Calgary Appoints First Chief Housing Officer Amid Housing Crisis
Reid Hendry’s Appointment and Background
In response to the escalating housing crisis in Calgary, Reid Hendry has been appointed as the city’s first Chief Housing Officer. Hendry brings extensive experience from the private sector, having worked with prominent developers such as Trico Residential, Beedie, and Highfield Land Management. His expertise in land development is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the city’s housing challenges. Calgary has seen a significant surge in development activity, with construction commencing on 20,165 housing units in 2023. Despite this progress, Hendry emphasizes that the city is still falling short, failing to provide adequate housing for approximately 20,000 people in 2024 alone. The ratio of population growth to housing starts stands at 3.7 people per unit, highlighting the urgent need for more housing solutions.
City-Wide Rezoning and Its Impact
To tackle the housing crisis, Calgary’s city council approved a new base residential zoning regulation known as R-CG. This change allows for higher-density housing types, such as row houses and duplexes, on single properties without requiring additional zoning changes. Since the implementation of this policy on August 6, the city has seen a remarkable increase in development permits. Specifically, permits for rowhouses and townhouses have risen by 271%, with 152 applications received, compared to the same period in 2023. Similarly, applications for semi-detached homes have surged by 289%, with 35 applications submitted. Ward 8 Councillor Courtney Walcott attributes this spike to pent-up demand, noting that the city has already met its annual target of 1,000 additional housing units within the first quarter alone.
Challenges and Concerns in Implementation
While the new zoning policy has spurred development, it has also raised concerns among residents and local officials. Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp expressed worries about the rapid density increase in areas like Bowness, where a significant portion of development applications have been concentrated. Infrastructure challenges, including road capacity and water supply, are at the forefront of these concerns. Furthermore, not all residents are in favor of the changes. The city received 2,063 public comments on zoning-related applications, with 1,720 expressing opposition, primarily citing issues with building design and parking. A court challenge against the rezoning was recently dismissed.
Addressing Opposition and Building Trust
Reid Hendry acknowledges the opposition to the zoning changes but stresses that they are just one part of a broader housing strategy encompassing 98 recommendations. He recognizes the fear of change among residents and seeks to balance community concerns with the urgent need for housing. Hendry aims to foster trust and open dialogue, emphasizing that the housing crisis affects not only current residents but also those who are unable to find adequate housing in the city. By engaging with both opponents and supporters, Hendry hopes to create a more inclusive and sustainable housing environment for all Calgarians.
The Path Forward
As Calgary continues to navigate its housing challenges, Hendry’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the city’s housing strategy is effectively implemented. The significant increase in development permits since the rezoning policy took effect demonstrates the potential for progress, but addressing the concerns of all stakeholders remains essential. Moving forward, the city must focus on infrastructure development, community engagement, and innovative housing solutions to meet the growing demand for housing. By doing so, Calgary can work towards achieving a balance between growth and livability.
Conclusion
The appointment of Reid Hendry as Calgary’s first Chief Housing Officer marks a proactive step in addressing the city’s housing crisis. The new zoning regulations have already shown promising results, with a substantial rise in housing permits. However, the road ahead requires careful navigation of community concerns, infrastructure improvements, and continued collaboration between city officials and residents. Hendry’s experience and commitment to fostering trust and dialogue offer hope for a more balanced and inclusive approach to housing development in Calgary.
