Zoning, Growth, and Our Future in Ward sipiwiyiniwak

The City of Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw Renewal was approved in late 2023 as part of a major shift in how we plan and build our city. The intent is to make room for more people to live closer to where they work, go to school, and spend time. Instead of continuing to expand outward, Edmonton is aiming to welcome more residents within existing neighbourhoods.

Now, a year and a half later, City Council is reviewing the impacts of the bylaw and discussions at council is happening this week.

Taproot Edmonton recently published a helpful article breaking down what has happened so far. It shows that while infill housing has increased significantly, new suburban development continues to grow at the same time. You can read the full article here:👉 Taproot Edmonton – One Year After Zoning Reform

In Ward sipiwiyiniwak, we are in a unique position. Half of the neighbourhoods are mature communities. The other half are newer neighbourhoods on the edge of the city. I have lived in three of them—West Meadowlark, The Hamptons, and Rio Terrace—and I’ve spent over a decade volunteering in community leagues and city initiatives. I’ve seen firsthand how conversations about zoning and development can bring out strong emotions, valid concerns, and very different views depending on where people live and what experiences they’ve had.

What I’m Hearing in Our Communities

Across both older and newer parts of the ward, I’ve heard a lot of concern about how zoning changes will affect daily life. I want to acknowledge these concerns and take them seriously. Here are the most common themes I’ve heard in conversations with residents:

• Affordability: There is worry that new housing units are not actually affordable for most residents. The promise of more housing has not always led to better access for people who are struggling.

• Disruptive Tenants: Some neighbours are concerned about the behaviour of residents in newer housing, especially when there are more people living in a space designed for fewer occupants.

• Construction Damage: I have heard many stories about construction crews damaging surrounding properties or leaving behind debris without being held accountable.

• Quality of Housing: People have noticed issues with architecture, noise between units, and lack of space for larger households. Some feel the newer builds are not designed with long-term living in mind.

• Environmental Concerns: Mature trees are being removed and green spaces are shrinking. Large buildings often take up most of the lot, leaving little or no yard.

• Sunlight and Shade: Taller buildings can block sunlight for neighbouring homes, making yards and homes darker and colder.

• Traffic and Congestion: More people living on a block means more cars, more parking issues, and more traffic on roads that were not designed for this density.

• Renovictions: Renters in older, more affordable homes are being displaced when developers upgrade buildings and raise rents. There is worry about losing entire communities this way and accelerating the rate of homelessness in the city.

A Personal and Practical Perspective

As someone who immigrated from a country with much denser cities, I find it fascinating how dominant the single-family home is in Edmonton’s housing landscape. At the same time, I know that many people feel deeply attached to the character of their neighbourhood. Change can be hard, especially when it feels sudden or disconnected from local voices.

Personally, I support many of the goals behind the Zoning Bylaw Renewal. We need a variety of housing types to make sure people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds can live here comfortably. But I also believe that thoughtful implementation matters. Planning policies only work when they address the real challenges that people face on the ground.

What I’ll Continue to Do

As a city councillor candidate, I will keep learning and listening. I will continue to ask questions like:

• How can we ensure new housing is actually affordable and accessible to a range of people?

• What tools can the City use to hold builders accountable for construction impacts?

• How can we preserve trees and green space while still allowing growth?

• What role can the City play in preventing renovictions and protecting renters?

• How can we support designs that fit better into existing neighbourhoods and serve large families, seniors, and multigenerational households?

These are not easy questions. But they are the right ones to be asking. We cannot stop the city from growing, but we can shape how it grows.

I will continue to engage with residents across Ward sipiwiyiniwak to understand the specific needs of each neighbourhood. Whether you live near West Edmonton Mall or just past the Henday, your voice matters. Our housing future must reflect the diverse people who live here now and those who will join us in the years to come.

Let’s build a city where we all belong. Together.