Careless Community Rezoning - Neighbours For Richmond Knob Hill
- Michael Smith
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
This information is being shared with you of behalf of Neighbours For Richmond Knob Hill
HELP STOP CARELESS COMMUNITY REZONING
Across Calgary, high-density developments are being approved without proper planning, transparency, or meaningful community engagement.
Why We’re Taking Action
✓ On April 8, the City of Calgary Council approved a major rezoning of the Viscount Bennett site, which will permit high-density residential towers.
✓ This decision was made despite widespread community concerns about traffic, safety, infrastructure strain, lack of green space, and impact on property values.
✓ There has been a shift in city-building that prioritizes density without meaningful community engagement.
✓ We believe the decision was procedurally flawed, and our legal team agrees.
That’s why we’ve filed an Originating Application, which includes a judicial review.
Massive Density Increase
Viscount Bennett = 1,500 units, 3 towers, 3,000+ residents, ONE access road.
While our appeal targets the Viscount Bennett rezoning, this is a city-wide issue. We’re challenging a growing pattern of high-density projects approved without proper planning or real community input. Act now to help protect all Calgary neighbourhoods from being sidelined in the planning process.
Neighbours for Richmond Knob Hill
A small grassroots group of volunteers, Neighbours for Richmond Knob Hill (N4RKH), is working hard to oppose this trend and advocate for responsible growth that respects existing communities and gives residents a real voice in shaping the city’s future. But we cannot do it alone; legal appeals are costly, and we need the support of all Calgarians.
How You Can Help
Every dollar raised goes directly toward legal fees, expert reports, and outreach. Without community support, we can’t move this forward. Your financial contribution will help ensure residents, not just developers, have a say in how Calgary grows.
· JOIN our community outreach or fundraising team. Email: N4RKH.info@gmail.com for more info on how you can help.
· DONATE to our legal fund at GiveSendGo. Every $ strengthens our legal options and helps support research and communications.
Thank you in advance for your support of your community.
Recent Calgary Media Coverage:
1. Western Standard News: Lawsuit launched against Calgary’s redevelopment process; community goes to bat for all Calgarians
2. Calgary Herald: Residents launch legal appeal of Viscount Bennett rezoning | Calgary Herald
3. CBC News: Viscount Bennett redevelopment joins wave of legal resistance over Calgary rezoning | CBC News
4. Global News: Residents take City of Calgary to court over rezoning of former Viscount Bennett site - Calgary | Globalnews.ca
A lot of effort is being spent on this fruitless effort. The city needs more housing, over half the people speaking at Council were in support, including many in the community (like myself). Perhaps its time to move on, focus just on the impacts (e.g. a new max yellow bus stop, some traffic lights) and welcome the new residents when they will arrive (who will also help our local businesses)?