Councillor Yule's Voting Record

Notice of Motion - Release of Information, Bearspaw South Feedermain Independent Review Panel Expenditure, EC2026-0922 

Motion Carried 14-1 | Vote: Yes

 

Council voted to make public the amounts invoiced and paid to the Chair and Panel Members of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Independent Review Panel, along with the information provided to Council during the Q4 2024 Regular Update with the Chief Administrative Officer related to the third-party panel.  

 

The review was authorized by the previous Council and came in at $2.3 million, above its original estimate of $1 to $2 million. The total reflects the work required to deliver a comprehensive, independent, and evidence-based assessment from uniquely qualified industry experts, and that work has been valuable. The panel’s findings are the foundation for our Council’s current plan to strengthen Calgary’s water system. 

 

However, a review of this importance should still have been costed and managed more carefully. When the details came to light, Councillor Yule and the majority of this Council agreed there were lessons to be learned about how third-party work is scoped, budgeted, and overseen. Releasing the figures gives Calgarians a clearer picture of what was spent and why, even when the numbers are uncomfortable. 

 

In response to the need for greater transparency and accountability, the new Water Utility Oversight Board has been designed with clear limits on compensation and stronger safeguards. Public trust in how the City spends money on our water system matters as much as the investments in the system itself. Read more HERE. 

Water Utility 2027-2030 Rates, Cost Recovery and Service Plan, EC2026-0905 

Motion Carried 9-6 | Vote: Yes

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Councillor Yule supported the 2027-2030 Water Utility rate increases because Calgary cannot afford a water system that continues to fail. Over the last decade, water rates have remained relatively steady while our city has grown and the needs of our system have grown with it. Rates did not keep pace with growth or need, and the result is aging pipes and treatment plants with limited backup capacity. The Bearspaw South Feeder Main events showed Calgarians exactly what that risk looks like. This $6.5 billion investment is absolutely necessary to prevent the next failure. It renews critical infrastructure, adds capacity for a growing city, cuts water loss and strengthens emergency readiness. Delay would not save money. It would mean more emergency repairs, greater risk to public health, and higher costs down the road. 

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These increases are significant, and Cllr Yule does not take that lightly. That is why this approval also ensures each customer group pays its fair share and calls for a 2028 report on conservation-based rates. Protecting the reliability of Calgary’s water is a core responsibility, and this is the responsible way to fund it. Learn more HERE. 

New Community Growth Applications: Belvedere GA2026-010; Glacier Ridge GA2026-009; Glacier Ridge GA2025-011 
Motions Carried: 11-3; 9-5; 9-5 | Vote: No 

 

Council was asked to review three new community Growth Applications and decide whether to authorize or defer new suburban neighbourhood expansions. The applications were:

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• Belvedere Area Structure Plan (Ward 9), GA2026-010 / IP2026-0863: proposed development on Calgary’s eastern flank.

• Glacier Ridge Area Structure Plan (Ward 2), GA2026-009 / IP2026-0703: proposed development on the city’s far northwest edge.

• Glacier Ridge Area Structure Plan (Ward 2), GA2026-011 / IP2026-0828: a second, separate application for a different land allocation within the same northwest sector.​

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Councillor Yule voted no on all three applications.​Greenfield growth on the edge of the city does not pay for itself. New communities need roads, water and sewer lines, transit, fire halls, schools, and recreation centres, and the revenue they generate rarely covers what it takes to deliver and maintain them. Many of today’s edge communities are still waiting on the services they were promised, and approving more only spreads the same limited dollars across a larger footprint. The result is longer waits for new residents and added strain on the services and taxes of existing ones.

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Councillor Yule believes the most responsible way to grow is to build where infrastructure and services already exist, and to finish the communities we’ve started before committing to new ones. Calgary can’t keep building outward and expect the costs not to catch up with us.

Notice of Motion - Making Calgary’s Intersections Safer for Pedestrians, EC2026-0750

Motion Carried 15-0 | Vote: Yes

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Leading pedestrian intervals give pedestrians a few seconds to enter an intersection before vehicles get a green light. This makes pedestrians more visible to drivers and reduces the chance of conflicts between turning vehicles and people crossing. It is a simple, low-cost measure that has shown to improve safety at intersections. The Alberta Motor Association has also identified leading pedestrian intervals as a key tool for improving overall pedestrian safety.

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Councillor Yule was grateful to support Councillor Kelly by co-sponsoring this motion and supporting the expansion of practical, proven measures that can make Calgary’s roads safer for all road users. Learn more HERE. 

Urgent Notice of Motion - Calgary's Place as a Vital Part of Alberta and Canada

Motion Carried 14-1 | Vote: Yes

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Councillor Yule was proud to co-sponsor and support this motion affirming Calgary’s place as a vital part of Alberta and Canada. Calgary’s future is closely tied to both, and maintaining strong relationships across governments and regions is important to our economy, our communities, and our ability to build a successful future together.

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Calgary is stronger as part of Canada. Read more HERE.

Green Line LRT Update, EC2026-0815
Motion Carried 12-1 | Vote: Yes

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Executive Committee decisively agreed on a surface alignment for the Downtown Segment of the Green Line LRT. The alignment connects the Event Centre/Grand Central Station to an at-grade station at 10 Avenue and 2 Street SW, using the design of the new low-floor vehicle fleet. This decision allows design, planning, and procurement to move forward, alongside targeted engagement with property and business owners along 10 Avenue South.

With construction already underway on the Southeast Project, from Shepard to the Event Centre/Grand Central Station, this decision marks the final step needed to deliver Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT program. You can read more about this decision, including what comes next and what this work means for North Calgary and Ward 3 HERE. 

Lobbyist Registry, EC2026-0613

Motion Carried 13-2 | Vote: No

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Mayor Farkas brought forward a motion to direct Council's Ethics Advisor to conduct a jurisdictional review of establishing a public lobbyist registry. It aims to close a gap in transparency around lobbying activity directed at City officials and senior staff on decisions like land use and procurement.

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​Councillor Yule voted against the motion, arguing the move was premature. Council's code of conduct is largely governed by the provincial government, and with an update to this code expected in the near future, Councillor Yule feels it's important to see what transparency and/or lobbying measures the province introduces before building a separate municipal framework. Right now, Council members can disclose their meeting logs on a voluntary basis. You can learn more about Ward 3 and Councillor Yule's accountability efforts HERE.

Repeal of Blanket Rezoning Exemptions, LOC2026-0010, C2026-0416 (Bylaws 27P2026 and 28P2026)

Motion Carried | Vote: Yes

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When Council voted to repeal city-wide rezoning in April, it left gaps regarding projects already underway. Approximately 247 properties had active applications, approved permits, or other qualifying circumstances affected by the repeal. Forcing these projects to immediately revert to their previous zoning would have created uncertainty for property owners and developers, and could have exposed the City to legal challenges.

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These bylaws tidied up the exemption list, removing properties that did not meet Council's criteria, and formally exempted the properties that did qualify from the rezoning repeal.

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Councillor Yule voted yes on these bylaws, as they preserve the process industry was told to follow when city-wide rezoning was repealed in April, and recognize that consistent processes and guidelines are what allow property owners and developers to plan and invest in our city with confidence.

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Read more HERE. 

Land Use Bylaw Amendments to Reduce the Maximum Density in the R-CG District, C2026-0581 (Bylaws 24P2026 and 25P2026)

Motion Carried

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Bylaw 24P2026 proposed lowering maximum density in R-CG zones from 75 to 60 units per hectare. It was originally meant to modify R-CG under the previous city-wide rezoning regulations, but since rezoning has been repealed, the change was no longer necessary. Administration recommended Council "refuse and abandon" the motion, noting it would now affect far fewer R-CG properties. In practice, the change would have capped R-CG at 3-plexes instead of 4-plexes, potentially harming redevelopment, housing choice, and affordability given how few parcels remain zoned R-CG post-repeal.

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The motion was defeated 6–7, matching Administration's recommendation.

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Councillor Yule voted to refuse the density reduction. R-CG remains available for developers to apply for, though new applications now require Council approval. Developers will likely keep pursuing 4-plexes regardless of zoning - but if R-CG were capped at 3-plexes, they'd instead turn to higher-density designations like H-GO, MC-G, or DC to reach 4 units, which permit even greater density and could result in larger developments. Keeping R-CG capped at 4-plexes gives Council more certainty that nothing bigger gets built on these sites.

 

Bylaw 25P2026 was proposed prohibiting main residential buildings from being located in the rear yard on midblock R-CG lots. The goal was to limit infill forms that felt out of character with established communities, keeping new development more consistent with the traditional look and placement of existing homes.

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The bylaw passed. Going forward, main residential buildings on midblock R-CG lots will no longer be permitted in the rear yard, helping ensure new infill development better reflects the placement and character of homes already in these communities.​

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Councillor Yule supported this bylaw, as midblock R-CG development was a recurring concern raised during all city-wide rezoning public hearings. This bylaw works to directly address some of those concerns.

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Read more HERE. 

Land Use Bylaw Amendments to Make Secondary Suites and Backyard Suites Permitted Uses, C2026-0584 (Bylaw 26P2026)

Motion Carried w/ Amendments | Vote: Yes (Main), No (Amendments)

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The repeal of city-wide rezoning meant secondary and backyard suites would once again become discretionary uses in many low-density residential areas. Administration brought forward this bylaw to establish a consistent approval process for suites across Calgary's low-density residential districts.

The proposed bylaw looked to make both secondary suites (e.g., basement suites) and backyard suites permitted uses when they meet all existing City rules - meaning a compliant suite could be approved without a discretionary review. Administration estimated that returning suites to discretionary approval could result in upwards of 2,300 additional development permit applications coming to Council each year.

The proposal also reinstated several restrictions that had been relaxed under the 2024 city-wide rezoning rules:

• A property could have a secondary suite or a backyard suite, but not both.

• Backyard suites would not be permitted on properties with semi-detached homes.

• Minimum parking requirements would return, requiring a one-to-one parking ratio per dwelling unit - generally meaning one stall for the main dwelling and one for the suite.

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Council amended the proposal so secondary suites remain permitted, while backyard suites become discretionary. Councillor Yule voted against the amendment, preferring both types remain permitted for a more consistent, predictable process.

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Read more HERE. 

Noise Permits & Stampede Festival Operations. C2026-0649

Motion Failed 9-6 | Vote: No​

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Earlier this year, City of Calgary Administration updated the rules around noise and event timing for outdoor music festivals operating outside of Stampede Park, including the Cowboys Music Festival. In response, Ward 1 Councillor Kim Tyers brought forward an urgent Notice of Motion aiming to reverse the updated noise exemption conditions. Council voted 9 to 6 against the motion, meaning the updated rules will remain in effect for Stampede 2026.

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City officials pointed to major international events like Lollapalooza in Chicago and Coachella in California, noting that Calgary's updated framework remains more permissive than many comparable large-scale music events across North America.

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Read more HERE. 

Safer Together - Calgary’s Community Safety & Wellbeing Framework. CD2026-0081 

Motion Carried 10-4 | Vote: Yes​

 

Council voted to approve a city-wide framework that sets a shared vision, priorities, and actions to improve safety, wellbeing, and belonging for all Calgarians. Safer Together takes a coordinated approach to complex challenges including public safety, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and social isolation, with a focus on prevention, collaboration, addressing root causes, and enforcement. Councillor Yule was pleased to support this important work to help build safer, stronger, and more connected communities.

 

Read more HERE. 

Rescinding Calgary’s Climate Emergency Declaration, EC2026-0404

Motion Failed 10-5 | Vote: No​

Following a Notice of Motion brought forward by Councillor Johnston, Council voted 10–5 to rescind Calgary's Climate Emergency Declaration. First adopted in 2021 to help guide Calgary toward its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the declaration itself will end, but Calgary's broader climate strategy will continue.

 

Councillor Yule was one of five councillors who voted against rescinding the declaration, citing its value as a strategic tool to help prioritize and coordinate climate action across City operations. In advance of the meeting, Councillor Yule met with the Climate Advisory Committee, who shared serious concerns about the optics of this vote, emphasizing the international implications for Calgary's reputation as a globally recognized city. Councillor Yule noted that the declaration helped signal Calgary's alignment with international climate efforts, and that its removal risks creating uncertainty for businesses and international partners considering investment, relocation, or partnership with our city.

 

Calgary is now one of only a small number of cities among more than 2,000 municipalities worldwide to reverse a climate emergency declaration.

 

Read more HERE. 

Establishing a Fire Protective Services Committee, EC2026-0428

Motion Carried 15-0 | Vote: Yes​

 

Council voted unanimously to move forward with the creation of a Fire Protective Services Committee, a step aimed at strengthening oversight and long-term planning for CFD. With Calgary continuing to grow rapidly, this work will help ensure fire services can keep pace with the needs of our evolving city. Thank you to Councillor Wyness for bringing this important initiative forward.

 

Read more HERE. 

Rescind Barriers to Speaking at Council, EC2026-0314

Motion Carried w/ Amendments 10-3 | Vote: Yes​

 

Councillor Johnston brought forward a motion to remove the endorsement statement required for members of the public to register online to speak at public hearings, which outlines the City's commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

 

After consulting with the City's Anti-Racism Action Committee (ARAC), Councillor Yule introduced an amendment to update the language rather than remove it entirely, replacing it with a statement focused on respectful, safe, and inclusive participation for all Calgarians. Proactive standards matter - they help protect people from harm before it occurs, rather than relying on the Chair to respond after a discriminatory comment has already been made.

 

Councillor Yule's proposal to update this language passed, but council also voted to remove the mandatory checkbox from the online submission form, meaning speakers no longer need to confirm their endorsement before registering.

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Learn more HERE. 

Providing Bottled Water for Council Chambers, EC2026-0393

Motion Carried 8-5 | Vote: No​

 

Councillors Johnston and Wyness brought forward a Notice of Motion to reverse a previous Council decision that removed bottled water from Council Chambers and other meeting spaces at City Hall.

 

Administration noted that 10 to 12 pallets of bottled water would need to be procured to restock fridges, despite filtered water being readily available throughout the Municipal Plaza and City Hall. Councillor Clark introduced an amendment to remove all bottled beverages and pre-packaged snacks from Chambers; while it did not pass, it prompted an important discussion about single-use waste in Council operations.

 

The main motion to restock bottled water ultimately passed 8–5. Calgary is home to some of the best quality drinking water in the world, making this motion a wasteful use of both resources and Council time. Councillor Yule is more than happy to continue refilling his reusable water bottle.​

 

Read more HERE. 

Downtown Police Station, EC2026-0421

Motion Carried 11-3 | Vote: Yes​

 

Mayor Farkas brought forward a motion to explore the return of a downtown police station and increased police presence in the city's core. Calgary is currently the only major North American city without a downtown police station. Councillor Yule supported the motion, noting that data will be critical to making an informed decision on whether to proceed.

 

A report is expected to return to Council by the end of the year, developed alongside Calgary Police Service to assess potential locations, cost estimates, funding options, timelines, and the opportunity to integrate additional community services.

 

Read more HERE. 

Downtown Free Fare Zone, IP2026-0286 

Motion Carried 9-6 | Vote: Yes​

 

Council voted 9–6 to defer a final decision on the downtown CTrain Free Fare Zone. Calgary Transit is expected to return with an updated fare strategy by the end of Q1 2027, at which point Council will consider the zone's future alongside the new 2027–2030 four-year budget.

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Councillor Yule brought forward amendments to the Infrastructure and Planning Committee's recommendations to eliminate the Free Fare Zone. The amendment proposed three replacement directives:

 

1. Defer the decision on the Free Fare Zone to be included in the updated fare strategy planned to come back to the Infrastructure and Planning Committee by the end of Q1 2027.

2. Direct Administration to explore the feasibility of transferring the Free Fare Zone program from Calgary Transit to the Downtown Strategy team for ongoing operations and budgeting, with a focus on improving downtown vibrancy and public safety.

3. Direct Administration to undertake further engagement with downtown residents, businesses, organizations, and arts organizations.

 

Amendments 1 and 3 passed.

 

Amendment 2, questioning whether the Free Fare Zone is better understood as a downtown activation and safety tool rather than a transit operating cost, did not pass. The Free Fare Zone will remain in place through (at least) early 2027, at which time, council will reevaluate the program.

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Read more HERE. 

Calgary’s Water Efficiency Plan and the Water Utility Bylaw, 40M2006

Motion Carried 10-5 | Vote: Yes​

 

The City of Calgary's Water Efficiency Plan is a long-term strategy to ensure safe, reliable water for every Calgarian, today and for generations to come. The plan focuses on reducing peak demand, managing long-term costs, and making smarter use of the infrastructure we currently have. The goal is to reduce per-capita water usage by 20% by 2040.

 

Previous councils have faced criticism for inaction on water infrastructure, and the cost of that hesitation has become impossible to ignore. This plan is a direct response to the recommendations of the independent panel that reviewed the Bearspaw Feeder Main failure. The panel was clear: the time for half-measures has passed, and Council is doing the difficult work of following through on those recommendations.  

 

Read more HERE. 

Notice of Motion: Exploring a Regional Pathway Network Between Calgary and Neighbouring Municipalities, EC2026-0225

Motion Carried 14-1 | Vote: Yes​

 

Together with Mayor Farkas and Councillor Kelly, Councillor Yule brought forward a motion proposing a Regional Active Mobility Corridor Plan - a connected pathway network for walking, running, and cycling that links Calgary with surrounding communities. Following the Nose Creek corridor toward Airdrie, the Bow River corridor toward Cochrane, and expanding on existing connections with Chestermere, the motion aims to better support recreation and active transportation across the region.

 

This Notice of Motion does not approve construction of a pathway network. Instead, this initial work will help define the scope, feasibility, and regional partner interest in  regional pathway system before any decision to move forward is made.

 

Read more HERE. 

Notice of Motion - Municipal Fiscal Gap Report, EC2026-0226

Motion Carried 15-0 | Vote: Yes​

 

Councillor Yule co-sponsored this Motion alongside Councillor Kelly to address the growing financial pressure the Province of Alberta's recent budget decisions are placing on the City of Calgary. Over the past two years, the provincial tax increase has compounded to 35%, and because the City and Province share responsibility for many services, including housing, transit, infrastructure, social services, and police funding, shifts in provincial funding have a direct impact on Calgary's bottom line.

 

This Motion directs City Administration to produce a report, similar to previous Municipal Fiscal Gap reports, that clearly outlines the specific financial shortfalls and costs being downloaded onto the City as a result of these changes. Having this information is essential for Council to effectively advocate to the Province, keep Calgarians informed, and make sound decisions heading into the upcoming four-year budget cycle.

 

Learn more HERE. 

Notice of Motion: Providing Council Direction on the City Building Program, EC2026-0228

Motion Carried 15-0 | Vote: Yes​

 

Councillor Yule supported a motion to ensure Calgary's long-term city plan reflects the most up-to-date information before it goes out for public feedback. Two significant changes happened in 2025 that hadn't yet been factored in: the Province of Alberta dissolved the Calgary Metropolitan Regional Board, and the City's Parks Department released a new strategic plan called CONNECT.

 

Since both of these developments affect how Calgary grows and plans for the future, this motion directs City Administration to incorporate them into the Calgary Plan before releasing it for community input, ensuring Council and residents are working from the fullest picture possible when shaping the city's direction.

 

Learn more HERE. 

Proposed Bylaw 9P2026: Repeal of Blanket Rezoning (Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 Amendments Implementing Citywide Residential Rezoning) (LOC2026-0010, C2026-0153)

Motion Carried 12-3 | Vote: No​

 

After 8 days, 411 speakers, and 3,293 written submissions, Council voted 12-3 to fully repeal blanket rezoning - not to amend it, not to replace it, but to remove it entirely. Councillor Yule was one of three votes against. Prior to rezoning, roughly 75% of new development was occurring on greenfield land at the city's edges, with only 25% in established areas, meaning communities like Ward 3 were absorbing the pressure of growth while already navigating real gaps in amenities and infrastructure. After just one year, that development split had shifted to 57% green field/43% established area. Repealing rezoning risks reversing that progress and pushing development pressure, and its costs, back to the outskirts.

This vote was never only about Ward 3. It was a question about what kind of city Calgary is becoming. Whether growth continues where infrastructure already exists, or pushes outward and demands new investment at the edges. Not every Ward 3 resident will agree with this position, and that is both respected and understood. But stewardship of a growing city sometimes means making difficult decisions. This was one of them.

 

Learn more HERE. 

Notice of Motion: Review and Reform of the Downtown Calgary Transit Free Fare Zone, EC2026-0106

Motion Carried 15-0 | Vote: Yes​

 

Together with Ward 6 Councillor John Pantazopoulos, Councillor Yule brought forward a Notice of Motion calling for a comprehensive review of Calgary's Downtown Free Fare Zone along the 7th Avenue CTrain corridor. The review will examine financial impacts, ridership patterns, safety, and fare equity, giving Council the full information needed to make sound, system-wide transit decisions. It does not predetermine an outcome, but directs Administration to present viable alternatives, such as modified fare structures, incentive programs, or new sponsorship models, with recommendations due back by Q2 2026.

 

Read more HERE.

Notice of Motion: Amending The City of Calgary Flag Policy, EC2025-1029
Motion Carried 8-7 | Vote: No​

 

Council approved a Notice of Motion to amend Calgary’s flag-raising policy, removing the existing protocol for the temporary flying of international flags at City Hall. The motion passed 8–7; Councillor Yule voted against it. Flag raisings at the municipal plaza have long been a meaningful way to recognize Calgary’s diverse communities, with a history of peaceful, well-managed celebrations and no record of safety concerns. Removing a clear, transparent process and centralizing decisions in the Mayor’s Office weakens community recognition and inclusion. Our municipal plaza is the people’s plaza, and the people should be reflected within it.

 

Read more HERE. 

Notice of Motion: Repeal of Blanket Rezoning (Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 Amendments Implementing City-Wide Residential Rezoning), EC2025-0995
Motion Carried 13-2 | Vote: Yes​

 

After hearing concerns from Ward 3 residents about city-wide (blanket) rezoning, Council voted on December 15 to begin the process of repealing the bylaw and move toward more targeted approaches to housing growth. One year of implementation has provided clearer insight into what worked and what did not.

 

While blanket rezoning has not changed development patterns in Ward 3, residents have expressed the need for greater certainty about how their neighbourhoods may evolve in the future. This vote reflects a commitment to thoughtful, community-informed decisions as we plan for Calgary’s long-term housing needs.

 

Read more HERE. 

2026 Mid-Cycle Budget Amendments
Final Budget - Motion Carried 12-3 | Vote: Yes​

 

During budget deliberations, Councillors had the opportunity to bring forward amendments to the budget recommendations from City Administration. You can view a complete list of each amendment, along with Councillor Yule’s position on it and the rationale behind his vote HERE.