THOMAS: Mayor Gondek’s fairy tale version of blanket upzoning

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Summary 

This article by Myke Thomas in the Western Standard criticizes Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s justification for Calgary’s blanket upzoning policy, which she framed as a necessary step to address the housing affordability crisis. The article argues that the mayor’s portrayal of the policy as a balanced, evidence-based approach is misleading. Instead, she characterizes the rezoning as a sweeping, top-down move that disregards community concerns, imposes unnecessary density on established neighbourhoods, and risks undermining their livability. The article highlights skepticism over whether rezoning will meaningfully address affordability, pointing out that high construction and borrowing costs remain major barriers to lower housing prices.  The article concludes by stating: “Vote wisely and save your neighbourhood”.