Edmonton’s Garneau community opposes zoning changes in historic neighbourhood

Members of Garneau, one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, are pushing back against converting a single lot into a four-storey multi-unit building. Some community members told CityNews the proposed changes will diminish the historic nature of the neighbourhood.

“When you look up and down the block, it’s got a certain look and feel that you can’t really create anywhere else in Edmonton,” said Steph Neufeld, president of Garneau Community League.

Neufeld and her family live just a block away from the 1915 house located on 109 Street and 89th Avenue. Neufeld says transforming the lot into a four-storey building is not needed in a historic area like this one.

“When we start to rezone and add density, we need to do it carefully with respect to the fact that there’s something of unique value here from a heritage perspective,” said Neufeld.

A public hearing on Monday began the process to rezone the home. Neufeld says the lot was sold to a firm for $499,000 in 2024 and was then re-listed for $589,000.

“A quick flip trying to make a profit,” said Neufeld. “While it was listed, there was an application for rezoning, which caused us to think that, you know, this is a bit of land speculation and trying to profit off some of these rezoning changes.”

City administration proposed a rezoning that would allow a building to a height of 16 meters instead of the current limit of 10.5 meters. Council passed a motion for administration to return with a plan that would meet in the middle, setting the height at 12 meters instead.

Councillor Michael Janz, whose ward includes Garneau, demanded more clarity on the changes, telling council, “Considering that there is this heritage consideration, I think we need to get clearer answers.”

However, not everyone is opposed to bigger infills. Eric Cameracci, who lives just a couple of blocks away from the house in question, says it would support the needs of a diverse population, including those close to the University of Alberta.

“This area is within a major node,” said Cameracci. “It’s close to the university, it’s close to shops along 109 Street. The idea is to allow gentle density, having a mix of higher-density and lower-density areas within the same neighbourhood, gradually increasing density and allowing more people to live within the neighbourhood.”

Neufeld says there are other areas in Garneau that are already zoned for higher density.

“You can take a lot like this we have behind, and you can get five units on there, with two to three bedrooms, which is great for students who want to live in family-style accommodation. They’re also great for families who might want to live in this area but want something denser,” said Neufeld.

Council is expected to discuss the new zoning next month.