Calgary Blanket Rezoning 2023-2026

This participatory process is a citizen led initiative, that aims to document Calgary's blanket rezoning journey from September 2023 through March 2026 - the most significant planning policy change in the city's modern history.

Background: In response to a severe housing affordability crisis, Calgary City Council approved the "Home is Here" Housing Strategy in September 2023, including blanket rezoning as a key tool to increase housing supply and secure $129M in federal Housing Accelerator Fund financing.

The Policy: Blanket rezoning converted thousands of single-family properties to R-CG zoning, allowing up to 8 dwelling units plus secondary suites on lots previously limited to single-family homes, eliminating individual public hearings for multi-unit developments.

Democratic Process: The largest public hearing in Calgary's history (16 days, 736 speakers, 6,101 submissions) preceded a narrow 9-6 council approval in May 2024, despite nearly 70% public opposition.

Community Response: Implementation sparked widespread community organizing, including restrictive covenant initiatives in neighborhoods like Varsity, as residents sought to preserve residential character through private legal agreements.

Democratic Review: Following the 2025 municipal election where blanket rezoning became the central campaign issue, the new council voted 13-2 to begin a formal repeal process, with final decision scheduled for March 2026.

This process demonstrates how major planning policies evolve through democratic institutions, public participation, and community organizing in Canada's fourth-largest city.