Garrison Woods is the 70-hectare (175-acre) neighbourhood created on the eastern portion of the former Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Calgary site. The CFB Calgary site has generated three major phases of development: Garrison Woods, Garrison Green and Currie. Garrison Woods was the first of these three communities to be developed. Unlike other developments across the country, Garrison Woods enabled a compact, mixed-use and pedestrian friendly neighbourhood that with approximately 1,600 housing units and about 6,500 square meters (70,000 square feet) of retail development space. 

Garrison Woods provides a variety of housing opportunities for residents and includes affordable housing options. The “Manors” retirement complex was also opened at Garrison Woods in March of 2003 after consultation with the local community to meet the special needs of the seniors living in the area.

Following extensive public engagements, Canada Lands listened closely to community concerns and priorities that called for a development that was well integrated into the existing surrounding neighbourhoods. Garrison Woods’ development involved the construction of traffic-calming streets, boulevards lined with trees, and an environment that promotes walking and biking options for a pedestrian-friendly and overall safer neighbourhood that all members of the surrounding communities can enjoy. 

An important element of the Garrison Woods development is the preservation and honouring of its rich military history that goes back decades. The neighbourhood had existing military housing units originally developed after World War II known as the Permanent Married Quarters (PMQs) for personnel serving at Calgary’s Currie Barracks. Between 1948 and 1952, hundreds of residence units were constructed, while streets were named after World War I battle honours earned by two regiments stationed at Currie Barracks: Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. When Canadian Forces Base Calgary closed in 1997, the PMQs were transformed into the new residential neighbourhood of Garrison Woods where many of the original street names were retained, and interpretive signage along a newly created “Garrison Woods Legacy Walk” was created. The “Museum of the Regiments” located at the southwest corner of Garrison Woods serves to honour Calgary’s rich military heritage and commemorate the regiments originally stationed on the site.

In 2002, Lycée Louis Pasteur, a francophone school made use of the existing buildings on the property, including a former community centre. Lycée Louis Pasteur also preserved one of the chapels on the site  to accommodate its kindergarten program.

Garrison Woods has been honoured with many accolades:

•    Alberta Professional Planners Institute1999 Award for Excellence, and Award for Excellence for Environmental Design.
•     Canadian Home Builders’ Association Calgary Region 1999 Award for Best Sales Centre – Detached. 
•    Real Property Institute of Canada 2000 Award for Best Practices and Comprehensive Planning 
•    Canadian Home Builders’ Association Calgary Region 2000 Award for Best Overall Community
•    Canadian Home Builders’ Association Calgary Region 2001 Award for Best Innovation – Main Traffic Circle Design.
 
Garrison Woods boasts one of the highest percentages of park space in a neighbourhood in Calgary and retained approximately 400 existing mature trees. In addition to the preservation of the mature trees, Canada Lands Company planted over 800 new trees.