Calgary Minute: Council Raises, Risk Profile, and Blanket Rezoning Upheld
Calgary Minute: Council Raises, Risk Profile, and Blanket Rezoning Upheld
Calgary Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Calgary politics
This Week In Calgary:
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There will be a Public Hearing of Council on Tuesday at 9:30 am to address several land use amendment proposals. A Council Services Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday at 9:30 am, and the Community Development Committee will meet on Thursday at 9:30 am. No agenda is available for either meeting yet.
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The historic Gresham Block in Calgary's Inglewood neighbourhood is facing demolition, and the property owner is requiring tenants to vacate by February 1st, 2025. Built in 1911, the building is a mixed-use space combining residential and commercial functions. Tenants, including individuals on government assistance, are struggling to secure alternative housing, citing financial barriers and limited options. Heritage Calgary has expressed concern over the potential loss of a cultural asset, attributing its fate to years of neglected maintenance and Calgary’s housing demand. The property owner has not commented on the decision, and no redevelopment or demolition permits have been issued as of now.
- Councillors are now earning $124,463 while the Mayor makes $220,299 annually after a 3.07% pay raise took effect on January 1st. This marks their fourth consecutive increase since 2022. These adjustments, tied to Alberta's Average Weekly Earnings (AWE), have amounted to a 9.49% total pay increase over the current Council's term. The Council Compensation Review Committee recently recommended maintaining this mechanism for future adjustments. Ward 10 Councillor Andre Chabot expressed concerns about the timing of the raise amidst economic challenges, suggesting a salary freeze might be appropriate. In contrast, Ward 9 Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra defended the current system as necessary to ensure fair compensation that attracts diverse candidates to public office.
Last Week In Calgary:
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A City report delivered to the Audit Committee said that Calgary’s corporate risk profile has been raised amid political uncertainty, infrastructure issues, and regulatory changes. The report noted that all nine Principal Corporate Risk categories were rated "extensive," "high," or "medium" by the end of 2024. Of particular concern is the City's reputational risk, which rose to "extensive" after a fall satisfaction survey showed declining trust among Calgarians. Councillors acknowledged public frustration and stressed the need to rebuild trust.
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The Court of King’s Bench upheld Calgary City Council’s blanket rezoning bylaw, allowing residential grade-oriented infill (R-CG) to become the default residential zoning district. Justice Michael Lema ruled that the City acted within its authority under the Municipal Government Act and followed a fair process, including public notice and hearings. The legal challenge, brought by 300 citizens, argued the decision violated property rights and demonstrated Council bias, but the Court said it found no evidence of closed-mindedness. Opponents expressed disappointment and are considering an appeal while urging voters to make rezoning a key election issue.
- Ward 12 Councillor Evan Spencer has announced he will not seek re-election in Calgary's municipal election this October. In a newsletter, Spencer cited a challenging political climate and personal reasons for his decision after serving one term. Spencer expressed gratitude for his role and the support he received from family, colleagues, and constituents. He believes he can contribute to the community in ways beyond the role of Councillor. Spencer’s departure adds Ward 12 to the list of vacancies in the upcoming election, which will feature a party system for the first time in Calgary’s history.
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