Province interfering in Edmonton housing sets disturbing precedent: Calgary mayor

Calgary's mayor, Jeromy Farkas, has criticized the province's decision to overrule some Edmonton infill housing rules, calling it an attack on local democracy. While the order from Premier Danielle Smith's government does not specifically request Calgary to take the same action, Farkas warns that there's nothing stopping the province from imposing its will on Calgary on other matters.

Farkas emphasized the importance of respecting the mandate given to municipal leaders to make decisions deemed best for their citizens. However, with this latest provincial overreach, he suggests that Danielle Smith is now dictating how Calgary's residents should vote at City Council. Farkas stated that if he refuses, he risks losing his job, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The controversy stems from the province's directive to Edmonton to abandon rules allowing for multi-unit complexes in older, established neighborhoods due to concerns over their suitability and parking requirements. Calgary had already rolled back similar rules following public outcry and on Thursday, Smith instructed the city to maintain those rules.

Smith claimed her government does not intend to interfere in municipal affairs, but the impact of multi-unit developments and the concerns expressed by Edmonton residents compelled the province to intervene. Despite her stance, Farkas maintains that his city must be free to listen to its residents and make fair decisions.