Alberta proposes changes to Edmonton and Calgary charters

EDMONTON – The Alberta government has proposed changes to Edmonton and Calgary’s city charters to remove barriers to affordable housing initiatives.

The changes will help limit the potential for cost increases to new housing and ensure there is one consistent minimum standard to which all buildings must be constructed across the province, an Alberta government release said.   

The proposed changes involve three provisions in the charters:

• Changes to off-site levies, which enable municipalities to charge developers a portion of the costs associated with servicing a new area. The changes will “still allow Calgary and Edmonton flexibility but will also make sure off-site levies don’t unnecessarily drive up the costs of building new homes,” the release said.
• Inclusionary housing allows cities to require a developer to provide money or other resources to the municipality to be used for affordable housing. This measure is being repealed to help limit the potential for cost increases to new housing. To date, neither Edmonton nor Calgary has used this charter provision.
• The building code bylaw authority allowing cities to make bylaws regarding energy consumption and heat retention is being removed to ensure one building code standard across Alberta.

Regulations require proposed changes to city charters be posted online for 60 days.  After the proposed changes to the charters will go to cabinet for final approval.