Edmonton pushes back debate on Rossdale redevelopment

Edmonton city council is pushing back the public hearing for a rezoning proposal that would see three high-rise residential towers along the North Saskatchewan River Valley in the Rossdale neighbourhood.

The plan, if passed, would see nearly 500 new housing units built near the Rossdale Brewery, with some commercial and community facilities on the ground level.

But some residents are concerned, telling the city previously that three tall buildings along the river valley are too much for the area, and one city councillor agrees.

“Given its proximity to the river valley, I personally would have lots of questions about how a development of this size and scale would integrate, and how it fits in with the overall district plans and framework and expectations for this area as we continue to grow,” said Ashley Salvador, city councillor for Ward Métis.

But Edmonton’s mayor says projects like this could provide residents with more diverse housing options.

“I’m very glad that we have been leaders when it comes to creating diversity of housing choices, maintaining our market affordability, as well as building more affordable homes. That is the legacy of this council,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.

The public hearing for this has been deferred to a later date, which hasn’t been determined.