Rezoning, Roads, and Responsibility: The Issues Steering Calgary’s Vote

The 2025 election isn’t just about personalities—it’s about policies that hit home. At the center is the controversial “blanket rezoning” initiative, designed to boost housing density city-wide. For some, it’s a necessary fix for affordability. For others, it’s an attack on community character and property rights. Most challengers, including Sharp and Davison, have pledged to repeal or rework it entirely. Fiscal restraint is the other battle cry. Many Calgarians, frustrated with rising property taxes and the city’s big-ticket projects—like the arena deal—are calling for a return to basics: better roads, snow removal, and prudent budgets. The underlying theme is accountability. Voters want leaders who listen before legislating. Whoever wins will need to navigate a city divided between growth advocates and fiscal conservatives—and rebuild public trust in how council spends taxpayer money.