A fresh snowfall didn’t deter Calgarians from showing up at city hall Monday as the public hearing on repealing blanket rezoning stretched into its second week.
The marathon hearing has drawn significant public interest, with more than 500 residents registered to speak, according to Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
Over 200 speakers were still waiting for their turn at the start of Monday’s session.
“I think Calgarians want a resolution to this, to get this done sooner than later,” said Coun. Dan McLean, who supports a full repeal of the blanket rezoning bylaw.
Farkas acknowledged the desire for a timely conclusion but warned the schedule is tight.
Council is already committed to a regular meeting on Tuesday and a committee meeting on Wednesday, leaving Thursday as the next available day to continue the hearing. With Friday a holiday, any unfinished business could spill into next week.
“For as long as we have Calgarians who would like to speak, we will hear you,” Farkas said.
Council is weighing whether to repeal blanket rezoning and revert to the previous land‑use bylaw. They are also considering amendments to the R‑CG district, which currently allows rowhouses and townhomes on land zoned for single‑detached homes.
Proposed changes would reduce density, lot coverage and building height, and prohibit mid‑block row and townhome developments.
Blanket rezoning made R‑CG the citywide base residential zoning district, part of a strategy to diversify housing types and address Calgary’s housing shortage.
McLean said he believes the recommended changes strike a balance.
“What is being recommended right now, I can live with,” he says. “I think a lot of Calgarians as well. It is a full repeal.”