The provincial government has given Edmonton and Calgary a written directive on managing infill after Premier Danielle Smith announced they would force the two cities to repeal zoning bylaws earlier this month. An Order in Council, signed Thursday, requires the City of Edmonton to amend its Zoning Bylaw so that permitted uses and regulations on density and height for small scale residential sites be reverted to the pre-2024 bylaw amendment. The city is also ordered to allot small scale residential sites the same minimum number of parking spaces as was required before the bylaw was amended in July 1, 2020. Mayor Andrew Knack said he received the Order in Council from Dan Williams, the minister of municipal affairs, on Thursday afternoon, not long after a very brief special city council meeting on infill. “The minister’s infill directive is a significant matter with direct implications to Edmonton’s affordability, including negative impacts on construction and housing supply,” said Knack in a statement. “I, along with the City of Edmonton administration, will take the time necessary to fully review the order and complete a thorough analysis of its implications for the city and Edmontonians.” The city has three months to pass and bring the amendments into force. The province also requires that the city complete a review of the Zoning Bylaw within 18 months to ensure it complies with provincial policies.
