Calgary bylaw reshapes land use for ponds

Summary#

Calgary City Council passed Bylaw 84D2026 at third reading on July 21, 2026. It changes the land use districts for parts of 5501 and 6201 – 68 Street SE in Starfield (Ward 9); City staff say the goal is to make room for larger storm ponds and adjust setbacks along Forest Lawn Creek.

  • On about 3.03 hectares, the bylaw changes a mix of existing special-purpose and industrial districts to Special Purpose – Urban Nature, Special Purpose – City and Regional Infrastructure, and Special Purpose – School, Park and Community Reserve districts.
  • The change is intended to align land-use boundaries with an already approved outline plan. It does not approve a specific new development: no development permit for the proposed development had been submitted.
  • Council passed the motion and each reading 15 to 0.

What it means for you#

  • People and businesses near the site: The land-use rules for parts of these properties have changed. The bylaw does not specify homes, building heights, or a particular development.
  • City of Calgary: The City owns the land. The new districts set aside areas for urban nature, city and regional infrastructure, and school, park and community reserve uses.
  • Nearby residents and landowners: City staff say the pond changes are intended to reduce flood risk and harmful sediment in waterways. The bylaw itself does not guarantee those results or set out construction details.

Money#

City staff reported no anticipated financial impact; the materials provide no cost estimate.

  • The materials do not identify a new fee, tax, grant, or spending amount tied to the bylaw.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not give the size or detailed design of the larger ponds, or when they would be built.
  • It is unclear what specific development, if any, will later be proposed for the site. The bylaw does not set out a development permit process or timeline.
  • The materials do not say how much land in each existing district changes to each new district.

Case for#

  • City staff say the boundary changes would allow larger storm ponds and refined setbacks along Forest Lawn Creek, helping reduce potential flooding after storms or snowmelt.
  • Staff say the changes align with an approved outline plan and would support future industrial development in the area. One written public submission was marked in favour; its comments were not provided.

Case against#

  • Some land currently in industrial districts is being redesignated for special-purpose uses. This could affect the land available for future industrial development; the materials do not state how much land changes or assess that effect.
  • The bylaw changes the land-use rules without specifying pond design or construction timing, so the practical effects and when they may occur remain uncertain.

Votes

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.9 (Land Use Amendment in Starfield (Ward 9) at 5501 and 6201 – 68 Street SE, LOC2025-0247, CPC2026-0334): That with respect to Report CPC2026-0334, the following be adopted: That Council give three readings to Proposed Bylaw 84D2026 for the redesignation of 3.03 hectares ± (7.48 acres ±) located at 5501 and 6201 – 68 Street SE (Portions of Plan 7558AF, Blocks M and N) and from Special Purpose – School, Park and Community Reserve (S-SPR) District, Special Purpose – City and Regional Infrastructure (S-C…

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.9 (Land Use Amendment in Starfield (Ward 9) at 5501 and 6201 – 68 Street SE, LOC2025-0247, CPC2026-0334): That Bylaw 84D2026 be introduced and read a first time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.9 (Land Use Amendment in Starfield (Ward 9) at 5501 and 6201 – 68 Street SE, LOC2025-0247, CPC2026-0334): That Bylaw 84D2026 be read a second time.

For (100%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.9 (Land Use Amendment in Starfield (Ward 9) at 5501 and 6201 – 68 Street SE, LOC2025-0247, CPC2026-0334): That Bylaw 84D2026 be read a third time.

For (100%)