In 20 years, how many people should live downtown? How about around Lime Ridge Mall?

The city is drafting plans on how it should grow over the next few decades. The work promises to change the design of the city with a focus on more people living along "nodes and corridors."

The plans are headed for public meetings this summer, but Councillor Brian McHattie worries there won't be much participation, because residents have a hard time imagining the impact on their lives. Planning staff hope to use pictures to show how increased densities will change the look and lifestyle of the suburbs, downtown, and new hubs around major malls. The meetings will be held in June.

After the high-level plans are approved, the city will develop secondary plans for all areas of the city to decide what type of housing and employment will be allowed.