Despite City Hall efforts to increase densities in many of its existing core neighbourhoods, Calgary will continue to have growth largely focused in its suburbs, says a new report from the City of Calgary.
The city's five-year growth forecast, known as the 2013-17 Suburban Residential Growth Report, anticipates a population increase of 118,600, and 50,600 additional housing units, with approximately 94 per cent of this population and 77 per cent of the housing growth being captured in new suburban development.
The city's long-term goal, as set out in its municipal development plan, is to strike more of a balance between inner-city redevelopment and new suburban development. However, striking such a balance is very challenging based on current growth patterns, according to city officials.
The city currently has 10 to 12 years of planned land supply, land identified for future residential use, that can accommodate 310,834 people in a mix of single/semi units and multi-residential units, according to its forecast.
In the short term, over the next three to five years, the city has serviced land supply with approved land uses in places that can accommodate an additional 130,000 residents.
In 2011, as reported by Western Investor at the time, then-new Mayor Naheed Nenshi had proposed higher property levies in the suburbs on detached houses in an effort to entice builders - and consumers - into a high-density core.
from Western Investor July 2013
