Calgary’s housing issues take centre stage at mayoral forum

As Calgary’s municipal election heats up, housing and affordability emerged as the dominant issues during a mayoral forum held Monday by the Calgary Real Estate Board.

Candidates vying for the city’s top job faced pointed questions from residents and realtors alike, highlighting the urgency of tackling rising prices, limited supply, and controversial rezoning policies.

One of the most contentious topics was the city’s blanket rezoning policy, passed last year, which allows multi-unit developments in traditionally single-family neighbourhoods. Some candidates pledged to repeal the measure, citing community concerns, while others defended it as a necessary step toward increasing housing options and ensuring residents have a say in future developments.

“We are making sure that people who apply for development permits understand that they need to be respectful of the neighbours,” said candidate and current mayor Jyoti Gondek. “We are giving community associations and residents a voice.”

Realtor Sarah Scott expressed frustration over the pace and nature of development.

“You drive through the communities, and you see all of these houses that are being put up… they’re eight-plexes with basement suites,” she says. “I feel that sometimes our voices are just not being heard.”

For many Calgarians, the issue goes beyond policy—it’s about staying in the city they call home. Colin Woo, a local resident, questioned the impact of new construction on affordability.

“I don’t necessarily think new construction touches on affordability. I actually think a lot of the new construction is unaffordable.”

With candidates promising faster builds, smarter planning, and increased collaboration with federal partners, housing remains a defining issue in this year’s election.

A report from Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) revealed that 78.2 per cent of Calgarians rank housing as their top concern, ahead of education and employment.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 residents and engaged more than 5,000 citywide, highlighted fears around rent increases, stagnant wages, and the growing inaccessibility of home ownership—especially for older adults and those on fixed incomes.

Advance voting runs from Oct. 6 to Oct. 11, with Election Day set for Oct. 20.