After nearly a decade of sitting vacant, the former CBC building site in Calgary’s southwest is poised for redevelopment following a crucial vote at City Hall. Council approved a zoning change Tuesday that will allow developer Anthem Properties to transform the 2.4-hectare property into a mixed-use development featuring retail, office space, and residential units.
The decision wasn’t without controversy. Several area residents raised concerns about increased traffic, parking pressures, and building heights during the public hearing. The approved plan allows for buildings up to 90 meters tall – roughly 26 storeys – significantly changing the neighborhood skyline.
“We’ve been waiting for something to happen with this property since CBC left in 2014,” said Ward 8 Councillor Courtney Walcott, who supported the rezoning. “This redevelopment represents exactly what we need – more housing options and commercial spaces in established communities with existing infrastructure.”
The former CBC broadcast center at 1724 Westmount Boulevard N.W. has been an empty concrete shell since the broadcaster relocated to its current downtown location nearly a decade ago. Anthem Properties purchased the site in 2018 but faced several delays in moving forward with redevelopment plans.
Local resident Margaret Henderson expressed frustration during public submissions. “I’m not against development, but this plan is too dense for our community. The traffic studies don’t address the real-world congestion we already experience during rush hour,” she told council.
The approved plan includes provisions for approximately 650 residential units across multiple buildings, ground-floor retail space, and underground parking. Developers have committed to including some affordable housing units, though specific numbers weren’t finalized in Tuesday’s decision.
Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong, whose ward borders the development, pushed for stronger commitments on traffic mitigation. “This intersection at 16th Avenue and Westmount Boulevard already experiences significant congestion. We need to ensure proper infrastructure improvements accompany this development.”
As someone who’s covered Calgary’s development scene for years, I’ve watched numerous proposals for this site come and go. The CBC property represents a significant opportunity for inner-city densification, but the concerns from residents aren’t without merit. The intersection already struggles during peak hours, and adding hundreds of new residents will inevitably increase those pressures.
The Calgary Planning Commission recommended approval in its report to council, noting the site’s proximity to major transportation corridors, the University of Calgary, and Foothills Medical Centre makes it ideal for densification. City administration also emphasized the alignment with Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan, which encourages density in established areas rather than continued suburban sprawl.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who voted in favor of the rezoning, highlighted the economic benefits. “This project represents significant investment in our city at a time when we need it most. It will create construction jobs in the short term and provide housing options in an area with strong employment centers nearby.”
According to Anthem Properties, construction could begin as early as next spring, with the first phase focusing on demolishing the existing structure. The complete build-out is expected to take 5-7 years, depending on market conditions.
The developer has promised to host community engagement sessions in the coming months to address ongoing concerns about construction impacts and traffic management. Some residents remain skeptical.
“We’ve heard promises before about traffic improvements that never materialized,” said longtime area resident James Patterson. “I hope council holds the developer accountable for the commitments they’ve made today.”
Several councillors acknowledged the balancing act required when approving major redevelopments in established neighborhoods. The vote passed 11-3, with dissenting votes coming from councillors concerned about infrastructure capacity and building heights.
The former CBC building holds significant history for many Calgarians. It served as the broadcaster’s home for decades, producing local programming and news that connected the city. Its brutalist concrete architecture, while not universally loved, represented an important era in Calgary’s development.
What happens next will be closely watched by residents and development observers alike. The site represents one of the larger infill opportunities in Calgary’s inner suburbs, and its success or failure will likely influence future decisions on similar properties.
From my perspective, this redevelopment reflects Calgary’s ongoing evolution as it attempts to balance growth pressures with neighborhood character. The lengthy vacancy of this prominent property hasn’t served anyone well – neither the immediate neighbors dealing with an empty building nor the broader city needs for housing and commercial space.
As the city continues to emphasize densification in its planning policies, developments like this will increasingly become the norm rather than the exception. The challenge for communities, developers, and city officials will be finding common ground that respects existing neighborhoods while embracing necessary change.
