Calgary’s mayor says the province’s decision to overturn some Edmonton infill housing rules is disturbing attack on local democracy.
On Friday, Jeromy Farkas said while the order from Premier Danielle Smith’s government is not asking Calgary to do the same on this issue, there’s nothing stopping the province from imposing its will on his city on another matter.
He said it’s important to respect the mandate given to municipal leaders to make decisions deemed best for their citizens.
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack retweeted a video posted by Farkas on Friday in which he expressed his concerns.
A day earlier, Smith directed the City of Edmonton to abandon rules allowing for multi-unit complexes in older, established neighbourhoods on the grounds the units may not be a good fit and don’t make proper room for parking.
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Calgary has already rolled back similar rules due to public outcry, and on Thursday Smith directed Calgary keep those rules in place.
Smith said her government does not want to intervene in municipal affairs, but the impact of the multi-units and the concern her government is hearing from Edmonton residents forced the province to step in.
— More to come…
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