Blanket Rezoning in Calgary

Read Article

Summary 

The article explains Calgary’s blanket rezoning initiative, which automatically rezoned more than 300,000 residential lots to allow for higher-density housing. Supporters argued it was a needed response to the city’s housing affordability crisis. Community opponents warned that it will undermine community trust by removing established expectations about neighbourhood form and without sufficiently addressing concerns over parking, infrastructure, and loss of green space. 

Comment on this Article

Alhtough housing affordability was the rationale for blanket upzoning there has been limited impact on affordability.  The city’s 2024 Housing Needs Assessment shows:

• Average rent for a two-bedroom unit rose 12%, topping $2,650/month.

• Rental vacancy rates dropped to around 1.1%—a sign of ongoing rental scarcity.

• Median single-family home prices increased 11%, reaching roughly $718,400.

While developers gain new flexibility, many residents are sidelined, as the opportunity for a meaningful hearing has been removed and the upzoning was approved despite significant public opposition.