Yes to Rezoning for Housing

​The need for homes is not going away. On this it seems, we all agree. To that end, a societal crisis requires our collective response.
 
 
Do we need to build in the greenfield to accommodate the number of people coming to Calgary?
 
Yes (right now), AND
 
Do we need to ensure we are releasing city owned land for subsidized affordable housing?
 
Yes (we are), AND
 
Do we need to continue to encourage development around transit?
 
Yes, AND
 
Do we need to provide more options in low density housing form in established communities?
 
Yes, and that’s why we are here.
 
 
 
We’ve hosted a brave conversation. We have held space for competing viewpoints through a democratic process of a public hearing.
 
It is apparent that Calgarians are connected to their neighbourhoods. They have built memories and invested in community. And for those who do not have that stability – they indicated they are seeking those same opportunities, to move simply from housing to a place they can call home.
 
It is not lost on me the personal and vulnerable stories shared with us about living or escaping precarious housing positions or the real challenges of finding housing despite having (adequate) stable income or saving. I worry about those who didn’t come share their stories but who are living rough situations every day.
 
We will need to move forward together after this decision. This action alone will not solve the housing crisis and neither will this destroy neighbourhoods.
 
Calgarians and Council will have to contemplate the future after our decision, as there will be need for further action and investment no matter the vote today. On the backside we will have to manage the challenges. Many of the concerns raised from both sides could be true – we could struggle with parking. We could also struggle with more homelessness.

When it comes right down to it, I would rather have the challenge of managing utility capacity or infrastructure upgrades, parking or garbage bins than managing the challenges that come from a housing shortage.
 
I don’t want to need to increase funding to social agencies or continue to see housing and rents costs drastically outpacing inflation or wages. I want to lessen the pressure on non-market housing providers and know that every door means one less houseless person or family, because it is not just those on the lowest income spectrum unable to find housing.
 
 
We are one of the most diverse Cities in Canada–by age, income, ethnicity, but this diversity is not reflected in our housing.
 
A thought leader on EDI says the opposite of equity diversity and inclusion is:

• Homogeneity
• Inequality
• Exclusion

 
If we are truly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion as City leaders, then we cannot ignore that those values must be part of our housing and land strategy, city wide.

 
Saying yes to city-wide rezoning, yes to a new(ish) kind of housing, in more places across all communities, will be one of the most kind and generous things we can do for our city, for others who are here now and needing housing, and those who are coming who we’ve yet to meet. Generosity as a principle is about setting aside personal need for the good of others.
 
Community is built by action. Actions of hope, joy, love, sharing. Community is not a static state.
 
The words that resonated with me throughout the hearing were the need for future focus, sustainability, and normalization of new-ish housing types. Housing needs to be our priority.
 
Financially, this is good for everyone.  Environmentally, this is good for everyone.  Socially, this is incredibly good for everyone.
 
Whether by need or by choice, we need more homes.
 
This is not a matter of if we build it, they will come. They are coming. They are already here. 
 
To borrow from Mr. Johnston – It’s time to build optimism. I am supporting rezoning.

Kourtney