New Community Growth Management Overlay Review
In response to Councilor Davison’s recommendation at the November 5, 2019 Priorities and Finance Committee (PFC) meeting, Administration will be bringing a report (PFC2021-0639) forward to PFC on June 8, 2021 that responds to Council’s direction to explore the phasing out of the growth management overlay (PFC2019-1062).
That Council direct Administration to:
6. Explore the phasing out of the growth management overlay, and report back to the Priorities and Finance Committee no later than Q2 2020 with options to better align to our current economic situation and that creates policy that encourages a business-friendly environment and further development investment and retention in Calgary.
COVID-19 did impact the delivery of services and Administration’s delivery of reports. As a result, the item was postponed to Q2 2021.
Specifically, Administration is recommending a Refine and Rethink approach to the Citywide Growth Strategy for the New Community business case review process. The approach contains a series of actions to explore in the short- and medium-term. The Refine approach includes actions to improve the 2022 Business Case review process while the Rethink approach addresses Councilor Davison’s recommendation to explore the phasing out of the growth management overlay.
BILD supported the proposed dual work streams in order to ensure that the 2022 Citywide Growth Strategy for the New Community business case review process will not be delayed.
The actions within the Refine approach include a more collaborative approach to market factors (supply and demand), clarification on how cumulative impacts will be assessed, greater focus on the merits of individual business cases, and other process and communications improvements. The improvements are intended to facilitate a more business-friendly approach to the 2022 review process.
In the Rethink approach, alternatives to the Growth Management Overlay will be considered including greater flexibility for areas that do not require City-funded capital investment and refined methods to retain links with the Citywide Growth Strategy, off-site levy bylaw, general budget and funding.
As per standard practice, the Administrative report (PFC2021-0639) is anticipated to be released Friday, June 4, 2021 on The City of Calgary’s Council and Committee Agendas, Minutes and Video webpage. BILD will continue to work collaboratively with Administration on these issues through the Citywide Growth Strategy: New Communities Working Group.
For more information contact deborah.cooper@bildcr.com