Important Updates on Rezoning and Community Planning in Rideau-Roxboro

Hello Rideau-Roxboro Residents,

Major changes to city rezoning and community planning are already impacting Rideau-Roxboro. Now is the time to stay informed and make your voice heard to protect the character of our neighborhood. Below is a summary of critical updates and actions you can take to shape the future of our community.

1. Upcoming Community Sessions on Restrictive Covenants (RCs)

We’re planning two in-person meetings to discuss the progress of registering Restrictive Covenants (RCs) on properties in Rideau-Roxboro. RCs are legally binding agreements that help protect the neighborhood from the impacts of blanket rezoning. These sessions will also cover a new legal fund designed to support neighbors in defending RCs. Details on dates and locations will be announced soon.

Related article for reference:

2. Judicial Review Against Blanket Rezoning

A December 2024 judicial review challenged Calgary’s blanket rezoning bylaw, citing:

  • Procedural rights of lot owners were disregarded.
  • The rezoning exceeded City authority under the Municipal Government Act.
  • Significant encroachment on property rights.

Despite these strong arguments, the court rejected the challenge in a decision released in January 2025. The applicant plans to appeal, and your support is crucial.

3. Blanket Rezoning Overview and Impacts

In August 2024, all R-C1 lots in Rideau-Roxboro were rezoned to R-CG, allowing up to 8 units per lot. Since then, the City has received a surge in development applications. These applications no longer require Council approval, limiting residents’ input to a narrow scope during a short feedback window.

While the City is working on a Rowhouse How-to Guide to address design concerns like height, window placement, and landscaping, the guide won’t be ready until Fall 2025. In the meantime, many R-CG developments have already been approved.

4. West Elbow Local Area Plan (LAP)

The West Elbow LAP sets a vision for the future of our neighborhood, including increased density along 4th Street SW. Proposed changes allow for four-story buildings with underground parking within our neighbourhood.

Despite strong feedback from Rideau-Roxboro and other communities, the draft plan remains unchanged. Phase 4 of public engagement is ongoing, and it’s vital to voice your concerns.

5. Calgary Plan Postponed

The Calgary Plan, which proposes removing parking minimums and other major changes to zoning, has been postponed to 2026 following advocacy from 34 community associations. This delay provides an opportunity for more resident input and engagement.

Related article for reference:

How You Can Help

Your participation is essential to protecting Rideau-Roxboro. Here’s how you can get involved:

  1. Attend upcoming sessions on Restrictive Covenants and Litigation Funding Society:  to understand how RCs and their enforcement can safeguard our neighborhood.
  2. Submit your feedback on the West Elbow LAP and rezoning guidelines to ensure your concerns are heard.
  3. Deepen your knowledge by participating in these learning opportunities:
    • FCC Development Course:Shaping Calgary Together: Community & Citizen Involvement
      • Date: February 22, 2025
      • Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
      • Sign up here

Your voice matters. Together, we can shape the future of Rideau-Roxboro.

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