Backlane paving
The majority of Calgary’s back lanes are gravel. Should citizens wish to have a backlane paved, citizens can initiate a self-funded local improvement. For a particular backlane to be eligible for this process, the following criteria must be met:
- The backlane has not been excavated to install or repair underground utilities within the past two years. This refers to excavations that run the majority (or full) length of the lane. This ensures the ground above and around any recently repaired underground infrastructure has time to settle. Smaller localized excavations would not generally prevent lane paving from proceeding.
- The backlane must be at least six years old. This ensures that the ground has time to settle over and around underground utilities. Newly constructed backlanes take longer to settle as they have typically been excavated more than once to accommodate utility line installation.
- The utilities underneath the backlane are not currently scheduled for replacement. This ensures a recently paved backlane will not be excavated soon, ensuring that the paved backlane will last.
| Width of backlane | Cost: Lump sum | Cost: Amortized over 15 years |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1 m | $6950 | $660 per year |
| 8.0 m | $7600 | $720 per year |
| 9.14 m | $7600 | $720 per year |
Property owners will be billed the year following construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does The City pave in the backlane?
The City of Calgary, if a Local Improvement is approved by Council, will pave the public road right-of-way portion of the backlane.
How do I make sure the paving ties-in to my garage?
The cost of garage tie-ins is not included in a backlane paving Local Improvement, and is solely the responsibility of the property owner. Often, The City’s contractor will provide their contact information and an approximate cost to affected residents should they wish to hire them to complete this work at the same time as the backlane paving.
How can I get my paved backlane repaired?
Backlane paving work is under warranty with The City’s contractor for two years, and The City is responsible for coordinating maintenance with the contractor. Please call 311 to let us know if a newly paved backlane requires maintenance.
After two years, The City is responsible for completing paved backlane maintenance (with the exception of repaving). Learn about backlane repair.
My backlane was paved many years ago and needs to be repaved. Do I need to initiate a new Local Improvement?
Yes. Council has mandated that as backlane paving is a benefit to only a small group of citizens rather than to the larger municipality, backlane paving is only available through a local Improvement. This includes repaving of backlanes paved in the past.
How do I know when my backlane will be paved?
Before a backlane paving project can be scheduled for paving, it must be approved by Council.
Check the annual backlane paving schedule or the Calgary Roadway Activities Map to see if a project is on this year’s list to be paved. This schedule is updated throughout the paving season.
In addition, affected residents receive a written notice from The City’s contractor advising when work will begin. Work typically takes two weeks. This may be impacted by weather, as work is weather dependent and the backlane needs to be completely dry for work to take place.
How long does it take to pave a backlane?
Backlane paving work typically takes two weeks to complete. However, this may be impacted by weather, as paving work is weather dependent and the backlane itself needs to be completely dry for work to take place.