Calgary council approves land-use change for office

Summary#

Calgary City Council passed Bylaw 107D2026 at third reading on October 6, 2026, by a vote of 15–0. It changes the land use district for 2128 Westmount Road NW in West Hillhurst (Ward 7), from Direct Control to Commercial – Corridor 2 f1.0h10. The City’s stated goal is to allow commercial uses that fit the surrounding area.

  • The change applies to about 0.05 hectares (0.12 acres) at the property.
  • The new district allows a wider range of commercial uses, including an office, and discretionary residential development (residential use that requires approval).
  • City staff say an office for a consulting business could operate in the existing building. No development permit has been submitted, so this decision does not approve a specific building project or confirm that the office will open.

What it means for you#

  • Nearby residents and businesses: The property now has different land use permissions. What will actually be built or operated there is not settled by this decision.
  • The property owner: The new district creates more options for future development, subject to any required development approvals.
  • The public: Council approved the change unanimously. One member of the public spoke at the hearing.

Money#

City staff report no anticipated financial impact from the land use change.

  • The materials give no estimate of future costs to the owner or the City if a development proposal is made.

What is unclear#

  • No development permit has been submitted, so the future project, timing and specific use are unknown.
  • The decision materials do not say whether or how the parking, traffic and pedestrian-safety concerns raised by a resident will be addressed in any future development application.
  • The new district permits discretionary residential development, but the materials do not identify a proposed residential project.

Case for#

  • City staff say the new district allows commercial development, including an office in the existing building, while matching surrounding land uses.
  • Staff say the change is consistent with the Municipal Development Plan and Riley Communities Local Area Plan, and could support small businesses and job opportunities near homes.
  • The change also allows discretionary residential development, which was not included in the existing district, according to City staff.

Case against#

  • A resident’s opposition letter raised concerns about parking, traffic, pedestrian safety and whether the new district fits the area.
  • The West Hillhurst Community Association’s letter was neutral but said the parking area should allow vehicles to turn around rather than back onto Kensington Road NW. It also said business fronts should face Kensington Road NW.
  • The materials do not show how these concerns would be resolved; no specific development proposal has yet been submitted.

Votes

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.7 (Land Use Amendment in West Hillhurst (Ward 7) at 2128 Westmount Road NW, LOC2026-0034, CPC2026-0764): That with respect to Report CPC2026-0764, the following be adopted: That Council give three readings to Proposed Bylaw 107D2026 for the redesignation of 0.05 hectares ± (0.12 acres ±) located at 2128 Westmount Road NW (Plan 5151O, Block 6, Lots 13 and 14) from Direct Control (DC) District to Commercial – Corridor 2 f1.0h10 (C-COR2 f1.0h10) District.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.7 (Land Use Amendment in West Hillhurst (Ward 7) at 2128 Westmount Road NW, LOC2026-0034, CPC2026-0764): That Bylaw 107D2026 be introduced and read a first time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.7 (Land Use Amendment in West Hillhurst (Ward 7) at 2128 Westmount Road NW, LOC2026-0034, CPC2026-0764): That Bylaw 107D2026 be read a second time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.7 (Land Use Amendment in West Hillhurst (Ward 7) at 2128 Westmount Road NW, LOC2026-0034, CPC2026-0764): That Bylaw 107D2026 be read a third time.

For (100%)