\u2014 Jeromy (Pathfinder) Farkas (@JeromyYYC) October 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n During her radio talk show Saturday, Smith said the province reversed zoning bylaw changes that Edmonton made in 2024 because Ottawa influenced the city\u2019s rules.<\/p>\n She said the federal government at the time offered Edmonton millions in funding in exchange for the zoning changes that made it easier to build multi-unit complexes in older, established neighbourhoods, and Smith called the money a bribe.<\/p>\n But Farkas raises concerns about provincial decisions potentially bypassing wishes of residents and municipal politicians.<\/p>\n He points to rulings from high courts in years past, which found councillors are not to decide on a matter that\u2019s the focus of a public hearing until after participants have said their piece.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Premier has already decided how I have to vote as Mayor. Why in the hell are we even holding public hearings?,\u201d says Farkas.<\/p>\n The mayor mentioned a number of potential issues in which he\u2019s concerned the province could override a municipality\u2019s say, such as a hypothetical proposal for a massive data center next to a neighbourhood.<\/p>\n Speaking directly to residents in his video, Farkas explores what could happen in such a case.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got some serious concerns about the impact on your water and community. So you take time off work. You (and your neighbours) come down. And as mayor, I\u2019m supposed to look you in the eye and say, sorry, none of that matters. None of you matter because the premier has already decided. Come on, that\u2019s not a fair hearing. That\u2019s a sham. And I believe it\u2019s unlawful.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith also posted on social media during the weekend on the matter.<\/p>\n \u201cResidents in Calgary and Edmonton have been speaking up and raising concerns about how redevelopment and increased density are affecting their neighbourhoods. They deserve to have a say in how their communities change.\u201d<\/p>\n To a family, a home is more than a building.<\/p>\n It\u2019s where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and years of hard work come together. For most people, it\u2019s the biggest investment they\u2019ll ever make.<\/p>\n Residents in Calgary and Edmonton have been speaking up and raising\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/NFxELp7z0b<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) October 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n -with files from the Canadian Press<\/p>\n \t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n Add CityNews Calgary as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n
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