Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunk
I'll say this - The City, led by the Mayor has taken an unprecedented step of trying to transform how its planning system works, largely because of the feedback we get from the homebuilding industry, and we've invited many industry partners to advise on how to do that. Together, we’ve started the cut red tape program and begun a process formally called Transforming Planning that aims to completely re-invent the system.
I should point out that the process and regulations are often the biggest barrier to changing/improving how new communities are designed and built It's often developers trying to push the envelope, but default back to the "standard" when they run into brick walls in approval. That is why we're trying to change it. Developers often get a lot of blame from people, but I think that can be misdirected.
The CHBA is one of many industry organizations that we invited to help chart a path forward, and as I mentioned, we have been extremely pleased with the CHBA’s role on those committees. However, the CHBA has chosen to misrepresent the process to their members and the general public.
Specifically: by doing this, the CHBA has shown disrespect to the other partners (and many City of Calgary employees) at the table that have come together to make a better system. This is why the Mayor, with support of PFC Council Committee disinvited the CHBA from the special committees we had created until they choose to rebuild this relationship by apologizing to the committee partners and City staff (not to the Mayor or Mayor's Office) who are all working together. Is it a strong reaction? Yes - but this is really, really important.
Hopefully, we can come back together to continue the good work we've started in a respectful manner (even if we disagree!). That is the ideal situation.
|
Good points Bunk but doesn't the importance of having the CHBA at the table to help with changes overshadow any "disrespect" that may have been felt by partners and City of Calgary employees?
It does come across as incredibly childish for the Mayor and City to unilaterally punish one group for presenting a viewpoint they don't agree with, and IMHO undermines the entire process just as much as whatever the CHBA said.