After a lengthy and intense meeting, the Calgary City Council has officially passed a blanket rezoning bylaw. The decision was made in the late hours of the night, after a marathon session that lasted well into the early morning.
The bylaw, which was proposed by Mayor Naheed Nenshi, aims to streamline the rezoning process for developers and homeowners. Under the new bylaw, developers will no longer have to go through the lengthy and often complicated process of applying for rezoning on a case-by-case basis. Instead, they will be able to apply for a blanket rezoning, which will cover multiple properties at once.
This move has been met with both support and criticism from members of the community. Proponents of the bylaw argue that it will save time and money for developers, and ultimately lead to more efficient and effective development in the city. They also believe that it will help to address the ongoing issue of affordable housing in Calgary.
However, some residents and community groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the blanket rezoning on their neighborhoods. They worry that it could lead to overdevelopment and a loss of community character. Others have raised concerns about the lack of public consultation and input in the decision-making process.
Despite these concerns, the City Council voted 10-4 in favor of the bylaw, with Mayor Nenshi and several council members citing the need for more efficient and sustainable development in the city. The bylaw will go into effect immediately, and the City Council has stated that they will closely monitor its impact and make adjustments as needed.
This decision marks a significant change in the rezoning process in Calgary and is expected to have a major impact on future development in the city. Only time will tell how this new bylaw will shape the landscape of Calgary and its communities.
