The Calgary City Council has officially rescinded a bylaw that required businesses to charge for paper bags and only provide single-use items upon customer request. The bylaw, which was approved in 2022, faced significant public backlash and prompted the city council to initiate the repeal process within two weeks of its implementation.
Calgary City Council has unanimously passed a proposal to recommend doubling the fines for vehicles speeding in playground zones. The motion was tabled by Coun. Jasmine Mian, who cited concerns from parents and residents about speeding in school and playground areas. The proposal will now be discussed at the Alberta Municipalities Conference in September. If approved, the fines would increase from the current $81 minimum to a higher amount, further deterring drivers from exceeding the posted speed limit in these sensitive zones.
Calgary City Council approved a motion to explore the possibility of allowing permanent residents to vote in civic elections. Councilor Courtney Walcott proposed the motion, arguing that permanent residents contribute to the community and should have a voice in local decision-making. The motion passed 9-6 despite objections from some councilors who believed that voting rights should be restricted to Canadian citizens. The motion will not result in immediate changes to civic elections but initiates a provincial discussion on the issue. Alberta’s Municipal Affairs Minister has stated that only Canadian citizens have the right to vote in civic elections and has no plans to amend this requirement.
Calgary’s historic public hearing on blanket rezoning commenced on Monday, marking the start of the largest such hearing in the city’s history. With 741 people registered to speak, the hearing will delve into a pivotal housing strategy aimed at addressing the city’s growing housing crisis. The proposal seeks to allow for a wider range of housing types, including townhomes and rowhouses, in areas previously restricted to single-family homes. Despite concerns from opponents about property values, infrastructure, and neighborhood character, proponents argue that the rezoning is essential to increase housing supply and affordability.
