Calgary City Council will vote on a proposal to fast-track the approval process for new community growth applications that only require operating costs, not new capital investments. This change, supported by Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp, aims to expedite housing delivery in a growing city. Six 'shovel-ready' applications, including Glacier Ridge and South Belvedere Village, could be immediately considered if approved, potentially requiring a $140,000 budget increase for Calgary Transit.
Calgary council to vote on streamlining process to approve some new communities
CalgaryCalgary TransitBrian HahnJyoti GondekSonya SharpProperty taxesTransportationMunicipal governmentsEmergency care
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Calgary City Council will vote on a proposal to fast-track the approval process for new community growth applications that only require operating costs, not new capital investments. This change, supported by Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp, aims to expedite housing delivery in a growing city. Six 'shovel-ready' applications, including Glacier Ridge and South Belvedere Village, could be immediately considered if approved, potentially requiring a $140,000 budget increase for Calgary Transit.
- 1 Wednesday: The Infrastructure and Planning Committee voted to bring the proposal before council.
- 2 Soon: Calgary City Council will vote on the proposal.
- 3 November (future): Current annual budget adjustments for new communities.
- 4 Next year: Proposed $140,000 budget increase for Calgary Transit to begin.
- Faster approval of new communities and potential increase in housing supply
- Immediate consideration of six 'shovel-ready' applications
- Potential $140,000 tax-supported budget increase for Calgary Transit starting next year
- Risk of limiting the city's flexibility to fund other priorities in its November budget
- Potential encouragement of other out-of-budget requests
What: Calgary City Council will vote on a proposal to streamline the approval process for new community growth applications that only require operating costs, not capital investments.
When: Council to vote soon; Infrastructure and Planning Committee voted on Wednesday; current approval is once per year during fall budget adjustments; beginning next year (transit budget increase).
Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada; specific communities mentioned include Glacier Ridge, South Belvedere Village, Stoneyview, Haskayne Damkar Highfield, and the east portion of Esker Valley and the Woodlands.
Why: To expedite housing delivery due to Calgary's rapid growth and strain on housing supply, and to remove 'red tape' for developers who risk losing an entire construction season under the current system.
How: The proposal allows for approval of eligible growth applications any time of year, outside of the annual budget cycle, if they only require operating costs. Administration recommends immediate consideration of six 'shovel-ready' applications.