Lessons Learned from Eight Years of DTC
by Melanie Swailes on behalf of the Development and Transportation Committee
On February 8, 2017, the first meeting of the Brentwood Community Association’s Development and Transportation Committee (DTC) was held; I have been privileged to have served as Chair ever since, but I will step down from the role in September 2025. I’m not sure yet what is next, or if I will continue to write for the Bugle. Thank you to everyone who has supported the DTC, especially those who have written me notes or responded to the Bugle reports.
A huge thank you to Peter Johnson, who has been invaluable as my “right-hand man”. Peter does a lot of the behind-the-scenes work, keeping track of all the Development Permits on meticulous spreadsheets and ensuring we meet the deadlines for our community feedback. He has attended countless meetings with me, submitted hundreds of letters to the Planning Circulation Department, and written up hundreds of Neighbour Notifications. If you’ve ever received a letter notifying you of a DP near your home, it was Peter who hand-delivered each one. Above all, Peter has always been there to help figure out how to proceed on a difficult matter. Thank you, Peter!
So, What Lessons Have I Learned In 8 Years?
1. It Takes a Village (Or Rather, An Active Community Association)
Our DTC membership has changed over time, but we have been fortunate to always have had a core group of eight to ten people who attended meetings and helped with our tasks: it would be a long list if I named each person who participated since 2017. When I talk to members of other CAs, they are often astonished that we have more than just a few individuals taking part. Each person has brought unique perspectives and ideas to the group, and I have appreciated each of you very much.
2. Community Associations Matter
You may think of CAs for their role in soccer or hockey programs, or maybe hall rentals. However, CAs are considered to be “directly affected” by community planning items from the City, and are entitled to have notice from, and to be heard by, decision-makers. There are currently 150 active CAs in Calgary, relying mostly on volunteers to provide programs, services, and communications to our residents. If you couldn’t turn to the CA, where would you find out more about developments or changes proposed near you?
The BCA celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. For most of these 60 years, there wasn’t much redevelopment happening and planning issues weren’t a priority in Brentwood. That has changed, especially with the approval of blanket rezoning, a new Zoning Bylaw slated for 2026, and a future Local Area Plan (LAP) which will determine which streets will be designated for higher density, taller buildings.
Community Associations need to be the point of first contact between residents and the City.
3. Taking Part Makes a Difference
For a long time, I didn’t join the CA or get involved either, but I wish I had done so sooner. It’s been rewarding to get to know so many people in the community and to feel that my participation mattered, even in a small way. Planning items can spark widely differing opinions and perspectives, which lead to welcome fresh ideas, discussions, and reviews. You can help ensure that when there is a proposed development or a major planning initiative, our residents are able to access information or have a voice at Council.
4. The Impact of Blanket Rezoning or New Zoning Bylaws
If the house next door to you sells, will it be to another family or to an investor? In Brentwood, our first application for a rezoning to allow for an eight-plex unit (four up and four basement suites) will likely be approved by early September. If you are thinking that you live on a quiet street where this won’t happen, think again. Look on the DMap to find examples scattered throughout established communities (https://www.calgary.ca/development/permits/permit-application-search.html). The impact on neighbours can be significant, both in terms of the size of the building (lot coverage, removal of trees, number of bedrooms), and also the impact from many more people living on the site (parking, garbage bins, etc.).
5. If You Don’t Speak Up, Nobody Else Will
I’ve learned that most residents are passionate about their street and their area. But the reality is that nobody else cares as much as you do. If you don’t say anything, we have to assume that you either like the proposed plans, or don’t care about them one way or another. We have always delivered a Neighbour Notification to adjacent homes to ensure that residents are aware of a development proposed near them and encouraged to submit their comments on that application. The CA tries to represent our residents’ views, but we can only do so if we get your opinions and feedback. Numerous times, we have received no feedback at all until the project is underway: then we are contacted and asked how such a large building was permitted, or why they were allowed to cut down every tree. Unfortunately, once the DP is issued, there is nothing that can be done: the time to comment is in advance.
6. The People Making Decisions May Not Know Your Community
Brentwood is the place where we live, work, play, attend school, and shop. We each know our communities, and public participation ensures that we have input in how they evolve. We often hear people say, “why bother?” or “they will just do what they want anyhow”. Sometimes this seems true, but by submitting our input, we can help the CA, our elected officials, and the City understand what is important to us, and show that we want to be involved in decisions that affect us.
Keep in mind that out of 14 councillors and the mayor, only one of them directly represents your ward. The rest have a vote on proposed changes, even though they might have never set foot in your community, and almost certainly not on your street. If you want them to understand your opinions, you need to speak out. Also keep in mind that the investors proposing changes for your community might not know your area or even your city. Stay involved, or they will be the only ones dictating how or what gets built in your community.
7. City Planning Doesn’t Have All the Answers
Many planning ideas or principles are really theories about what creates vibrant streets or public spaces, or what works to create affordable and liveable areas. Does blanket rezoning bring affordability? Are three-storey townhouses a good building form? Should commercial spaces be on the main floor of all multi-unit buildings? Bylaws, building codes, and other regulations provide physical guidance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that these are the best ways to build or redevelop.
8. Attend the Brentwood CA Annual General Meeting – September 4
Each committee will present a short summary of activities. Following the meeting, there will be a meet and greet social event – it’s a great way to get involved and to meet new neighbours. Join the BCA. If we have your email, you will be on a mailing list for notification of important events and developments.
9. Vote!
On October 20, 2025, make sure to vote. Research the candidates, attend a forum, talk with your friends and neighbours. Most of the Councillor candidates will likely attend the AGM, so it’s a great way to meet them and ask questions.
10. Join the Development and Transportation Committee
Lend your voice to future developments in Brentwood! Changes will happen, with or without you. If you think that you don’t know anything about planning, we’d be happy to teach you, or to connect you with many resources and free learning sessions. The best advice comes from Larry Beasley, a noted Canadian Urban Planner, and the author of Vancouverism:
“You start from one basic principle as a planner: Citizens are as smart or smarter than you are, and they have a lot more information at the local level than you can ever have. …. Neighbourhoods are one of the fundamentals of a liveable city. Cities are getting so huge and complex that local sense of place is becoming even more important. Neighbourhoods are at the essence of what I think good communities are about.”
If you are interested, please send an email to the office ([email protected]) and let us know how you would like to get involved. Bring your talents into the group. We need you, and you may need us some day as well!
Click here to the Brentwood Community News home page for the latest Brentwood community updates.
