The Calgary city council has approved an amended citywide rezoning bylaw following weeks of debate and public feedback. The vote was 9-6 in favor of the bylaw, with councillors Dan McLean, Sonya Sharp, Andre Chabot, Sean Chu, Terry Wong, and Peter Demong voting against it. This decision comes after a lengthy 12-day public hearing, the longest in the city’s history, with 736 speakers in total expressing their views on the proposal. The bylaw will make residential grade-oriented infill (R-CG) the default residential zoning district across the city, allowing for various housing types like single-detached, semi-detached, duplexes, and rowhouses.
The implementation of the rezoning won’t take place until sometime in August but is seen as a key recommendation in the city’s housing strategy aimed at increasing supply and improving housing affordability. The change to R-CG is expected to generate around 250 properties redeveloping to rowhouses annually, potentially resulting in approximately 750 net new additional homes. City administration also believes that the rezoning will enhance transit options, including active and public transportation systems. Various organizations supporting vulnerable residents in Calgary have backed the bylaw, suggesting it could expedite the development of non-market housing. However, opponents argue that introducing more density through duplexes, triplexes, and rowhouses in RC-1 zoned neighborhoods will alter their character and raise housing prices.
Critics of the rezoning plan are concerned that developers and landlords will exploit the changes to charge higher rents for new builds. Many Calgarians have also expressed feeling unheard by the city council and administration, believing that their rights are being infringed upon. The debate around the bylaw has sparked disagreement among residents on whether the proposed changes will have a significant impact on housing affordability. Despite the opposition, the council’s decision to approve the rezoning reflects a push towards addressing the city’s housing challenges and increasing housing options for residents.
The bylaw’s passing marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to address housing supply and affordability issues. The decision to make R-CG the default zoning district is part of a broader housing strategy aimed at creating more housing options and increasing the availability of affordable housing. While some concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the rezoning on neighborhood character and housing prices, supporters believe it will help address the city’s housing needs and provide more diverse housing options for residents. The council’s approval of the bylaw reflects a commitment to finding solutions to Calgary’s housing challenges and improving the quality of life for its residents.
The public engagement process surrounding the rezoning bylaw has been extensive, with thousands of submissions and hours of public hearings. Despite the contentious nature of the debate, the council ultimately decided to move forward with the proposed changes in an effort to address Calgary’s housing issues. As the city prepares for the implementation of the rezoning in August, it remains to be seen how the changes will impact housing development and affordability in Calgary. Overall, the approval of the amended bylaw represents a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse housing market in the city.
