.png)
Well, it's now March and spring is right around the corner!
I received a notice much like everyone else did in the mail, regarding the City of Calgary's proposed rezoning reversal, and thought I'd provide my own thoughts on this.
Since going to town council to vote, the current stage now is that a public hearing will be held, which will be to consider a bylaw that would bring back low density residential zones that existed prior to the land use bylaw approved May 2024 (effectively making every single family home lot an R-CG designation from R-C1 / R-C2).
There are a few exceptions (properties that would NOT see a reversal):
- Properties that have received approval for development permit / building permit or subdivision application under R-CG / R-G / H-GO
- Submitted a development permit / building permit or subdivision application before the FIRST reading of the propose new bylaw
- Properties that have already been rezoned
Effectively, grand-fathering all properties that are currently in-the-works at the city (via DP / BP or SA), and those that are already completed.
The public hearing will be held on MARCH 23, 2026 @ 9:30 AM hosted at the Council Chamber (800 McLeod Trail SE).
I encourage those who have interest to participate. This largely defines how the city will feel, look, and live over the next decade, given the changes that have already happened, as I'm sure most of you who have already noticed.
Politics aside, what really matters to me is how this really changes the market dynamics in our city. Recall the discussion with CREB Economist Ann-Marie, >50% of new-build high-density developments (apartments / townhomes) are earmarked for rental-only, largely increasing the rental supply in the city with rents coming down as a result. The bulk of the price declines have been in the high-density sector as well which we've seen since last year as a dramatic change in trend.
Those considering purchasing homes are much more careful of property location, neighbouring properties, and zoning in the area. Likewise, on the seller side, being mindful of location / neighbours / zoning are critical to price the property appropriately to reach the right audience.
