The recent intervention by the provincial government in Edmonton’s high-density zoning regulations has implications for Calgary as well. Premier Danielle Smith revealed the government’s influence on municipal zoning policies, mandating Edmonton to retract its zoning bylaw to pre-2024 standards.
While Calgary initially voted to repeal blanket rezoning earlier this year, the province is now advising the city to maintain its current housing approach. This decision poses challenges for city council in formulating a replacement policy to accommodate increased density in response to population growth.
The Alberta government is now setting provincewide standards requiring infill development to be “appropriately scaled” and supported by sufficient utilities and water infrastructure. Additionally, Calgary is urged to identify properties that returned to lower-density zoning following the repeal of rezoning.
Both Calgary and Edmonton are requested to revisit their land-use bylaws and create a more balanced strategy for high-density infill development. This aligns with Calgary’s existing plans to complete this work by the next year.
The directive from the province has sparked discussions among local officials. Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly expressed concerns about the province’s involvement in defining “appropriate scale,” emphasizing that such decisions should typically fall under the jurisdiction of local governments.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas criticized the provincial intervention, suggesting it may be more about asserting power over municipal decisions rather than zoning regulations.
The provincial authority to guide municipalities in amending their bylaws under the Municipal Government Act was invoked due to concerns that recent zoning changes had negatively impacted property values and community sentiments.
Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt raised questions about the political nature of the provincial decision-making process and its potential consequences on local initiatives and collaborations.
Federal funding for Calgary could be affected by the province’s intervention in zoning regulations. The province’s stance may jeopardize the city’s eligibility for future funding, such as the Housing Accelerator Fund payment from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Provincial instructions to repeal and revert to pre-2024 standards for housing types, density, and height in Edmonton are considered irreversible by Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean. This decision was influenced by concerns that Edmonton was not responsive to residents’ feedback on zoning changes.
While some view the province’s intervention as necessary, others like Willem Klumpenhouwer of More Neighbours Calgary are concerned that it may hinder the city’s ability to achieve housing targets and foster sustainable growth. The impact of the province’s decision on future housing policies and affordability remains uncertain.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between provincial mandates and local governance in shaping urban development strategies.
