Quote:
Originally Posted by Addick
There is no way the surrounding areas could support the bulk of Calgary's population growth. They have neither the infrastructure nor administrative capabilities to facilitate that amount of development.
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Take a look at how quickly boomburbs can grow in other metropolitan areas in North America (especially the GTA!). As Calgary gets more restrictive on land supply/uses for greenfield development within the city limits the greater the price discrepancy for single family homes exists between places like Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, Strathmore and Calgary, the faster those areas will grow and it can happen fairly rapidly.
While living that far out isn't my cup of tea since I work downtown, it would be naive to think that in the face of higher costs and restrictions there won't be a greater chunk of people seeking affordable 1500-2500 sq ft homes eleswhere.
That all said, it doesn't mean that what's in PlanIt is wrong for the city. A more bifricated development track of the region where the cost of outlying suburban development is ultimately borne by the city of Airdrie's (and other's) taxpayers, while Calgary gets to focus and spend on densification might actually be best for everyone in the 'suburban' vs. 'urban' debate.