Mixed reaction to Calgary repealing blanket rezoning

While many Calgarians are welcoming city council’s decision to repeal blanket rezoning, some are warning of affordability challenges ahead if council’s decision isn’t met with other changes. 

Fifteen-year long Glenbrook resident Jessica Labrecque says she has mixed feelings about the repeal of blanket rezoning.

“There have been some positive developments completed and some negatives,” she said. “I don’t feel it does enough to address a lot of the affordability issues and considerations such as vehicles and street parking.”

She says moving forward she hopes there’s more care put into the planning process of adding new homes in her community and across the city.

“It’s tough to get consensus from everyone in a neighbourhood, there’s always going to be NIMBYs, but I think we just need to be more thoughtful about it and look for more sustainable affordable options,” Labrecque added.

Proponents of repealing blanket rezoning say the policy did a poor job of including Calgarians in the planning process.

“The challenge I believe with blanket rezoning that occurred two years ago is that, communities felt that their voice was not heard,” said Chris Davis with Calgarians for Thoughtful Growth.

As Mayor Jeromy Farkas still pledges to find a replacement, those within the building industry are warning the uncertainty will have ripple effects on Calgarians. Some say the repeal will add an additional six months onto the time needed to complete projects.

“If we don’t act quick, affordability is going to diminish and that’s a big thing,” said Shameer Gaidhar, chair of the Calgary Inner City Builders Association. “We’re also going to lose builders out of this city, we are going to lose jobs out of this city, so the implications are huge.”

The implications regarding council’s decision Wednesday on federal housing money remains unknown with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation telling CityNews it is working with the city ahead of any decisions made on funding.

The decision to repeal the controversial bylaw came with a 12-3 vote following a public hearing that went on for several days.

City officials say 554 people registered to speak at the hearing, but only 411 came to talk to council. There were a total of 3,293 written submissions received.

Throughout the process, council heard emotional testimony from Calgary residents and organizations both for and against the bylaw.

Zoning changes regarding the repeal of blanket rezoning take effect on Aug. 4. Applications received before that date will processed in accordance with the current land use zones, according to the city.