Mega-mall near Cross Iron Mills prompts transit concerns

A new mega-mall targeting Calgary's Asian residents has many worried about increased congestion at the site next to the recently-built Cross Iron Mills shopping centre.

New Horizon Mall will eventually host 500 shops and services right across fromCross Iron Mills. However, there is no public transit access to the area and that could spell trouble for young workers.

"We have to have thoughtful, regional planning, including the city and all of our neighbours around us, to avoid problems like we have at Cross Iron Mills where you've got a mall where a lot of teenagers work and you've got no public transit," said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

Retailers looking to set up shop inside the new mall will have to buy units instead of leasing them.

But local residents say building a new mall so soon after Cross Iron Mills could have consequences.

"It takes business away from this mall and they just built this," said Donna Harbison.

New Horizon Mall is scheduled to be completed in the coming years.