Edmonton infill debate: city councillor wants to build bigger buildings along LRT routes

Edmonton is in hot debate around how to build more housing to keep pace with the city’s growing population.

One councillor wants to refocus infill by pushing for bigger buildings meant for families near LRT stations.

“Right now, too many of the units being built around transit are one- and two-bedroom units, which are not as conducive to the kinds of true complete communities that we want to see,” said Ward papastew councillor Michael Janz.

Janz wants more housing around LRT stations, specifically apartment-style housing. He says having more family-friendly housing units around transit centres could save more families money, while helping achieve environmental and housing targets.

Coun. Janz is proposing the city waive property taxes for developers to make it happen.

“We’re going to see a lot more of the development that we want to see that’s more financially sustainable, helps keep our taxes down, and that offers more affordable choices for families,” he said.

But some are skeptical with the city’s approach to infill, arguing they want to see a more robust plan.

One of those is Kelly Petryk with Save YEG, a group frustrated by the city’s approach to re-zoning and infill.

Petruk says Janz’s proposal for more targeted infill sounds like a good idea on the surface, but feels infill ideas need to be fleshed out first before giving developers the green light.

“None of the needs are being met for any of those communities, but they claim that this affordable housing will be everywhere,” Petryk told CityNews.

“It’s very important that we get this right.”

Janz says he’ll put forward a proposal at the next urban planning committee meeting on Aug. 12.