Located at the confluence of Nose Hill Drive and Crowchild Trail in Calgary's northwest, the community of Ranchlands – developed in the 1970s – retains some of the unique, natural features of its namesake ranching lands.

In the centre of the community, Ranchlands Park sprawls across 12 hectares and provides examples of some of the last remnants of the typical northwest geological formations known as knobs and kettles. Retreating glacial deposits of ice carved these small rounded hilltops (knobs) and depressions (kettles). Much of Calgary's northwest featured these fields of undulating hills before development reshaped the landscape.

When it comes to location and convenient access to major thoroughfares, you can't beat Calgary's northwest neighbourhood of Dalhousie.

Bounded on four sides by major roads – John Laurie Boulevard, Shaganappi Trail, Crowchild Trail and Sarcee Trail - Dalhousie is at the heart of it all. Getting to and from downtown, or out to the mountains, is a breeze.

"Definitely the proximity to downtown attracted us," said Sean French, president of the Dalhousie Community Association, who moved to Dalhousie 10 years ago from nearby Varsity.

Located in the heart of Calgary's new northwest, Panorama Hills is Calgary's most populated community, with almost 26,000 residents calling it home.

Nestled into the sweet spot between several major arteries, the community is bordered by Stoney Trail to the north, Country Hills Boulevard to the south and Beddington Trail to the west, providing quick and easy access to surrounding areas and the downtown core.

An established northwest community that attracts buyers in all stages of life, Tuscany offers a variety of attractions, from beautiful scenery and quick access to nature, to schools, sports facilities and retail developments.

Located on the plateau along Calgary's western edge, Tuscany provides panoramic vistas that embrace the Bow River valley to the south and the foothills and Rocky Mountains to the west.

Online forum also open

The City is conducting a transportation corridor study to identify short-, medium, and long-term plans for Crowchild Trail from 24th Avenue N.W. to 17th Avenue S.W.

Now in Phase 3: Concept Identification, the study will take place throughout November, working with Calgarians to explore ideas on possible changes to the roadway to help address issues today and accommodate Calgary's growth in the coming decades.

"We're working with Calgarians to put pen to paper," said project manager Fesial Lakha. "We know Calgarians have great ideas. The workshops are an opportunity to explore the benefits, impacts, constraints and trade-offs of different ideas participants bring to the table."

Study looks to update 40-year-old plan for roadway

The City of Calgary is conducting a study to look at the future of Crowchild Trail.

The study, which will examine the stretch running from 24th Avenue N.W. to 17th Avenue S.W., will identify short-, medium- and long-terms plans for the major transportation corridor to accommodate future growth and improve travel.

Throughout June and July, Calgarians are invited to provide their thoughts through workshops, study area tours and an online questionnaire. The City will also be at various community events to talk to people about Crowchild Trail.