Calgary's Blanket Rezoning Repeal Hearing: A Comprehensive Timeline of Events
On Monday, Calgary City Council will commence what is anticipated to be another extensive public hearing, this time focused on the potential repeal of blanket rezoning policies. This hearing represents a critical juncture in the city's ongoing housing strategy discussions, with significant implications for urban development and affordability.
The Path to This Pivotal Hearing
The journey to this week's hearing has been years in the making, involving multiple policy decisions, public consultations, and federal interventions. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key events that have led to this momentous decision point.
2016: Foundation for Change
In 2016, Calgary City Council approved a significant amendment to its land use bylaw, introducing the residential – low density mixed housing district, commonly abbreviated as R-G. This zoning district was specifically designed to enable various "missing middle" housing types, including semi-detached homes and row houses, primarily in newer suburban communities on Calgary's outskirts. The primary objectives of this zoning change were to increase housing diversity and promote urban density throughout the city.
2023: Accelerating Housing Concerns
The year 2023 proved to be a watershed moment for Calgary's housing discussions. On September 6, the city released its comprehensive housing assessment, revealing that approximately one in five Calgary households were struggling to afford adequate shelter. This alarming statistic underscored the growing housing affordability crisis facing the community.
Just eight days later, on September 14, a lengthy public hearing commenced, focusing on the city's proposed housing strategy. This hearing featured more than 100 speakers who shared personal stories about the challenges of finding affordable rent and housing in Calgary, highlighting the human impact of the housing crisis.
On that same day, a significant development occurred when Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser sent a letter to Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. This correspondence suggested that Calgary's application for the Liberal government's federal housing accelerator fund was contingent upon the strategy's approval and the city's removal of what were described as "exclusionary" zoning policies.
Strategic Approval and Federal Funding
On September 16, Calgary City Council voted 12-3 in support of the city's new housing strategy, officially dubbed 'Home is Here.' This comprehensive seven-year roadmap outlined 98 specific recommendations aimed at increasing Calgary's housing stock, accelerating the development process, and improving overall housing affordability.
While the blueprint received widespread support from council members, some expressed concerns about one particular recommendation within the strategy: extending R-G-type zoning citywide by making residential grade-oriented infill (R-CG) the default residential zoning district.
On September 21, Minister Sean Fraser penned another letter to Mayor Jyoti Gondek, this time informing her that Calgary's application for the housing accelerator fund had been officially approved, though specific funding amounts were not disclosed at that time.
The funding details became clear on November 14 when Fraser and Gondek jointly announced that Calgary would receive $228 million from the federal housing accelerator fund to support the city's new housing strategy. The contract specified that payments would be dependent on the city exceeding housing targets outlined in the agreement, with funds distributed in four separate tranches.
The Road to Repeal Consideration
In December 2023, City Council set April 22, 2024 as the start date for a public hearing related to implementing R-CG as the new base zoning district. This hearing was required because the proposed change would necessitate amendments to the city's land use bylaw.
Now, as another lengthy hearing begins on Monday, council members will determine whether to scrap the blanket rezoning policy entirely. This decision comes at a crucial time, with rows of new homes under construction on Calgary's northeast edge serving as a visible reminder of the ongoing development pressures facing the city.
The hearing represents not just a policy decision, but a fundamental examination of Calgary's approach to urban development, housing affordability, and community planning for years to come.
