Carson Block redevelopment bylaw passed

Summary#

Calgary Council passed Bylaw 72D2026 at third reading on June 23, 2026. It changes the Direct Control land-use district for 1336 and 1340 – 9 Avenue SE in Inglewood (Ward 9), with guidelines for retaining a heritage building and redeveloping around it. City staff’s stated goal was to support heritage conservation and mixed-use redevelopment.

  • The change applies to about 0.15 hectares (0.37 acres) at the site.
  • The proposed redevelopment described by City staff is a six-storey building with 65 homes and commercial space at street level. That is not a final development approval: a separate development permit was still under review in the report.
  • The plan is to retain and protect the Carson Block. The report does not say the current uses inside it will change.
  • Council passed the bylaw 14–0. One person spoke at the public hearing.

What it means for you#

  • Nearby residents and businesses: The site’s land-use rules now allow the redevelopment described in the bylaw guidelines. The separate development permit will determine the building’s final design.
  • People who use the site’s businesses: The report says the existing Blyth Hall building houses Inglewood Food Mart & Video. It does not say whether that store will remain; public submissions raised concern about losing the local grocery store.
  • Future residents: The proposal includes 65 homes, but the land-use decision does not itself guarantee that they will be built.
  • Heritage: The plan is to retain and protect the Carson Block. The decision does not state that Blyth Hall will also be retained.

Money#

City staff reported no anticipated financial impact to the City.

  • The materials give no cost estimate for the development or the separate permit process.

What is unclear#

  • The supplied material does not include the full bylaw guidelines, so the specific limits and requirements for the site are unclear.
  • The final design, timing and outcome of the separate development permit review are not known from these materials.
  • The materials do not explain whether Blyth Hall will remain or what will happen to the grocery store.
  • The costs of the project and any costs to the developer are not stated.

Case for#

  • City staff say the change creates an opportunity for more housing and commercial space on a Neighbourhood Main Street, near transit and existing infrastructure.
  • City staff say additional development options are tied to protecting the Carson Block, supporting heritage conservation and Inglewood’s community identity.
  • One public submission supported the proposal, describing it as a reasonable use for the location that incorporates a historic building.

Case against#

  • Two of five public submissions opposed the change. Concerns included losing community character and the local grocery store, and commenting on redevelopment before seeing a final building design.
  • Resident Peter Rishaug opposed the proposal, saying its height exceeded limits in local planning documents. He also raised concerns about parking, shadows, overlooking, lane access and protection of the Carson Block. These are his claims, not findings in the Council decision.
  • The separate development permit was still under review, so the final design and how it addresses those concerns were not settled in the supplied material.

Votes

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.14 (Land Use Amendment in Inglewood (Ward 9) at 1336 and 1340 – 9 Avenue SE, LOC2025-0186, CPC2026-0442): That with respect to Report CPC2026-0442, the following be adopted: That Council give three readings to Proposed Bylaw 72D2026 for the redesignation of 0.15 hectares ± (0.37 acres ±) located at 1336 and 1340 – 9 Avenue SE (Plan A3, Block 7, Lots 17 to 19 and Lot A) from Direct Control (DC) District to Direct Control (DC) District to accommodate retention of a heritage building and mixed use redeve…

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.14 (Land Use Amendment in Inglewood (Ward 9) at 1336 and 1340 – 9 Avenue SE, LOC2025-0186, CPC2026-0442): That Bylaw 72D2026 be introduced and read a first time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.14 (Land Use Amendment in Inglewood (Ward 9) at 1336 and 1340 – 9 Avenue SE, LOC2025-0186, CPC2026-0442): That Bylaw 72D2026 be read a second time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.14 (Land Use Amendment in Inglewood (Ward 9) at 1336 and 1340 – 9 Avenue SE, LOC2025-0186, CPC2026-0442): That Bylaw 72D2026 be read a third time.

For (100%)