‘Start pushing back’: Citizen group works to make infill a municipal election issue

Edmonton recently changed its zoning bylaw, making it easier to build homes anywhere. Nicole Weisberg has the details.

As infill housing in Edmonton rises, this series highlights the pros and cons of these developments and the complexities surrounding housing in a rapidly growing city.

Many Albertans know Kevin Taft for his time in politics; he is a former MLA and spent years as leader of the Alberta Liberal Party.

Now he is leading a charge against what he calls “massive disruptive” infill in Edmonton.

“What this kind of thing is doing is ripping up one of those special things Edmonton has,” Taft told CTV News Edmonton while motioning to an under construction eight-plex in the McKernan neighbourhood.

Taft started the group Coalition for Better Infill a year and a half ago, when city councillors were considering a new zoning bylaw to make building in mature neighbourhoods easier.

Its members were among dozens that spoke against the relaxed rules at a public hearing at city hall.

It ultimately passed and came into effect at the start of 2024.

“People had no idea this was coming. We tried to make the point at city council repeatedly that public awareness was extremely low,” said Taft.

“So now when buildings like this are going up – and this could be built on any ordinary size lot, mid-block, corner lot, anywhere in any mature neighborhood in Edmonton – this could be your next door neighbour. You would have no say, no input and you’re stuck with it.”

Bylaw allowances

Taft is referring to the multi-unit developments increasing in communities across the city.

The new zoning bylaw allows eight units of housing – up to three storeys in height – on any residential lot of a certain size. On some corner lots, nine units are allowed.

Developers can also apply to build something outside the rules.

If approved, the local community league and neighbours within 60-metres are mailed notice and can appeal the decision to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) within 21 days.

The city’s long-term goal is for 50 per cent of new housing units to be built within the Anthony Henday ring road.

Last year, 26 per cent or 4,223 of the approximately 16,000 construction permits approved were within this area.

Urban sprawl ‘financially ruining us’: city councillor

Coun. Michael Janz has long been a proponent of infill housing.

He told CTV News Edmonton building in existing neighbourhoods gives people greater housing choice, rejuvenates older neighbourhoods and reduces urban sprawl.

“Urban sprawl is not just environmentally bankrupting us but it’s also financially ruining us,” said Janz.

“We need to build up and that means adding a few more people where we already have schools, playgrounds, parks, infrastructure, transit, etc.”

The Ward papastew councillor acknowledged change can be difficult for homeowners, especially when it’s right next door.

However he said with so many new people calling Edmonton home, time is of the essence for homebuilding.

“We know rents are going up. We know we’re in a housing crisis. We know the steps Edmonton is taking are preserving affordability and that’s what’s really important,” he said.

The benefits of living central

Edmontonian Jeff Funston went from owning a home on the outskirts to renting an infill townhouse on the central west end.

He said the main driver for the move was the lack of school options for his son.

“He was gonna have to bus to Mill Woods from the outside of the Henday so that just wasn’t something that was acceptable for us,” he told CTV News Edmonton in an interview outside his home.

Funston said there are more amenities for his family in their current Jasper Place location and he welcomes the new infill homes being constructed nearby.

“I like the variety of houses that you can have. It’s not so cookie cutter. And there’s a lot of houses here that it’s time for them to go.”

Gearing up to fight

Coalition for Better Infill recently hosted a free webinar on the issue featuring Vancouver urban planner Larry Beasley and Edmonton architect Barry Johns.

On the same evening, a city-hosted infill information session at the Aspen Gardens Community League saw a full capacity crowd.

“I think this will probably become a significant issue in the upcoming election,” said Taft.

He said his group has more than 700 members and support to repeal the new zoning bylaw is growing fast.

“We’re encouraging people to organize in their own neighbourhoods. Talk to friends, talk to family, talk to their city councillors and start pushing back.”