Summary#

Calgary City Council passed third reading of two bylaws on May 12, 2026, amending the Eau Claire Area Redevelopment Plan and changing the land-use rules for 728 – 4 Avenue SW in Downtown Commercial Core, Ward 7. The goal is to allow a mixed-use high-rise with updated density-bonus options; that does not approve a specific building.

• The 0.20-hectare site changes from one Direct Control district to another, with rules intended to allow mixed-use development.
• The new rules allow a maximum floor area ratio (FAR—the total floor area compared with the site area) of 5.0, with a possible increase to 8.0 through density bonuses.
• The change removes the requirement for a Plus 15 connection and updates the density-bonus options.
• The plan amendment accommodates the new density-bonus structure. All readings of both bylaws passed unanimously, 15 to 0.

What it means for you#

• People who live or work nearby: The land-use rules now allow the proposed form of development, but no development permit has been submitted. The bylaws do not approve a specific building or set out its construction schedule.
• People looking for downtown housing or businesses: City staff say the change could allow more housing and commercial space. The bylaws do not guarantee that either will be built.
• Nearby residents: The change does not itself set out construction plans or resolve concerns about traffic, parking, noise, privacy, construction impacts, or sunlight.

Money#

City staff reported no anticipated financial impact; no cost estimate or developer cost information is provided.

What is unclear#

• The approved materials provided here do not set out the full site-specific rules or explain which density bonuses could allow FAR to rise from 5.0 to 8.0.
• The bylaws do not set a building height or number of homes.
• The timing and details of any development are unknown; no development permit has been submitted.
• Public speakers addressed Council, but the supplied minutes do not summarize what they said.

Case for#

• City staff say the change aligns with the amended area plan and could support more compact housing and commercial uses on the site, now used as a surface parking lot.
• City staff say the site is near existing homes and services, and that the district’s guidelines are intended to make development sensitive to adjoining residential areas.
• The Eau Claire Community Association supported the application, though it raised a concern about the maximum density.

Case against#

• Five public letters opposed the application, raising concerns about traffic, parking, noise and congestion, privacy, construction impacts, and possible sunlight loss to the building north of the site.
• The Community Association suggested capping density at 6.5 FAR rather than allowing density bonuses up to 8.0. City staff considered that suggestion and said the proposal aligns with the area plan’s maximum density.