An Alberta Court of King’s Bench judge has upheld Calgary’s new blanket rezoning program.

The court rejected opponents’ attempt to quash the bylaw that is the pulse of the rezoning program, according to multiple reports. The decision upholds the bylaw and enables the city to reorganize zones across the city.

The rezoning bylaw allows homeowners to rezone single-family homes into other low-density housing forms like row houses and duplexes without having to obtain approval for the revised land use.

Richard Harrison, the opponents’ lawyer, previously told the court the new bylaw was already triggering development applications,

Nearly 300 people signed onto the legal challenge, contending the bylaw threatens the character of neighbourhoods and was pushed through by councillors with predetermined positions.

But the court determined otherwise.

The legal challenge followed Calgary’s longest-ever public hearing last spring, which saw over 5,000 written submissions and 736 people presenting their views to city council. Seventy per cent of participants opposed the blanket rezoning, citing concerns over property values, infrastructure strain, and school capacity.

City council voted 9-6 in May to approve the new rezoning policy, which took effect in August. Proponents argue the changes are necessary to address Calgary’s housing shortage and improve affordability.

As a result of council’s approval, the city now permits the rezoning of all residential areas that had only allowed for single or semi-detached homes.

The Calgary Real Estate Board opposed the rezoning program.