More than 50 speakers signed up for a lengthy public hearing on what’s become a contentious proposal to build high-rise residential towers in Calgary’s southwest community of Bayview.
A plan from RioCan Management, which owns the land and adjacent shopping complex, could see six mixed-use towers and 1,165 residential units, set to be built in phases.
A council vote on the matter isn’t likely until later on Wednesday.
Many of the people who showed up to speak at City Hall wore yellow shirts to show their solidarity in opposing the plan.
“Opposition is really strong in the community. We love our parklands,” said Lesley Farrar, who is with the Palliser-Bayview-Pumphill Community Association.
“That’s the reason that a lot of us moved to this community: Glenmore Reservoir parklands are a gem of a parkland.”
Through hours of speaking Tuesday afternoon, councillors heard concerns about increased congestion, traffic issues and impacts to the environment.
“We’ve responded to concerns about environmental impacts …