Council Pulls U-Turn: Red Tape Returns for Infill Housing, Will Your Dream Home Cost More?
The Scene: A City Council Reversal
Another week, another twist in Calgary's housing saga. Just yesterday, December 15th, City Council pulled a swift U-turn, voting a decisive 13-2 to kick off the repeal of the city-wide blanket rezoning. This policy, which only truly settled in back in August 2024, aimed to make building duplexes and rowhouses in established communities as straightforward as ordering a double-double at Tim Hortons. But now? We’re hitting the brakes. The motion to scrap this streamlining measure was championed by Ward 10’s own Coun. Andre Chabot, with significant backing from Mayor Jeromy Farkas and several other councillors, including Ward 11’s Rob Ward and Ward 13’s Dan McLean. Only Ward 7’s Myke Atkinson and Ward 8’s Nathaniel Schmidt stood firm against the repeal.
What’s Changing: More Hurdles for Your Neighbourhood
So, what does this mean for your neighbourhood, especially if you’re eyeing a new rowhouse or duplex near Deerfoot or in your familiar Ward? Get ready for a trip down memory lane, straight back to the good old days of more red tape. The now-doomed blanket rezoning, originally given the green light in May 2024, made Residential Grade-Oriented Infill (R-CG) the default in many established areas. This meant developers could build those infill homes without the lengthy, costly land-use redesignation process. Critics of this repeal are quick to point out that reverting means adding about six months and a hefty $50,000 to the cost of an average home – costs that, let's be real, eventually land squarely on your shoulders, the homebuyer.
The Neighborhood Vibe: Balancing Growth and Community Character
The debate, as always, boils down to how we want our city to grow. Those who pushed for the repeal, like Coun. Chabot, argue it’s about listening to the “majority” and safeguarding the “character of established neighbourhoods.” Their concerns? More cars clogging up your street, increased strain on our public infrastructure – think overflowing storm drains or crowded schoolyards – and fundamentally changing the feel of the community you’ve grown to love. It’s a classic Calgary conversation, balancing growth with local impact. Interestingly, while this drama unfolds for established areas, Council did quietly greenlight a separate measure back in June 2025 that exempts rowhouses from development permits in new communities, aiming to speed things up on the city's edges. A tale of two cities, perhaps?
Looking Ahead: Your Voice Still Matters
Don’t expect immediate changes, though. This isn't a done deal overnight. The repeal process requires more steps, including a public hearing that’s slated for March 2026. Why the wait? A 90-day public notification is required to ensure everyone gets a chance to weigh in. So, for now, the R-CG guidelines remain in effect. But if the repeal goes through as planned, expect more hurdles for infill housing, potentially fewer options in your dream neighbourhood, and definitely higher price tags. For Calgarians, this vote isn't just about zoning; it’s about the future of housing affordability and the very fabric of our communities.
