Public Hearing for Blanket Rezoning
Where:
When:
April 22, 2024
9:30 am
Address:
800 Macleod Trail SE
There's still time to make submissions against blanket rezoning.
Go to calgary.ca/publicsubmissions
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Need Data?
For data to help with your talking points on blanket rezoning.
Data of particular interest may be tree canopy, traffic flow map, off street parking zones, urban heat raster data map, CMHC builder’s report (one and two family) community detail, SRG online land supply, surface water quality sonde data, annual river withdrawals, GHG by property type, transit network lines (geospatial), development permit public notices.
About Communities Matter
We are driven by a commitment to inform and empower residents on the critical issue of a general rezoning proposed by our city. We are volunteers dedicated to fostering informed civic engagement. We recognize the significance of City Council's upcoming decision on the proposed by-law as this sweeping rezoning, transitioning numerous neighborhoods from RG-1 to general zoning, holds profound implications for all residents.
We firmly believe in the power of collective action and collaboration. Together, we can amplify our voices and advocate for a more inclusive, transparent, and community-centered decision-making process. By fostering dialogue, sharing information, and facilitating engagement, we strive to ensure that every citizen's perspective is valued and considered.
Help us with this crucial endeavor to safeguard the interests and well-being of our neighborhoods. Together, let's work towards a city where the concerns and aspirations of every resident are heard and respected. Your participation is instrumental in shaping the future of our community.
Get Involved
Learn more about how blanket rezoning will impact the City of Calgary and what you can do to create a more resource-conscious future.
Overview of the Issues:
Lack of Specificity: Blanket rezoning does not take into account the unique characteristics and needs of individual neighbourhoods or areas within the city. This can lead to inappropriate land use changes that do not align with the existing community context.
Gentrification and Displacement: Rezoning can lead to increased property values and rents, potentially displacing long-term residents and businesses, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. This can contribute to gentrification and socioeconomic segregation.
Infrastructure Strain: Rapid development resulting from blanket rezoning can put strain on existing infrastructure such as roads, schools, and utilities. Without adequate planning and investment, this can lead to congestion, overcrowding, and service deficiencies.
Loss of Community Character: Rezoning without consideration for neighbourhood character and heritage can result in the loss of unique architectural features, cultural assets, and community identity.
Environmental Impact: Blanket rezoning encourages unsustainable development practices, leading to habitat destruction, increased pollution, and degradation of natural resources.
Traffic Congestion: Intensified development without sufficient transportation planning can exacerbate traffic congestion and reduce the quality of life for residents.
Affordability Challenges: Rezoning incentivizes the construction of high-end housing or commercial properties, exacerbating affordability challenges for low- and moderate-income residents.
Public Participation: Blanket rezoning limits opportunities for meaningful public participation and input in the decision-making process, leading to a lack of community buy-in and trust in local governance.
Long-Term Sustainability: Without comprehensive planning and consideration of long-term impacts, blanket rezoning undermines the city's overall sustainability and resilience to future challenges such as climate change and economic fluctuations.
What's actually happening
"As an architect working in Calgary, we are already seeing the potential effects of the blanket upzoning. Our office has had several calls already from property owners looking at how many units could be put on their properties, not to build homes, but purely to increase property value. One of the other architects in our office has been trying to buy an inner-city home but is now being priced out of the market as homes are now being marketed for their potential land value if the blanket upzoning is approved. He just wants to find an inner-city home to raise his family. He wants to live there, not make money off it. This is not how to maintain neighbourhoods. When the City talks about land use predictability, they are looking at it through the lens of developers. "
Facts
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Calgary is the hardest working city in Canada – 29% work more than 50hrs/week
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61% hold a minimum of one post-secondary degree (national average is 56% (https://www.calendar-canada.ca/faq/what-city-in-canada-has-the-most-educated-people)
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Most common degrees Business/Law, Engineering, Health – Calgary outpaces every other city in
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Canada in STEM related education (16% compared to national 11%).
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Calgary has highest number of engineers on a per capita basis (builders, innovators, fixers, designers, collaborators).
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Alberta has the top ranked k-12 education system in Sciences, not only across Canada, but globally, which is why we have the highest educated adult population. (see PISA Study (Alberta is ranked second, only behind Singapore), also https://www.calendar-canada.ca/faq/what-city-in-canada-has-the-most-educated-people)
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Alberta is home to 527,000 businesses and home to 3,000 emerging tech companies. (https://calgaryherald.com/business/local-business/alberta-now-home-to-3000-tech-companies-new- report-shows-an-industry-hitting-its-stride)
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Since 2015, the innovation ecosystem in Calgary has seen a 460 per cent growth in business incubators and accelerators, which has resulted in over 1,700 privately held technology companies. Innovators who seek venture capital to scale their big ideas can find it in Calgary. https://www.geekwire.com/sponsor-post/north-american-tech-talent-streams-to-calgary-canada/
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Calgary tech industry is among the highest in Canada in terms of growth, says a report released by Coldwell Bank Richard Ellis's (CBRE) Tech-30 2022. Calgary was ranked the top 30 leading technology markets in the U.S. and Canada, as well as 10 up-and-coming sectors. Nov 2, 2022 https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-s-growing-tech-sector-turning-heads-1.6136079
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Population: 1,306,780 (2021) – 50% female, 49% male
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Over 65 - 177,405
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15 to 29 - 240,245
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Median age – 38
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502,300 households
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In 2021, approximately 420,000 or 33.3 % were immigrants
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Recent immigrants (last 5 years) - 81,315 or 19%, of this 72% aged 25+
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In 2021, first and second immigrants comprise 6 out of 10 people in Calgary
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Alberta, specifically Calgary, disproportionately contributes to Canada’s GDP on a per capita basis.
The above points of consideration should inform that Calgarians are some of the most highly competent, well informed, educated, scientific, hardworking citizens across all of Canada. Additionally, based on the highly amplified level of opposition to Council’s Blanket Upzoning proposal, I would also add that we have an equally competent level of engagement re: our civic affairs issues.
There is a resounding level of opposition to the Blanket Upzoning proposal.
"Smart City Planning for Sustainable
Communities"
Communities Matter
Schedule
Mar 13
Council Meets to Vote on a Plebiscite
Council will determine if the general rezoning will be determined by a plebiscite during the next election in Oct 2025.
Apr 22
Rally at City Hall
Attend the rally at City Hall from 9:00 - 9:30 am in front of City Hall. We encourage you to make signs and show your support.
Apr 22
Council Votes on By-law for Blanket Rezoning
Attend the public hearing for the opportunity to speak in front of council either in-person or by phone.
May 13
Council Resumes for Amendments and Vote
Starting at 11:30 am, Council meets to propose amendments, debate, and vote on blanket rezoning. You can watch live here.
Plebiscite Vote
Tuesday March 13th, 2024
Calgary City Council voted against a plebiscite 8-6
Against: Jasmine Mian, Raj Dhaliwal, Richard Pootmans, Courtney Walcott, Gian-Carlo Carra, Kourtney Penner, Evan Spencer, & Jyoti Gondek
In Favour: Sonja Sharp, Terry Wong, Sean Chu, Andre Chabot, Dan McClean, Peter Demong
