Alberta directs Calgary to maintain current housing zoning approach amid provincial push

Alberta is directing Calgary to maintain its current approach to housing zoning, part of a broader provincial push to establish expectations around infill development across the province.

Premier Danielle Smith outlined the province's influence on municipal zoning rules Thursday. For Calgary, the directive means keeping the city's current zoning stance while the province asks the city to identify properties that reverted to lower-density zoning after the blanket rezoning repeal earlier this year. Edmonton faces a different order: the province is forcing the city to repeal its zoning bylaw and revert to rules in place before 2024.

The province is establishing provincewide expectations that infill development be "appropriately scaled" and supported by adequate utilities and water infrastructure. Both Calgary and Edmonton are being asked to review their land-use bylaws and develop "more balanced" approaches to high-density infill development. Calgary already has a land-use bylaw review scheduled for completion by next year.

Ward 4 Councillor DJ Kelly questioned what "appropriate scale" actually means. "I hear the provincial government talk about 'Ottawa needs to stay in their lane, cities need to stay in their lane.' This is them getting into our business quite a bit," Kelly said. Kelly argued that zoning decisions are traditionally under city council's jurisdiction and should remain there.

Ward 8 Councillor Nathaniel Schmidt raised broader concerns about the province's involvement. Schmidt questioned why the province was suddenly taking more interest in local zoning bylaws, what process it used to reach its decision, and whether council was consulted enough. Schmidt, who campaigned against repealing the rezoning last fall, said the decision feels more political than policy-driven.

Smith defended the province's authority. "By and large, we like to leave municipalities to make their own decisions, and by and large we haven't had to use this power. But when municipalities have taken actions that are undermining people's property value, when you see the kind of reaction we've seen from residents, then we have to step in," she said. The Alberta Municipal Government Act allows the province to direct municipalities to amend their bylaws.

The blanket rezoning, introduced in 2024, had allowed multi-unit housing types like rowhouses and fourplexes on lots previously zoned for single-family homes only. It became a wedge issue in the fall municipal election, with many candidates pledging to repeal it. Council followed through within its first six months, and the province has now moved to shape what comes next.