I strongly believe we need improvements to the infill underway in Edmonton.
I was pleased that the Urban Planning Committee passed my motion (Feb 11th 2025) to improve the design standards of infill. I was pleased that administration brought forward changes to the June 3rd Urban Planning Committee recommending changes which were passed by committee. You can see the full administration recommendation presentation and video here.
However, No changes will be in effect until they pass third reading at Public Hearing (TBD June 30th).
I will post a summary of these changes when they are available. Changes were made in a number of areas including reducing the size of the buildings, reducing the number of side entrances to two, increased side setbacks, reduced building length, and a number of architectural design requirements. This is most critical for middle block homes.
In plain language, infill should look like a house, and face the street, not the neighbours. Infill should have more windows (from 5% to 15% on the face) and more architectural elements should be required. There is a definition for architectural elements in the ZB: "Architectural Elements mean building details used to accentuate entrances, windows, storefronts or other prominent building features to create visual interest. Architectural Elements include details such as varying rooflines, mouldings, arches, lintels, columns, cornices, and sills."
Changes to the waste program are forthcoming to reduce the number of bins and support communal bins (Utility Committee).
Landscaping deposits are going to be proposed (which I support) for this fall. Tree protection is important to me, as is mature tree replacement and preservation. According to administration, 93% of permits comply with landscaping regulations, but I would like to see enhancements to green standards and I know more changes will be coming through Action 4 of the Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan.
A memo on parking utilization is forthcoming and I'll share it when available. Almost all row housing have four or more garages or stalls provided.
EPCOR joined us at committee and said that they do not have concerns related to the water supply for fire fighting or sanitary or storm water sewer capacity. If new services are required, they are paid for by the builder, including any required upgrades.
Many of the improvements to built form will help whether the infill is a 4/5/6/7/8 unit. While the changes do not alter the unit maximum, I expect it will be more challenging to build more units on a smaller parcel.
Some of the other ideas constituents have emailed me would require changes to the provincial legislation or potentially the provincial/national building codes. Construction is a process of continuous improvement and adapting to new technology and materials. Noise abatement and fire protection is another example.
I'm committed to continuing to help advance improvements (such as my advocacy around Point Access Blocks or single-stair building).