Urbanization and Calgary Rezoning Bylaw

October 13, 2025 By: Jeff van der Ploeg

In August 2024, Calgary’s City Council approved a broad rezoning policy that allows multiple-family homes, such as apartments and townhouses, in nearly every residential neighbourhood. This change sparked debates between supporters of affordable housing and densification, and those who prefer targeted development permits to preserve community character. From my perspective, I support affordable housing but also value the character and charm of mature communities. Fortunately, Steinberg (2019) reminded me that cities are living ecological communities where we continually reshape our environment. The rezoning plan, aimed at helping lower-income residents, could also threaten mature trees and neighbourhood green spaces. These arguments highlight the advantages and disadvantages of urban development versus sustainable progress and are key election topics in the upcoming municipal elections.

References

CBC News. (2024, August 6). Calgary council approves blanket rezoning plan to allow townhomes and rowhouses citywide. CBC News. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-blanket-rezoning-passes-august-2024-1.7258612

Steinberg, T. (2019). Down to earth: Nature’s role in American history (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.