City approves church land-use change

Summary#

Council passed Bylaw 100D2026 at third reading on September 15, 2026. It changes the land use district for 1.89 hectares at 10717R–84 Street NE, in Residual Sub-Area 5F (Ward 5), from Special Purpose – Future Urban Development to Special Purpose – Community Institution. The stated aim of the application was to allow a place of worship and related uses; approval of the land use change does not itself approve a building or development.

  • The land is now in the Community Institution district, which the City report says would allow a place of worship and other associated uses.
  • The applicant’s submission described an intended place of worship for 500 people, with space for community events and educational programming.
  • Council approved the change despite the Calgary Planning Commission’s recommendation to refuse it. The vote was 14 to 1; Councillor Wyness voted against.

What it means for you#

  • The landowner and Radha Madhav Cultural Association: The land use designation now allows the proposed institutional use. A development permit and subdivision application had not been submitted when City staff wrote their report.
  • People who may use the site: The application describes a possible place of worship and related activities, but the bylaw does not require that this development be built or set its final details.
  • Nearby residents and the public: The site has no City water, sanitary or stormwater connections, and access is by a private gravel road. The land use change does not itself provide those services or approve a servicing plan.

Money#

No cost estimate is available; City staff said the City had no funding to extend services to the site.

  • Staff said service and financial implications were unknown. The proposal may rely on private servicing, but its details and long-term costs were unknown.
  • Staff said future infrastructure needs could affect City capital and operating budgets.

What is unclear#

  • Whether, when or how the proposed development will proceed, and what its final design and operating details would be.
  • How the site would be serviced and accessed, and who would pay for any required infrastructure.
  • People spoke at the public hearing, but the supplied minutes do not give their views. Late confidential submissions were also distributed, but their contents are not available here.

Case for#

  • The applicant’s submission described a place of worship for 500 people, with space for community events and educational programming.
  • City staff said the proposal may provide added space for members of the faith community and residents in northeast Calgary.

Case against#

  • City staff recommended refusal, saying the area has no approved Area Structure Plan and that a permanent use could limit comprehensive future planning.
  • Staff said the site lacks City water, sanitary and stormwater services. They warned that private servicing was unconfirmed and could bring feasibility and long-term maintenance risks.
  • Councillor Wyness voted against the change. The supplied materials do not state the reason for the vote.

Votes

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.11 (Land Use Amendment in Residual Sub-Area 5F (Ward 5) at 10717R — 84 Street NE, LOC2025-0181, CPC2026-0679): That with respect to Report CPC2026-0679, the following be adopted: That Council give three readings to Proposed Bylaw 100D2026 for the redesignation of 1.89 hectares ± (4.67 acres ±) at 10717R – 84 Street NE (Plan 8411160, Block 1) from Special Purpose – Future Urban Development (S-FUD) District to Special Purpose – Community Institution (S-CI) District.

For (93%)
Against (7%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.11 (Land Use Amendment in Residual Sub-Area 5F (Ward 5) at 10717R — 84 Street NE, LOC2025-0181, CPC2026-0679): That Bylaw 100D2026 be introduced and read a first time.

For (93%)
Against (7%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.11 (Land Use Amendment in Residual Sub-Area 5F (Ward 5) at 10717R — 84 Street NE, LOC2025-0181, CPC2026-0679): That Bylaw 100D2026 be read a second time.

For (93%)
Against (7%)

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.11 (Land Use Amendment in Residual Sub-Area 5F (Ward 5) at 10717R — 84 Street NE, LOC2025-0181, CPC2026-0679): That Bylaw 100D2026 be read a third time.

For (93%)
Against (7%)