Calgary city council has approved a rezoning application for a large-scale development in southwest Calgary despite some strong public opposition from area.
Council on Wednesday approved the $75 million Marc and Mada Block project in Marda Loop in a 13-1 vote, bringing Truman Homes and Calgary Co-op a step closer to developing the land.
The proposed development includes two high-rise and two mid-rise towers with 441 residential units, a co-op grocery store, commercial space, and a 662-stall underground parkade.
Located on a two-acre site 33 and 34 avenues, and 20 and 21 streets, the development faced strong opposition over its height, the increased traffic it will bring to the area, and overall neighbourhood impact.
There were 136 letters written against the project and three in support.
Marda Loop BIA director Bob Van Wegan says the project comes with several pros and cons, much like many other private developments in the area.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a range of developments in the area, but from the BIA’s perspective this is probably the big one,” he says.
Van Wegan says the inclusion of the large underground parkade should drastically help Marda Loop’s parking problem.
“That’s a real benefit, there’ll be a lot of commercial parking that’s available,” he says. “This may be our last chance to build public parking in Marda Loop.”
The Marda Loop Community Associaton previously raised concerns about the tall buildings shadows and the design not aligning with the rest of the area.
Van Wegan says more similar developments are on the way.
“We’re going to be getting a lot of people living right in the area who can patronize our businesses, and can patronize them on foot.”
A development permit is still under review with construction possibly beginning in 2026.