by Gerry Molotsky
I am very disappointed that the Calgary City Council decided to approve the city-wide blanket rezoning. There are many reasons why I feel their decision was ill advised but I’d like to focus on a concern that I’ve not heard explained.
The main reason, we are told, that increased density is urgently needed is to create lower cost housing. To make cheaper home ownership available. We are also being told that replacing a single-family home with a higher density of homes on the same lot size will not affect the value of the surrounding single-family homes. It is illogical to think that creating a bunch of cheaper priced homes in any community will not negatively affect existing home values.
It is never discussed if these new homes will be owned or rented. If owned, will the increased number of four to six units built on a lot originally created for one single-family home be sold as condos or rentals? It is commonly known that rental homes are not kept up as well as owner occupied homes.
Either way it’s a boon for intercity developers and a welcome addition to the city property tax coffers at the expense of the existing homeowners.
I would have liked more time for honest engagement with the City to learn more about the planning process on these issues. Hopefully our next election will put councillors in place that listen to taxpayers and rescind blanket rezoning.
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