Skip to main content

Edmonton Considering Sprawl Control Measures

Under a proposed standard, developing neighborhoods in Edmonton would be required to fully build out infrastructure and community facilities, like retail and amenities, before the city approves additional development.

1 minute read

August 31, 2023, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


LisaBourgeault / Shutterstock

The Edmonton, Alberta City Council is considering a “substantial completion standard,” which would limit development approvals in 91 developing neighborhoods around the city.

“The substantial completion standard would require all developing areas to be built-out with appropriate amenities like retail stores, parks, and in some areas schools, libraries and recreation centres, before the city approves further developments,” reports Natasha Riebe in an article for the CBC. The city’s urban planning and economy department recently presented the standards to a council committee.

“Of the 295 residential neighbourhoods in Edmonton, 91 are in the developing areas such as Ellerslie, the southwest, west Henday and the far northeast, the report says. Those neighbourhoods need to be completed before future growth areas, should council agree to the new standard,” explains Riebe.

Edmonton city councilors say that controlling sprawl “is crucial to keep the budget in line as the city struggles to provide basic services,” according to Riebe.

More on the political debate about the new rules, including references to 15-minute city concepts and density, are include in the source article, linked below.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 in CBC News

Young Candidates Ride Anti-Sprawl Rhetoric to Mayoral Victories in Alberta

On Monday, Calgary elected anti-sprawl crusader Naheed Nenshi to a second term as Mayor. And in Edmonton, 34-year-old Don Iveson, "an up-and-coming hot shot of the same vein of progressive politics", was elected to replace the city's retiring mayor.

October 23, 2013 - The Globe and Mail

Atlanta Advances Automobile Alternatives; Parking Minimums Persist

The Atlanta City Council passed a pair of ordinances recently to improve conditions for modes other than cars, but a proposal to remove parking requirements for development around the Atlanta Beltline are in limbo.

August 29, 2023 - ThreadAtl

Do Americans Really Prefer Sprawl?

Not if they live in a large metro area.

August 14, 2023 - Michael Lewyn

Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny

The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.

August 27, 2023 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland

Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.

August 30, 2023 - Mass Transit

Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?

New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?

August 24, 2023 - Mark McNulty

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.