Springbank Hill rezoning battle heads back to council

Springbank Hill residents are upset about a developer's plan to build a 42-unit townhouse complex in their community.

Springbank Hill residents will be back in council chambers on Tuesday after losing an injunction to stop a city rezoning hearing.

They’re fighting against a new 42-unit townhouse development slated for an undeveloped lot in their southwest neighbourhood.

The residents are asking one of the councillors representing the ward to put forward a motion to postpone Tuesday’s public hearing until after the next municipal election.

Ward 6 currently has no councillor after Richard Pootman resigned, with its responsibilities being split between three other councillors.

“Ultimately, we’re at the council’s mercy, and so we are pleading for them to do the right thing. This is their final chance to do the right thing and to defer this matter until we have an elected councillor following the municipal election,” said Springbank Hill resident Sarah Austin.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The request comes a day after a Calgary court denied an injunction to move the hearing.

The justice acknowledged the residents’ concerns about the proposed Agusta Villas project, but ultimately found city council’s agenda was not subject to judicial interference.

Those opposed to the project argue that it will generate excessive traffic, exacerbate parking congestion and cast a shadow over existing homes.

In a statement to CTV News, developer Kyle Wurzer says the proposal is a better outcome for the community, with internal garages and visitor parking on-site and communal waste and recycling pickup.

With files from CTV’s Alesia Fieldberg