Rezoning for Housing launches public information sessions
With the approval of Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy on Sept. 16, 2023, Council directed Administration to take actions to address the housing crisis. These actions address housing affordability, non-market housing; housing for a city that will grow to 2 million people in the near future.
One of these actions, Rezoning for Housing, is proposed rezoning to new base residential districts of either R-CG in established communities or R-G in newer communities. Additionally, rezoning for H-GO is proposed in specific locations as identified within the approved Heritage, Westbrook and North Hill Communities Local Area Plans.
Rezoning for Housing launched its public information campaign on Jan. 15, 2024, inviting all Calgarians to participate, become informed, and provide feedback. “We’re sharing as much information as possible through as many channels as possible so that Calgarians understand what this means for the future of Calgary, what it means for them, and importantly, how they can participate in the process,” says Josh White, City of Calgary, Director, City and Regional Planning.
The campaign began with postcards to all residential addresses in Calgary (more than 500,000) providing information to the project website that has the most current details of events and opportunities. Since launching on Jan. 15, the website has seen more than 20,000 visits to the interactive address search map, which lets property owners see what is being proposed for their property. The website also provides a feedback portal and information needed to answer your questions about rezoning. Legal notification to property owners will be sent in March and an additional postcard will follow in April.
Currently, social media and digital/print marketing campaigns are running throughout the city providing details to the six in-person sessions and online sessions for those who prefer to attend remotely or are not able to attend in person. Sessions begin this week. Later in the campaign a walking tour through a typical growing neighborhood to discuss the different districts will be available. If you have immediate questions, you can phone the 311 call centre who are ready to take calls, answer questions and record your feedback. All information gathered from all engagements and calls will be compiled into the ‘What We Heard’ report.
“As with all proposed zoning changes, public input informs both Administration’s recommendation as well as Council’s decision making.” says White. “No zoning will change without Council approval, so we encourage all Calgarians to participate and be informed about what this proposed change means and where to have their voice heard.”
The Rezoning for Housing report including the ‘What We Heard’ report will be delivered to City Council through Calgary Planning Commission on March 7, 2024. Calgary Planning Commission’s recommendation will be considered by City Council at the Public Hearing of Council on April 22, 2024.
Information sessions as follows.
In-person Sessions
• January 30, 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1 Street SW)
• February 1, 5:30 to 8:30 PM, Dalhousie Community Association (5432 Dalhart Rd NW)
• February 3, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Bowness Community Association (7904 43 Ave NW)
• February 6, 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre (formerly the Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, 1316 33 St NE)
• February 7, 5:00 to 8:00 PM, McGivney Hall, St. Mary's University (14550 Bannister Rd SE)
• February 10, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Grace Lutheran Church (3610 Sarcee Rd SW)
Public Online Sessions
• January 29 - 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• February 8 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Development Industry Online Sessions
Note: these sessions are open to the public, with a focus on development industry questions.
• February 5, - 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• February 12, - 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Please visit www.calgary.ca/RezoningForHousing for additional information.