Winner: Currie
Having originated during the 1980s, the urban design philosophy known as New Urbanism isn’t so “new” anymore. You can certainly see how it might have seemed radical back in the ’80s, however. Suburban homes at that time were mostly designed with car commuting front of mind and front of lot, with living spaces tucked in behind large two- and three-car garages. While that certainly worked then, and continues to work now for many homeowners, the New Urbanist mindset created a new way of thinking about the suburbs that moves cars (and garages) to the back, and fosters neighbourly vibes with front porches and accessible gathering spaces. Built on a spread of land in the southwest that was formerly a Canadian Forces base, Currie is New Urbanism in Calgary come to life, designed with walkability and neighbourly interaction in mind at every step.
Honourable Mentions:
Alpine Park, Garrison Woods/Garrison Green, McKenzie Towne, Walden