Calgary Council Weighs Housing Policy Changes

0:00Calgary's public hearing on repealing city-wide rezoning wrapped up Tuesday after eight sessions, starting March 23rd. 411 folks spoke out of 545 who signed up and counsel got nearly 3,300 written submissions. It didn't break the record from last April's hearing, which had 736 speakers and over 6,100 submissions. The policy shifted most residential zones to residential grade-oriented infield district back in August, letting properties mix single-family homes, with row houses and town homes to ramp up housing supply and cut costs. Counselors noted the feedback fell more balanced than expected, with most speakers leaning toward repeal, but not by a landslide like the emails, suggested. There's agreement that density itself ain't the issue. It's about folding in what communities actually want and making sure voices get heard. Now, counsel faces a big call, repeal and revert over 300,000 properties to low-density zones, or tweak the rules like banning mid-block, row houses, capping building heights at 10 meters, and dropping density from 75 to 60 units per hectare for max 3 units plus 3.

1:09Secondary suites. Debate kicks off Wednesday after a narrow vote for recess, though some counselors push back, saying they've had plenty of time already. Eyes on how they balance growth with neighborhood vibes. That's your Calgary News Today update, AI-powered and always on.