A proposal to rezone Calgary has drawn criticism from residents

Calgarians gathered for an open house Tuesday to make their voices heard about the proposed blanket changes across the city.

The rezoning, if approved, would allow the city to develop medium-density housing such as duplexes and townhouses without having to apply for a land use change.

Hundreds of people turned out for an open house in Lake Bonavista to voice their opinions about the proposal directly to councillors.

Many residents were concerned about how the rezoning would affect property values ​​in the neighborhood.

“I think this council is trying to rezone without our input,” one woman at the open house told CTV News. “It affects Calgarians who bought into low-density communities, we paid money, we chose these communities, and now you want to destroy them?

“I thought it was a done deal, they were going to change everything, and I don't think it's appropriate for this community in particular, but I don't think so for the city as a whole. it's appropriate,” said a man who attended the open house.

Residents gathered at an open house in Lake Bonavista on April 9, 2024, to discuss Calgary's plan changes. (CTV News)

The open house was one of two hosted by District 14. Peter Demong.

“We've had several hundred constituents come out to hear about new housing issues, and the vast majority of them are not very happy about it,” Demong said Tuesday.

“I am not surprised that the vast majority of these people are not in favor of rezoning. It's their home, it's their life that we're playing for.”

Demong believes the city could have done a better job of consulting the public before embarking on the proposal.

A month ago, the City Council voted 8-6 against putting the issue to a plebiscite.

Ward 14's second open house is Thursday. A public hearing on the issue of changing the territory is scheduled to be held on April 22 in the city administration.

How will rezoning affect your property?

The proposed plan would result in a citywide rezoning, rezoning of properties that currently only allow single or semi-detached homes:

• R-CG in Designated Communities – This is primarily for row homes, but also allows for single-detached, side-by-side and duplex homes that may include an accessory suite;
• RG in New Communities – This allows for a mix of low-density housing, including single-detached, side-by-side, duplex, cottage housing clusters and townhouse developments, all of which may include accessory suites; or
• H-GO in New Communities – This “allows for a higher rate of redevelopment than R-CG, but still provides direct ground-level access to all homes (ie no apartment units).

The city noted that the rezoning would not prevent property owners from replacing existing homes with new single-family homes, demolishing single-family structures or supporting residential-only developments.

You can search for your address on the City of Calgary's interactive map to see how the proposed zoning change will affect your property.