Cliff Bungalow residents worried proposed development will undercut neighbourhood's history
Residents in Cliff Bungalow are convinced a new development proposal will zap some of the charm out of their historic neighbourhood.
The offered change will enable a new five-storey, multi-residential building with 71 new units at 537 20 Avenue S.W.
But it’ll come at the expense of four current structures, including a building and two homes that have been up for decades and split into apartments.
Heather Saitz moved out of one of the units when it was sold a few months back.
She’s worried about the new vision.
“It was one of the most beautiful apartments I’ve had in my entire life,” she told CTV News. “These buildings should have a different fate.”
Saitz and others have launched a petition and canvassed the area with fliers to gain support for their opposition.
The crux of their argument is a worry the build will change the landscape of Cliff Bungalow.
One resident says she believes tearing down historic housing to make way for multi-story apartment buildings is bad for the city.
She argues those older homes house Calgarians still paying relatively manageable rents, who won’t be able to afford large-scale builds.
“I’m actually a huge advocate for density,” Ahn Mur said. “But I also think there’s a reason why people react so much to increasing density, and it’s because we lose things like community, character and affordable housing. And so this is a good example of a hot topic for people in the area.”
The group’s members are even suggesting a compromise.
“There are lots of precedents from around the world about building new developments that pay homage to the existing community character in some way,” Mur said.
Heritage Calgary is on board.
“I really want to see from the developer, can they incorporate elements of those houses into the property,” Josh Traptow said. “It could be brick, it could be windows or a door. It will just take some creativity from the architect.”
CTV News reached out to the developer to learn more about its plans, but as of publishing hasn’t heard back.
The project is still listed as a proposed land use change, which means it doesn’t yet have a timeline.
The city is collecting feedback on the proposal and will be until Thursday evening.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.