Rally calls for clear housing strategy after Calgary repeals blanket rezoning
Posted Apr 13, 2026 7:41 pm.
Calgary’s repeal of blanket rezoning hasn’t quieted debate over the city’s housing future.
A coalition of community groups gathered outside City Hall on Monday, urging Mayor Jeromy Farkas and council to deliver a concrete replacement plan.
A crowd representing roughly ten organizations rallied under the banner “New Solution for Housing,” arguing that while the blanket rezoning policy had flaws, it should have been improved rather than scrapped. Speakers said the city abandoned the approach before it had time to show results.
“This is a little like turning the Titanic with a canoe paddle,” one spokesperson told the crowd, adding that applications under the previous framework were increasing but needed time to move through permitting and construction.
Jane Ebbern, a Kensington homeowner of 30 years, said she attended the rally to push for compromise rather than cancellation.
“Yes, the initial blanket rezoning was flawed,” she said. “But we can fix it. We can amend it, not end it.”
She suggested allowing up to four units per site, such as duplexes with basement suites, as one possible path forward.
Attendance at the rally was modest, but organizers argued the turnout didn’t reflect the breadth of support. Willem Klumpenhouwer, co‑founder of More Neighbours Calgary, said the groups present represent “tens of thousands of people.”
Also speaking was Sunnyside resident Christie Page, who said the repeal leaves homeowners and renters in limbo.
“People are without housing, you can’t move on,” she said.
She added that while many factors shape the housing crisis, council still plays a key role.
“City council has to allow housing to be built, and right now we’ve changed people’s property rights,” Page said. “They can’t build, they can’t capitalize on their land.”
City council voted last week to repeal blanket rezoning after eight days of public hearings. But rally organizers said they plan to keep pressing for a detailed alternative.
Klumpenhouwer said he hopes the mayor and council will bring forward “a reasonable plan in the next few months, if not sooner.”
