Calgary Council Schedules Critical Repeal Hearing for Controversial Rezoning Policy
Calgary residents will have another opportunity to voice their opinions on the city's contentious blanket rezoning policy when a comprehensive public hearing begins on March 23, 2026. This hearing will specifically consider proposed amendments to the land-use bylaw that would effectively undo the citywide rezoning measures implemented in 2024.
Mayor Anticipates Substantial Public Participation
Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed confidence that the upcoming week-long hearing will attract significant public engagement, noting that addressing concerns with blanket rezoning represented a fundamental commitment during his election campaign. "We're expecting a really good turnout," Farkas stated, referencing the previous record-setting public hearing on this issue.
The mayor emphasized that council members remain open to public input, stating: "We can't presuppose an outcome because we haven't heard from the public yet. But we're really encouraging as many Calgarians as possible to come down to participate in the process and provide us their ideas and solutions in terms of how we continue to meet Calgary's housing goals but in a more targeted way."
Historical Context of the Controversial Policy
The blanket rezoning policy was originally approved by the previous council in May 2024 following what became Calgary's longest public hearing and council meeting in municipal history. During that extensive two-week hearing, more than 730 Calgarians presented their views, with approximately 70 percent expressing opposition to the sweeping zoning changes.
Despite this substantial public opposition, council ultimately supported the policy change, which made residential grade-oriented infill (R-CG) the default residential zoning district throughout Calgary. This modification allowed homeowners to redevelop single-detached properties into denser housing types—including duplexes and row houses—without first requiring land-use redesignation approval.
Divisive Community Impact and Council's Recent Actions
The policy proved deeply divisive across Calgary communities, with opponents raising several significant concerns:
- Increased parking and traffic congestion in established neighborhoods
- Potential strain on existing public infrastructure systems
- Alteration of the distinctive character of older communities
Proponents countered that relaxing zoning regulations would streamline redevelopment processes and help address Calgary's worsening housing affordability crisis, noting that semi-detached housing units typically cost less than detached homes.
In December 2025, council took initial steps toward repealing the blanket rezoning policy, approving a proposal to begin the formal repeal process. Council members voted 13-2 in favor of pursuing repeal, with only Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson and Ward 8 Councillor Nathaniel Schmidt opposing the motion. This decision directed city administration to prepare relevant land-use bylaw amendments for presentation at the March 2026 public hearing.
Legal Requirements and Next Steps
The repeal process must proceed through a public hearing because modifying the blanket rezoning policy requires amendments to Calgary's official land-use bylaw. This legal requirement ensures that residents have formal opportunities to provide input before any final decisions are made regarding the policy's future.
The upcoming hearing represents a critical juncture in Calgary's ongoing housing policy discussions, balancing competing priorities of neighborhood preservation, housing affordability, and development efficiency. The substantial public participation expected during the March proceedings will likely influence council's ultimate decision on whether to maintain, modify, or completely repeal the controversial zoning framework.
