City changes zoning to allow small businesses

Summary#

Council passed Bylaw 56D2026 at third reading on May 12, 2026. It changes the land-use district for 310 – 15 Avenue SW in Beltline (Ward 8), with the stated goal of allowing small-scale commercial uses in the existing building.

  • The 0.26-hectare site, covering Condominium Plan 2511573, Units 1 to 307, changes from Direct Control and Centre City Multi-Residential High Rise districts to Centre City Multi-Residential High Rise Support Commercial (CC-MHX).
  • The new district allows supportive commercial uses. City staff described possible uses as small retail, a restaurant or a café at street level.
  • The change does not approve a specific business or development. City staff reported that no development permit application had been submitted.
  • The bylaw passed 14 to 0. One member of the public spoke at the hearing, but the minutes do not record their position.

What it means for you#

  • Building owner and potential businesses: The new district allows supportive commercial uses at the site. The bylaw itself does not approve a particular business or development.
  • Nearby residents: The change may allow services such as retail or a café in the building, but it does not guarantee they will open.
  • General public: This is a land-use change for this site, not approval of a specific construction project.

Money#

City staff reported no anticipated financial impact.

What is unclear#

  • The supplied materials do not set out the full rules for the CC-MHX district, including the exact uses and conditions allowed.
  • No development permit had been submitted, so the materials do not say whether a particular commercial use or project will go ahead.
  • The minutes note that one person spoke at the hearing but do not give their comments.

Case for#

  • City staff say the change would allow small-scale businesses and services in the existing building, potentially supporting pedestrian activity and serving nearby residents.
  • Staff say the commercial uses allowed by the district would be limited in impact and size, and that the change aligns with the Municipal Development Plan and Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan.

Case against#

  • City staff say the amendment itself includes no actions specifically addressing Calgary’s climate strategy. They say opportunities to align future development with climate strategies could be explored at later approval stages, but that is not settled by this decision.

Votes

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.10 (Land Use Amendment in Beltline (Ward 8) at 310 – 15 Avenue SW, LOC2025-0242, CPC2026-0258): That with respect to Report CPC2026-0258, the following be adopted: That Council give three readings to Proposed Bylaw 56D2026 for the redesignation of 0.26 hectares ± (0.64 acres ±) located at 310 – 15 Avenue SW (Condominium Plan 2511573, Units 1 to 307) from Direct Control (DC) District and Centre City Multi-Residential High Rise District (CC-MH) to Centre City Multi-Residential High Rise Suppor…

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.10 (Land Use Amendment in Beltline (Ward 8) at 310 – 15 Avenue SW, LOC2025-0242, CPC2026-0258): That Bylaw 56D2026 be introduced and read a first time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.10 (Land Use Amendment in Beltline (Ward 8) at 310 – 15 Avenue SW, LOC2025-0242, CPC2026-0258): That Bylaw 56D2026 be read a second time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.10 (Land Use Amendment in Beltline (Ward 8) at 310 – 15 Avenue SW, LOC2025-0242, CPC2026-0258): That Bylaw 56D2026 be read a third time.

For (100%)