Calgary Minute: Issue 339

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

📅 This Week In Calgary: 📅

• The Executive Committee will meet today at 9:30 am. Mayor Jeromy Farkas, and six Councillors - Andre Chabot, Dan McLean, Kim Tyers, Rob Ward, Mike Jamieson, and Landon Johnston - are moving to repeal the citywide rezoning policy that made R-CG the default residential zoning across the city, fulfilling a major campaign promise. The motion would restore the old land-use bylaw while protecting projects that already have permits approved or are under review. Supporters argue the rezoning failed to improve affordability and created concerns about neighbourhood character, infrastructure strain, parking shortages, and traffic issues. Opponents of repeal note that the policy cut construction timelines and costs, with builders warning that reverting back could undermine housing supply. Mayor Farkas and his co-sponsors say repeal is only the first step, and discussions are underway about a replacement policy that better balances growth with community concerns. Some Councillors prefer refining the current system rather than eliminating it, suggesting tools like local area plans to guide higher-density development. If the motion clears committee, full Council will debate it in December, with a draft bylaw potentially ready for a public hearing in February.
  
  
• Councillor Raj Dhaliwal will introduce a motion to strengthen fireworks enforcement and awareness in neighbourhoods, citing growing safety, fire, and noise concerns from unpermitted use. The motion asks City Administration to explore bylaw amendments, review fines and licensing for illegal sales, and improve coordination between the Calgary Police Service, Fire Department, and Community Standards. It also emphasizes outreach and education through community associations, faith-based, and cultural organizations, and encourages the expansion of safe, City-supported celebrations as alternatives to illegal fireworks. The motion directs Administration to report back to the Community Development Committee with recommendations, including financial implications and potential funding sources. If the motion is approved, the report is expected no later than the third quarter of 2026.
  
  
• Mayor Farkas plans to introduce a motion to ban national flag-raisings at City Hall, arguing that such events can heighten local tensions during global conflicts. The announcement comes just as the Palestinian Community Association was preparing for its first-ever flag-raising, a timing the group says feels hurtful and targeted. Farkas says the policy change would apply to all countries equally, aiming to prevent division and ensure City Hall remains a unifying space. Several Councillors have already expressed support for limiting flags to only Canadian, Albertan, and municipal symbols, akin to Regina’s approach after a similar controversy. If approved, the new policy would take effect after honouring two remaining previously scheduled flag-raisings. 
  
  
• On Thursday, the Audit Committee will be meeting to review and approve the City Auditor’s 2026 Audit Plan and Data Analytics priorities, which set out 12 audits and several analytics projects targeting areas like permitting system user access, contract renewals, Waste & Recycling contractor performance, golf course financial controls, pay processes, and Calgary Transit Access. Two reports tied to council priorities are on the agenda: the Home is Here Housing Strategy audit, which examines how effectively the City is responding to severe housing affordability pressures (one in five households spending over 30% of income on shelter, with 110,000 new residents expected in four years). The City’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Workplan, which finds gaps in formal processes and progress monitoring for implementing the City’s EDIB strategy across departments, will also be discussed. 
  
  
• Calgary police say about 75 “high system users” are responsible for a large share of repeat crime and hundreds of calls for service across the city. These individuals are frequently in and out of the justice system and commit offences ranging from disorder and theft to more serious assaults. Police note there is no single profile for these offenders - they come from diverse backgrounds, with varying criminal patterns and motivations. Police argue that gaps in the justice system, including bail decisions and crowded remand centres, make managing repeat offenders difficult. Alberta’s government continues to push Ottawa for stricter bail rules. A more holistic approach is being explored as well, which is expected to help offenders access treatment, family support, and stability, reducing repeat offences where possible.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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