University Heights residents fight high-density project

Concerned University Heights residents spoke out Tuesday as city council considers whether to allow a new high-density development in the northwest Calgary neighbourhood.

A proposed area redevelopment plan for the 1960s-era Stadium Shopping Centre would see the shopping plaza replaced with highrise condos, offices and a 200-room hotel.

Spokespeople for the developer, Western Securities, argued the plan would make the site a vital hub for decades into the future.

But the meeting was dominated by upset local residents.

Former MLA Tom Sindlinger, now an organizer with the group Communities First, said before the meeting began that there needs to be more consultation among council, developers and communities before high-density developments are approved.

"If a community wants to have high-density development, fine. City council has to listen," he said.

Also speaking out against the project was former Alberta finance minister Ted Morton, who lives in the area. He argued it would cause traffic chaos and would force the city to build an expensive interchange on 16th Avenue and 29th Street N.W.

Debate about the shopping centre’s future was expected to continue into the evening on Tuesday.