Calgary is a leading Alberta municipality in low impact development (LID). This thesis provides a discussion and analysis of Calgary's transition to the LID approach to stormwater management. The drivers of change that preceded the introduction of LID to Calgary are examined. Research includes in-depth assessment of interwoven federal, provincial, regional and municipal regulatory and policy aspects, as well as interviews with practicing stormwater management professionals. The natural

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... cal regime (created by Calgary's cold, semi-arid climate, Chinooks, post-glacial topography and dense clay soils) relies on evaporation and evapotranspiration, rather than infiltration for pre-development stormwater processes. The goal of the city's Stormwater Management Strategy is to improve post-development stormwater quality and minimize morphological impact on the receiving waters. In April 2014, Calgary adopted Interim Stormwater Targets based on pre-development peak and annual volume discharge per unit area. LID remains an evolving field, with many challenges yet to be overcome.