The infill debate in Edmonton is building in surrounding areas as St. Albert mulls new redevelopment rules in certain areas. A housing needs assessment for the city, which borders Edmonton to the northwest, indicated what council says was a need for more housing choice and opportunity. On Tuesday, council heard from city staff and community members at a public hearing about land use bylaws. Proposed changes include allowing smaller lots in 16 low-density residential areas to have infills capped at four units. Some at the hearing, like Sarah Cumbleton, say they moved to St. Albert for its small-town feel and the quiet. “You hear trees, you hear birds, you see mature things. You can grow a garden, have a firepit, still have space to kick a ball around with your kid,” she told CTV News Edmonton. She now worries issues that made her leave the big city are following her to St. Albert. Meanwhile, building advocates applaud how St. Albert council is going about the changes. “Alhtough there is fear that accompanies potential change, I think everyone should feel confidence that this allows for reinvestment in our community, and redevelopment in a smart way,” BILD Edmonton Metro’s Stephen Raitz said. The proposal, for example, allows for change at a sustainable rate – a rule other areas don’t have, he said. “Administration has brought forward a really tailored and specific proposal that the market isn’t going to flood it in and complete a bunch of development.” Council adjourned the hearing until Oct. 6 and is asking city admin for more details on how utilities and services may be impacted. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Kenny
