Calgary Minute: Housing Officer, Naturalization Plan, and Improving Calgary Transit

Calgary Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Calgary politics

This Week In Calgary:

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Executive Committee. Councillor Kourtney Penner will bring forward a Notice of Motion to develop a pilot program to improve job opportunities and workplace inclusion for people with disabilities. Councillor Mian will also bring forward a Notice of Motion aimed at improving Calgary Transit based on rider feedback and suggestions from a transit advocacy group. Her recommendations include extending single-use fare duration, installing digital train arrival displays, and using GPS for transit operators to improve routing. Other ideas involve integrating transit passes into event tickets and enhancing real-time location updates for third-party apps. The motion aims to prompt a feasibility study rather than immediate approval, with a cost analysis expected in May.
  
  
• A third Notice of Motion will be proposed at the Executive Committee meeting. Councillor Penner and Councillor Evan Spencer are proposing a naturalization plan for Calgary’s roadsides, allowing native plants to grow instead of doing regular mowing. They want to enhance biodiversity, improve soil and water retention, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Similar projects have already been implemented in parts of the city, aligning with Calgary’s goal to naturalize 20% of open spaces by 2024. A past pilot project found that while initial costs are higher, long-term savings are possible through reduced landscaping expenses. Penner’s motion also suggests incorporating naturalization into new road construction budgets starting next year.
  
  
• The Calgary Planning Commission will meet on Thursday at 1:00 pm. The agenda includes several land use amendment proposals.

Last Week In Calgary:

• Council approved an amended version of the Riley Communities Local Area Plan (LAP) after an extended public hearing, setting a framework for densification, walkability, and transit accessibility in four northwest neighbourhoods. The revisions, which allow for taller buildings in areas like Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill, frustrated some residents who felt disregarded during the engagement process. Community members expressed concerns about increased density near single-family homes, with some arguing the changes were rushed through without proper consultation. Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong proposed amendments to address residents’ concerns, including reducing building heights in certain areas, but all were voted down. Despite opposition, the plan passed 10-2.
  
  
• After nearly 15 years in office, Ward 14 Councillor Peter Demong has announced he will not seek re-election in October. First elected in 2010, Demong secured 66% of the vote in 2021 and 90% in 2017. Among his key impacts are introducing solar-powered pedestrian crossings, advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to reduce municipal recycling costs, and pushing for stronger regulations against predatory tow truck operators. With his departure, he joins several other Councillors opting not to run again. The municipal election is set for October 20th.
  
  
• Calgary’s new Chief Housing Officer, Reid Hendry, downplayed opposition to blanket rezoning, emphasizing that the city needs more affordable housing. He noted that while the policy has faced vocal resistance, surveys show strong public support for increased housing affordability. Opponents argue the policy will alter neighbourhoods, worsen parking issues, and fail to lower housing costs, leading to an ongoing legal challenge. A Court of King’s Bench ruling upheld the rezoning, but critics plan to appeal and mobilize for the upcoming civic election. Hendry acknowledged concerns but stressed the need to balance fears of change with the needs of those struggling to find housing.

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