRDP accordingly.

This event will share “What We Heard” and how the LRDP has evolved in response. Updated plans and the proposed implementation strategy will be available online and in person.

Final steps to validate, receive approval from the Board of Governors, and begin integrating the LRDP into broader campus and municipal planning.