Your Christmas Wish for Rezoning Repeal? Not So Fast, Calgary. It's a Rewrite, Not a Reset.

The Scene

Well, Calgarians, if your Christmas wish list included a full repeal and restore of the controversial blanket rezoning, prepare for a bit of a twist. It seems we’re not quite getting a clean slate. While City Council did vote a decisive 13-2 on December 15, 2025, to initiate the repeal process for the city’s blanket rezoning policy, the word on the street, and from the Mayor’s office, is that a replacement is already being drafted. This isn't just about undoing; it's about redoing, and some are already asking if it's more of the same, just with a fresh coat of paint.

For those who need a refresher, Calgary’s blanket rezoning – officially known as citywide rezoning or Rezoning for Housing – was given the green light back in May 2024 and took effect that August. Its big idea was to make Residential Grade-Oriented Infill (R-CG) the default zoning across the city, opening the door for everything from single-detached homes to row houses in areas previously reserved for just one or two types of dwellings. The original intent? To cut down on red tape and boost housing options to keep up with our booming population.

What's Changing

So, what does this repeal *actually* mean for your neighbourhood, come March 2026? Until Council makes its final decision after a public hearing and all three readings of the new bylaw, the current land use districts and development rules from the blanket rezoning policy are still in full effect. Yes, you heard that right – the rules you’ve been living with since August 2024 are sticking around for a bit longer. The public hearing, a chance for every Calgarian to have their say, is slated for March 2026. Mayor Jeromy Farkas has made it clear: any repeal must be paired with a comprehensive new housing strategy, moving away from a "one-size-fits-all approach" to something more targeted.

The Neighborhood Vibe

The pushback against blanket rezoning wasn't quiet. Opponents consistently flagged concerns about aging infrastructure, worsening parking nightmares, increased traffic congestion, and the potential erosion of the unique character that defines our beloved established neighbourhoods. Scott Rusty Miller of "Calgarians for Thoughtful Growth" put it well, advocating for community-specific planning where residents themselves help decide where increased density actually makes sense. After all, Calgary is a patchwork of distinct communities, not a single, uniform grid.

The impact has been tangible for builders and homeowners alike. Take Sheldon Appave, a custom homebuilder, who faced a hefty $110,000 sidewalk replacement bill from the City for a four-unit row house in Windsor Park. He noted this cost, representing seven percent of the total build, brought zero value back to his project. And for those hoping to snag an entry-level home? Some residents have reported that blanket rezoning actually drove up the price of older bungalows, inadvertently reducing the supply of true starter homes in areas like Ward 11.

It’s no secret that the 2025 municipal election saw a fresh council majority swept in largely on the promise to repeal this very bylaw and champion community-specific planning. This shift in leadership underscores just how much this issue resonated with voters across the city.

Looking Ahead

While the initial blanket rezoning bylaw is on the chopping block, the conversation is already pivoting to its successor. Mayor Farkas’s call for a “different path forward” suggests a move away from the sweeping changes of the past, towards something more nuanced. But the devil, as always, will be in the details of that new housing strategy. For now, mark your calendars for March 2026 – that public hearing will be your next big chance to weigh in on how our city builds its future. Will this new path truly address Calgary’s unique needs, or will it feel, as some fear, like history repeating itself?