Calgarians for Thoughtful Growth files appeal against blanket rezoning

A Calgary group has filed an appeal challenging the city’s blanket rezoning bylaw. Hannah Lepine reports.

A local group has filed an appeal challenging the city’s blanket rezoning bylaw.

The grassroots coalition Calgarians for Throughtful Growth says council’s decision to go ahead with blanket rezoning was biased, unfair and disregarded the legal rights of residents.

“The hearing process and decision ignored community distinctions and differences,” read a news release. “The bylaw applied the same rules to all areas, without considering each neighbourhoods unique character, infrastructure or needs.

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This appeal is the latest action taken by Calgarians since the bylaw was implemented last August.

In May of 2024, 736 people spoke to council during a public hearing that lasted more than 100 hours.

According to city officials, nearly 70 per cent of those people were against blanket rezoning. Regardless, council approved the contentious item in a 9-6 vote.

Officials say shorter timelines and easier applications were needed to boost housing supply, with population set to grow by 3.5 per cent this year.

The appellants are asking the court of appeal to declare the process was in fact unfair, and to suspend the blanket rezoning bylaw.

“Through all of our efforts, we aim to uphold the principle that city-building must be inclusive, lawful and grounded in community trust.”