Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboy89
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.
|
This is happening already.
Smaller municipalities outpace Calgary in home sales growth
The problem I have with documents like PlanIt or ImagineCalgary, is there is little or no reference to what's happening in the market. It's like they believe they can force these changes. Don't get me wrong, I don't oppose change. I just think much of it would happen naturally. I see it in my own community of Highland Park.
Additionally there is no reference to "consumer choice" and I would argue the vast majority of people (especially those with kids or planning a family) still prefer a modest home that isn't crammed onto a postage stamp.
The reality is they are choosing these outlaying towns because they can get a nice size home, on a decent lot and for less money than they can in Calgary.
Meanwhile Calgary isn't addressing this; they are furthering the divide and missing out collecting the tax base.