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A motion put forward at an Edmonton city council meeting on Tuesday to reduce the maximum number of units allowed on mid-block infill developments was defeated in an 8-4 vote.
Ward tastawiyiniwak Coun. Karen Principe put forward a motion seeking to cap the number of units allowed on such developments at six instead of eight. She said she believed this would address concerns she has heard from Edmontontians about capacity issues relating to parking and waste management.
Principe’s motion also included a proposal to increase the minimum size of residential units that are part of new, mid-block infill developments.
“I think this is a reasonable compromise, as opposed to going to four units,” Principe said, referencing earlier city council debates and public hearings where some councillors and residents called for a steeper reduction in the maximum number of units allowed on mid-block infill developments.
Ward sipiwiyiniwak Coun. Thu Parmar voted in support of Principe’s motion but acknowledged she believed there were issues with it.
“It’s not the perfect motion, but I do believe that it is one that will push towards the policy decision that we want,” she said, noting there has been an increase in the use of restricted covenants in an effort to stall multi-unit developments.
“I guarantee in 20 years we are going to see some problems with the restricted covenants and … pitting neighbours against neighbours, which is not the Edmonton way.”
Ward Anirniq Coun. Erin Rutherford, who voted against the motion, said she supports allowing for more density throughout the city, provided it’s done properly.
“To me, one of the unintended consequences — if we approve this today — is that areas that are already seeing a lot of pressure around multiplex development are actually going to see more of it, because they are going to have lower property values that will spur that on.”
A report from city administration, which was presented to city councillors this month, looked at the potential impacts of capping the number of units allowed on mid-block infill developments at six, instead of eight.
Some councillors noted administration’s report suggested a smaller number of units per infill development could disincentivize developers or landlords from providing housing options that would increase density.
Council also heard about how the matter would have to go to a public hearing if Principe’s motion had passed, and that if her motion was successful it could also impact developers with projects already in motion.
Ward O’day-min Coun. Anne Stevenson said she believed decreasing the number of units allowed on infill developments would impact housing choice and affordability.
“These changes will make building housing in Edmonton harder and less certain. So for those reasons, I can’t support this,” she said.