Edmonton will be required to adopt rules for high-density infill development that revert to the parameters in place before its 2024 zoning changes for housing types, density and height, and to restore minimum on-site parking requirements in place before 2020. Edmonton will have three months from Oct. 8 to amend its bylaw.
Calgary will maintain its current approach after recently repealing blanket rezoning and will be directed to create an overlay identifying lands restored to previous low-density residential zones. This ensures requirements for housing types, building heights and parking remain in place while its broader land-use review continues.
These measures will be in place while both cities carry out comprehensive reviews of their land use bylaws, engage in public consultation and work with industry to pursue a more balanced approach to high-density infill. Edmonton will have 18 months to review, while Calgary’s broader review, which is currently underway, is planned to be complete in 2027.
The new approach also sets provincewide expectations that infill development be appropriately scaled, supported by adequate utilities and water infrastructure and responsive to local conditions.
“Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, Albertans want neighbourhoods where they have room to live, a place to park and a community they can be part of. We’ve heard from Albertans who feel the pace and scale of some high-density infill is changing that. Responsible infill development must be appropriately scaled and supported by adequate utilities and water infrastructure. We can build more homes without asking people to give up the things that make their neighbourhood a place they want to call home.”
“Over the last several months, we've heard directly from Albertans who want predictable and thoughtful growth in their neighbourhoods, while reaffirming the necessity for meaningful public engagement. Under this new provincial direction, Albertans can expect an approach that promotes new housing growth that is balanced with Albertans’ goal of home ownership in safe, affordable and livable communities. This direction provides an opportunity for municipalities pause, reset and create stronger communities that grow responsibly without dividing neighbours.”
Growing concerns in Alberta about the pace and impacts of infill development in some communities, including parking pressures, traffic, building scale and compatibility with surrounding neighbourhoods have prompted the provincial government to take action on high-density infill development.
“From the beginning, Edmonton Neighbourhoods United has advocated for Edmontonians to have a meaningful voice in how their communities grow and change. We welcome action by the provincial government that restores community input, meaningful consultation and thoughtful city planning. This is not about being anti-growth or anti-infill. It is about genuine civic engagement and responsible growth, ensuring density is thoughtfully planned, appropriately located and balanced with the needs of the communities.”
“We recognize that this is an extraordinary step by the provincial government, but it seems to be the only course of action to have a thoughtful conversation with city council about responsible infill and protecting mature neighbourhoods. We love Edmonton and are excited at its growth potential, but it needs to be done in a respectful way so that Edmontonians have a meaningful way to engage in this process.”
“Infill is necessary. Infill is important. Responsible, contextual infill is how we build Edmonton right.
The Edmonton Infill Action Campaign took the concerns of thousands of residents straight to the province asking for help, and they’ve heard us. We look forward to the focus being put back on well-built homes that contribute positively to their communities.”
With a rapidly growing population, Alberta will continue its strong record of home building and housing affordability. The goal is not to stop infill development, but to ensure growth respects the capacity of established communities.
Quick facts
- One in four new Canadian homes are built in Alberta.
- Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw 20001 (effective Jan. 1, 2024) reduced Edmonton’s residential zones from 16 to six and expanded housing types citywide.
- Calgary’s updated land-use bylaw (effective Aug. 6, 2024) redesignated most low-density residential lots to Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill, but council voted on April 8, 2026, to repeal the rezoning and restore pre-2024 zoning for affected properties effective Aug. 4, 2026.