Planning and Development

EVNA's Role in Planning and Development

EVNA's planning committee volunteers have an important role to play in urban and community planning. They help to shape and communicate our neighbourhood's goals and aspirations in both policy planning and implementation of plans. They serve as a repository of local knowledge and history, and provide City of Calgary authorities and development applicants with advice and insight into neighbourhood issues, concerns, and desires. Although planning committees have no formal authority in planning matters, they play a valuable role in providing advice and neighbourhood context to the City of Calgary planning team.

As Calgary grows and seeks more sustainable ways of living, the voices of community associations like EVNA help to manage change in a way that is respectful of community character, mindful of the future, and that balances the interests of the neighbourhood with the interests of Calgary as a whole.

Planning policies and rules often change. So while EVNA will do its best to keep this page current and accurate, The City of Calgary will always be the most up-to-date and authoritative source of City information. 

Writting Letters on Applications

After EVNA's planning committee reviews a development application, they respond to it with a letter to the City. The committee will try to incorporate residents’ comments and will also encourage residents to send in independent letters if they feel strongly about an application.

The committee will sometimes provide guidance to a developer at a 'pre-application' meeting, though the committee will not need to follow up with formal comments.

Meetings with Developers and Residents

The planning committee meets with developers to discuss their ideas. They also allow affected neighbours to express their opinions to developers and the planning committee.

An invited developer will bring plans for the proposed development. When their application comes up on the agenda, the chairperson will introduce the applicant, provide an outline of the issues, and summarize any points discussed previously. Each agenda item is assigned roughly 20 minutes.

Affected residents will have five minutes each to add their input to the review process. Anyone affected by the proposed development may present a submission to EVNA's planning committee meeting.

Speaking to Council at Public Hearings

If an application is for a land use amendment, this must ultimately go to a public hearing of City Council. EVNA's planning committee may decide to speak on behalf of the neighbourhood association and can also provide guidance to individuals wishing to speak to Council themselves.

Appeal Development Approvals

After receiving comments from the planning committee, The City makes a decision on development permit applications and publishes it online. If the planning committee or affected residents disagree with an approval, they may appeal it to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). An appeal must be filed no more than two weeks after the notice is published. EVNA's planning committee can provide guidance to individuals filing an appeal.