DP2025-01297

This is an application for an addition to the existing house for the front and rear of the house.

All comments are required prior to April 8, 2025.

Click here to view the Development Permit

Click here to view the Neighbour Notification.

Hi Brentwood and Charleswood Residents,

There are quite a few items on this mailout, so please scan down the list to find the ones that might interest you.  There are some general community association items first, then some development-related items, followed by some City updates or events.  Brentwood and Charleswood are starting to see more multi-unit redevelopment applications.  The more you know ahead of time, the better you will be able to respond to a redevelopment near you. Please consider attending a planning session to learn more (#7 and #8 below).

If you are receiving this mail directly from me, it is because you signed up for this email list after some community event or meeting, or because of a Development Permit or a building concern.  This email list has never been shared with anyone at all, not even the Brentwood CA.  When I step down from my role in September, I will not be sending direct mailouts anymore.  For that reason, please consider joining the BCA so that you can continue to receive updates or notices of meetings.

1.  Join the Brentwood Community Association!
This is a perfect time to join since our ‘membership year’ is May 1st to April 30th regardless of when you purchase your membership.
Registration & Memberships – Brentwood Community Association
Membership fees support your neighbourhood and fund maintenance of our facilities and programs.

Family Membership $35

55+ Couple Membership $25

Individual/Adult Membership $12.50

2.  Did you know that March is Community Association Awareness Month?!

March Community Association Awareness Month – Federation

There are 156 Community Associations (CAs) across Calgary, representing 200+ neighbourhoods.
From the Federation of Calgary Communities website:  “CAs are grassroots non-profits, who are dedicated to offering their communities social, educational and recreational opportunities close to home. They build connections between neighbours and provide a voice for community life in municipal proceedings. Whether you know it or not, you have been positively affected by the work of Community Associations and its volunteers.

This month, be part of it! Support the vibrancy of your community by getting involved with your Community Association. Whether you attend an event, register for a program, buy a membership or volunteer, being active in your Community Association strengthens connections between neighbours, increases safety and improves the quality of life for everyone.”

3.  Sign up for Brentwood Cares
Brentwood Cares started during Covid and is involved in many community initiatives, for example, the Little Free Food Library at 3624 Boulton Rd NW.  If you can drop off any non-perishable food donations, or even a gift card for purchasing food, that would go to good use in our community.
If you are on the list, you’ll be notified of upcoming events.

Email cam.howey@gmail.com if you would like to be added.

4.  Property Tax Appeal Deadline – March 21, 2025

Visit calgary.ca/assessment to:

• Access details used to determine your property’s assessed value
• Compare your assessed value to similar properties
• Review real estate market trends

Call 403-268-8888 to discuss or update your property information. If changes affect your assessment value, you’ll receive an updated notice.

If you believe your assessment is incorrect based on comparisons to similar properties or other evidence, you can file an appeal to the Calgary Assessment Review Board for a $50 fee. For more information on the appeal process, visit calgaryarb.c Restrictive Covenants

5.  After the approval of blanket rezoning, residents in some communities in Calgary have been considering or implementing Restrictive Covenants (RCs) on their properties.  RCs are voluntary private contracts on your own property.  The Brentwood Community Association is not directly involved with Restrictive Covenants, but some volunteers from our community have set up a website with further information.  Take a look at some of the information and links here:  Brentwood Restrictive Covenants

6.  Learn more about Planning and Development – free sessions through the FCC (Federation of Calgary Communities)
These sessions are free, open to anyone (you don’t have to be on your CA Board), and a great way to meet others from around the city while learning!
It might help you if there is a Development Permit or a Rezoning application next to you.  The more you know ahead of time, the easier you will be able to navigate the process.

Partners In Planning – Federation of Calgary Communitie

7.  Crafting Calgary: Planning Implementation Unveiled – April 5^th, 9:00 to 12:00

Location:  Capitol Hill Community Association 1531 21 Avenue NW
Partners in Planning: Core 2 – Crafting Calgary: Planning Implementation Unveiled – Federation of Calgary Communities
City Of Calgary planning department facilitates change in Calgary’s communities. Decode the balancing act planners make to reflect planning policies and Land Use Bylaw that underpin every decision. Gain insights into the planning review for diverse applications like land use amendments, outline plans, and development permits. Learn about the processes and consideration for planning applications and gain insights into diverse application reviews.

8.  Navigating Calgary’s Blueprint: Understanding Planning – May 31, 9:00 to 12:00

Location:  Capitol Hill Community Association
Partners in Planning: Core 1 – Navigating Calgary’s Blueprint: Understanding Planning – Federation of Calgary Communities

Ever wonder how planning a city works? Who gives The City of Calgary authority to facilitate change in communities? Explore Calgary’s planning framework, from long range city and regional plans to community plans. This course introduces the legislative framework that guides planning and includes discussion on the hierarchy of land use plans, including a high-level overview of the Municipal Development Plan, Local Area Plans, and the Land Use Bylaw. Understand how these policies converge to guide The City’s decisions and prepare for its growth to two million residents.

9.  Infill and densification resource – Better Infill (Edmonton)

If you haven’t done so already, check out the Better Infill group in Edmonton.  They have some great links to recent speakers and presentations:  www.betterinfill.ca
From their recent mailout:  Concern about the city’s infill policies is burgeoning. There’s been a big jump in interest in our work in the past two months, as people are seeing the sometimes shocking kinds of development the new zoning bylaw and district plans are bringing to their neighborhoods. 

Many neighborhoods now have active groups raising awareness and concern. Our webinar with Barry Johns and Larry Beasley, two renowned experts, helped awaken people to the idea that there are much better approaches to infill. Link to it at www.betterinfill.ca, or find it on YouTube. It’s important.

10.  Recent Bylaw Amendments – March 7, 2025

Changes are made periodically to the Land Use Bylaws. There are some “housekeeping” bylaw amendments; the website of the 1P2007 Land Use Bylaw Amendments.

There is a drop-down menu with a list of items, including:
– driveways located wholly on a parcel of land
– fence rules in R-CG
– mobility storage lockers
– removing the requirement for a public hearing for child care service in an existing building.

11.  City of Calgary Engage topics – ongoing
Keep an eye on topics that interest you:  for example, a chance to comment on the future plans for Nose Creek.
https://engage.calgary.ca/

Current topics include: Business Friendly Construction Policy, Nose Creek Area Structure Plan, Calgary Transit Projects

12.  Short-Term Rental (STR) Changes – in effect April 1, 2025

Do you own or operate a STR?  New rules will come into effect.  Short-term rentals
For example, the STR must have a primary or non-primary residence licences: the licence type will be issued based on whether the short-term rental is operated from a primary or non-primary residence and no longer on the number of rooms.
The website also includes a map of STRs, a Good Guest Guide, and other regulations or requirements.

13.  Rain Barrel Sales – pre-orders start April 1, 2025
Green Calgary partners with the City of Calgary to offer locally made rain barrels from recycled materials at a discounted rate to Calgarians.

With the City’s rebate program, rain barrels are $75 for a limited time (regular price $125).

Pre-orders start April 1, 2025, with both pick-up and delivery options available.

Visit greencalgary.org for details on all sales event dates and locations.

14.  Calgary 58th  Annual Pathway and River Cleanup – May 2^nd  to 4^th
Volunteers will be busy throughout the City picking up litter on our pathways and riverfronts to help keep these areas clean.

Pathway and River Cleanup

The link above will allow volunteers to register for a designated route. Registration is open until March 31st.

For citizens that aren’t able to participate that weekend but still want to help keep their parks clean, our TLC Cleanup Kits are available for pickup at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, between Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30am-4pm

15.  Jane’s Walk 2025 – May 2^nd to 4^th

I’m considering leading a Brentwood walk again this year, but haven’t finalized this yet.  Save the weekend for some walks!

Jane’s Walk YYC Main Page – Jane’s Walk | Jane’s Walk

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs. On the first weekend of May every year, Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world. This event encourages people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

16.  2025 Street Sweeping Program – begins mid-April, dates for Brentwood TBD
Spring Clean-up street cleaning

You’re still a little early! Our Community Spring Clean-up program typically begins mid-April and runs through June (weather permitting). More info to come. You can also sign up for e-mail/text notifications for 2025’s program.

17.  Community Clean-ups – begins end of April, TBD
If you have junk to get rid of, check the website for materials that are accepted (free) at the community clean-ups.  Community Cleanups – Items we accept
Note that you can attend clean-ups in other communities, depending on the dates that work for you.
Keep watching; the schedule should be released soon.

Community Cleanups

18.  The Civic Election – October 2025

From the Federation of Calgary Communities recent mailout:

Meet the Calgarians running for mayor and council in 2025

https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/calgary-election-candidates-2025

With the 2025 election coming up in October, we know that you are beginning to think about the political future of our city. The Sprawl does a good job of summarizing what we know so far about the candidates and parties.

Thanks for your interest.

I hope to see you at one of the above events!

Melanie Swailes

On behalf of the Development and Transportation Committee

Hi Brentwood and Charleswood Residents,

Important Updates and Events!

We’d like to update you on the latest City Planning changes, answer questions you might have about Development in our area, as well as provide some information about Restrictive Covenants.

1.  Saturday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Brentwood Community Association (upstairs in the Main Hall)
Meeting regarding Planning Updates, Restrictive Covenants and more.
We are hosting an in-person meeting, with a presentation promptly at 10:30, followed by some time to ask questions and meet with other community residents. In response to greater numbers of DP applications in Calgary, especially multi-unit buildings, some of you have asked questions about Restrictive Covenants (RCs).  Part of the presentation will discuss RCs, including the pros and cons, plus the potential impact on market value and resale.
(Please pass on the information to your neighbours as well since they may not be included on this mailout list.)

2.  Restrictive Covenants
The January issue of the Bugle contains an article about RCs. https://brentwoodcommunity.com/news/bugle/

Since August (the date when Blanket Rezoning was implemented into the City’s Land Use Bylaws), the City has received about 190 R-CG applications. The R-CG zoning allows for up to 8 dwelling units (4 main townhouse-type units plus 4 secondary suites) on most 50’ properties.
Applicants (owners or developers) no longer need to appear before Council to obtain a Land Use change (rezoning). Once a Development Permit application appears on the lawn of the property next to you, you will have only a few weeks to provide your feedback.  The more you know ahead of time, the more you’ll be prepared to respond to applications.

Residents in some communities have placed RCs on their own properties, mostly to try to prevent development that they consider excessive.
If you’d like to learn more, attend the February 1^st meeting.

3.  Result of the Judicial Review against Blanket Rezoning
A court challenge was held in Calgary on December 11, 2024.  Court challenge of Calgary rezoning bylaw rejected | CBC News
There was a great deal of public interest:  the court room was filled, an overflow courtroom had to be made available, plus the online Webex link was also at capacity.  In January 2025, the decision was announced and the court challenge aiming to overturn city hall’s blanket rezoning bylaw had failed.
Keeping in mind that this is a brief summary, not an exact recap, the legal counsel’s case included:
– that the City of Calgary’s citywide zoning re-designation disregarded the procedural rights of individual lot owners
– that citywide rezoning exceeded the authority granted under the Municipal Government Act (MGA)
– and that citywide rezoning significantly encroached on property rights

– Procedural fairness concerns were also raised, asserting that Councillor Carra failed to maintain an open mind when considering his vote on the bylaw.

The City of Calgary lawyers defended the citywide rezoning on the basis that the City was acting within its legislative authority and that rezoning served  the public interest by enhancing development opportunities. Regarding whether a Councillor was biased, the City pointed to a statement made during the council debate where the councillor claimed to have an open mind.
For the lawyers in our community, the full Decision can be found here:  https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/abkb/doc/2025/2025abkb8/2025abkb8.html

4.  Blanket Rezoning Update – Council December 17, 2024
– As part of the Blanket Rezoning approval, City Council directed Administration to “draft a Rowhouse How-to Guide that identifies contextually appropriate design strategies for rowhouse developments”.  There were 12 additional recommendations and most were intended to involve some collaborations with interested Community Associations, residents and industry.  The goal was to identify “contextually appropriate design strategies (including but not limited to building height, placement and treatment of windows, air conditioners, waste & recycling bins and landscaping)”.
– At the Regular Meeting of Council on Dec 17th, City Administration provided some updates.
– The Rowhouse How-to Guide is not expected to be ready until the Fall of 2025, with an updated Guide brought forward in 2026.
– In my opinion, the Guidelines should have been completed before so many R-CG applications were approved.  This is a link to the amendments:  https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/pda/pd/documents/rezoning-2024-june-amendments.pdf

– There will be upcoming opportunities for you to provide your feedback.  Please do!  The City needs to know what you think.

5.  The Calgary Plan has been postponed until February 2026!
On January 22, representatives from Community Associations throughout the City met with the Mayor at a meeting hosted by Leslie Evans from the Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC).

The “Calgary Plan” included many major changes, including a Zoning Bylaw proposed change which would have removed parking minimums from residential redevelopment.  Few residents seemed to know about the Calgary Bylaw, which would have been presented at Council Committee on February 12, 2025.  A group of 34 Community Associations (including Brentwood) composed a letter asking for a pause on the Calgary Plan, as well as more engagement and feedback from communities.
At the meeting on this week on Wednesday, the Mayor announced that the Calgary Plan would be postponed for another year.
This is a CBC link which was posted last night.  New Calgary planning document for land use, mobility decisions delayed into 2026 | CBC News

6.  Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC) free courses
If you want to learn more about development, FCC courses are a great way to meet other participants as well.  Courses are free, but you do need to sign up ahead of time.  The FCC website is here:  https://calgarycommunities.com/

The locations will be announced closer to the dates; sessions are held at various CA buildings throughout the city depending on which halls are available.

The next course is:  Shaping Calgary Together: Community & Citizen Involvement

Learn how to effectively participate in city planning and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving Calgary for everyone.

February 22, 2025

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

7.  Online webinar – January 28^th at 7:00 p.m. – hosted by Better Infill, Edmonton

If you are looking for an interesting evening seminar, join in on this special session with the Better Infill group out of Edmonton.  The last sessions with Larry Beasley were very informative and I’d highly encourage anyone to watch this next session.
Two exceptional thinkers, in a session moderated by Kevin Taft:

Barry Johns, one of Edmonton’s most esteemed architects, recently published his book “Effective Urban Densification: A Guide for Professionals and the Housing Industry.”

Larry Beasley, perhaps Canada’s most esteemed urban planner, was chief planner for Vancouver in the 1990s and brings a wealth of international experience.

Check out the Better Infill website here:  https://www.betterinfill.ca/

You can also sign up for their periodic updates.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/theres-a-better-way-a-better-infill-free-webinar-tickets-1141687300449

8.  Finally, support your BCA!
Buy a membership here: Registration & Memberships – Brentwood Community Association
Volunteer to join an event or to join one of our committees.

Thank you.

Melanie Swailes

On behalf of the Development and Transportation Committee

Brentwood Community Association

DP2024-08138

The is an application for a main floor addition to the front foyer and between the rear of the home and existing garage.

All comments are due by Dec 16, 2024.

Click here to view the Development Application.

Click here to view the Neighbour Notification.

DP2024-07942

This is an application for a Development Permit for a new 3 car garage with a backyard suite containing a kitchen, dining room, 2 bedrooms, laundry and bathroom.  One parking stall in the garage with access from the alley.

All comments are due by Dec 11, 2024

Click here to view Development Permit.

Click here to view the Neighbour Notification.

DP 2024-07710

The owner of the property applied for a rezoning and has now submitted for a new development.  A new multi residential development application shows one building with four 2-storey dwelling units and four basement suites.  The proposed building has a footprint of about 2089.5ft², and a peak height of about 33.5ft. above grade.  The application also proposes a 4-car garage with a footprint of about 773ft² and a height of 14ft, plus a bike storage unit, and a waste and recycle enclosure with a total of 8 bins.

Deadline for comments is Dec 2, 2024.

Click here to view the Development Application

DP2024-07710 Neighbour Notification – 2936 Blakiston Dr NW

Hi Brentwood and Charleswood residents,

Thank you to everyone who came out to the October 26^th meeting about the New Zoning Bylaw, as well as Restrictive Covenants.  More information and links are available on the Meeting Handout.

Free Courses for Planning and Development
Some of you were interested in learning more about Planning and Development, and there are links listed below.  The Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC) offers free courses on Planning, either in person or online.
Urban Planning – Federation of Calgary Communities –
– The Partners in Planning program (PIP) is a free certificate program offered by the FCC in partnership with The City of Calgary. The program is geared towards helping community association planning volunteers and the public develop skills for effective participation in the planning process.

Monthly Meetings:  For those who asked about our monthly meetings for the Brentwood CA or for the Development and Transportation Committee, please also read down the list.

Beyond Blanket Rezoning – The New Zoning Bylaw and “The Calgary Plan”

If you thought that Blanket Rezoning was “over”, there are already further new Plans underway, including “The Calgary Plan”.

If you think that there are a lot of plans underway, yes!  There are blanket rezoning, Local Area Plans, the new Zoning Bylaw (as part of The Calgary Plan……..yes, it’s confusing and at times, overwhelming.

Please check out some of the following sessions.  The more you know, the better!

Upcoming Events:
1.  Meeting Handout
– The information handout will be posted on the Brentwood Community Association website under the “Development” banner.
– There are lots of links for site for further information, sign-ups for City information, books to read, etc.
– Please take a look!

2.  New Zoning Bylaw links
– Zoning Bylaw City Building Phase 4 | City Building | Engage
– Document Library on this site has Summary Sheets for all zoning categories, including Housing and Parking
– Why does this matter?  Because some of the proposals include “open option” parking in which the applicant decides how much parking to include on a redevelopment, plus there are changes to property setbacks, property uses (such as daycares and supportive housing) and many other changes.
– Sign up for updates on this site

3.  November 2, 2024 – from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Christmas Craft Market at the Sportsplex

– Admission is free.  Food bank donations would be welcomed.
– Bring a friend & support local crafters and artists!

4.  November 2 – The Ecological Network – Lakeview CA
– Partners In Planning – Federation of Calgary Communities
– Based on the Natural System chapter of the Calgary Plan, this presentation will introduce the ecological network, provide a short explanation about how it was created, and discuss the current and future planning tools we have to protect and conserve the ecological network.
– Lakeview Community Association, 6110 34 St SW – from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
– Free and open to anyone.  Register at Partners in Planning: The Ecological Network (Elective) – Federation of Calgary Communities

5.  Monday, November 4 – 7:00 in the Boardroom at the Sportsplex

– Monthly Development and Transportation Committee meeting
– Come out to a meeting to see what we do.
– Please send a quick message to office@brentwoodcommunity.com if you would like to attend.

6.  Tuesday, November 5 – Arts Commons in-person event – The Calgary Plan
– What is the Calgary Plan?  This is the City’s new plan that “will guide how Calgary will grow and change over the next 30 years and set the direction for future land use and mobility decisions and inform servicing and investment decisions.”
– The City will be posting the final draft Calgary Plan on the City Building Program Engage portal page for public review on Monday, November 4, 2024.

– The in-person event is on November from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)

– Location: Engineered Air Theatre (Arts Commons, 234 9 Ave SE)

To participate, register here.

7.  Wednesday, November 6 – online event – The Calgary Plan
– If you are available during the day, this session is from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

To participate, register here.

8. November 23, 2024 – Local Area Plans:  A Path to Participatory Planning
– Brentwood and Triwood do not yet have a Local Area Plan.  At the blanket rezoning public hearing, many speakers spoke about LAPs.
– Learn about LAPs so you are informed once the City starts the process in our community.  This would be a good session to attend!
– The presentation will clarify the distinctions between Local Area Plans (LAPs), Area Structure Plans (ASPs), and Area Redevelopment Plans (ARPs) and their roles in shaping communities.

– Marda Loop Community Association, 3130 16 St SW – from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

9. Tuesday, November 26 – next monthly BCA Board Meeting – 7:15 pm

– Directors’ meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month, except for July and December.

– Members of the public are welcome, however please contact the office in advance of attending.

– Contact the BCA for more information at office@brentwoodcommunity.com or at 403–284-3477.

10.  Join the Brentwood Community Association!  www.brentwoodcommunity.com

– Membership fees support your neighbourhood and fund maintenance of our facilities and programs.

– Be included on mailouts for important events or information

– Members residing in Brentwood are allowed to vote at our annual AGM and take on Board positions.

– Our ‘membership year’ is May 1st to April 30th regardless of when you purchase your membership.

– Family Membership $35, 55+ Couple Membership $25, Individual/Adult Membership $12.50

There are a lot of events listed here.  A good way to get involved is to pick one or two that interest you, and attend to find out more.  It’s also a great way to meet new people!

Thanks for your interest,

Melanie Swailes

On behalf of the Development and Transportation Committee

Brentwood Community Association

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