Fixing Infill. Rebuilding Trust. Planning for What’s Next.

When the new Zoning Bylaw came into effect, the promise was bold: modernize the way we grow our city, create more housing options, and make neighbourhoods more complete. And while we’ve seen a lot of success after 18 months in, it’s clear that we’re missing the mark on infill. 

I’ve heard you. 

Edmontonians are not opposed to growth. But they are opposed to being left out of it.

Residents across the city feel blindsided by sudden changes—streets overwhelmed with construction, infrastructure stretched thin, and oversized builds that don’t reflect the neighbourhood around them. They tell me what’s happening doesn’t feel thoughtful, coordinated, or fair.

They’re right. And I believe it’s time to course correct.

On June 30th, I am moving a motion to place a temporary moratorium on all new mid-block infill projects in our city.

We need to press pause.

This doesn’t mean we’re walking away from growth or density. But it does mean we need to stop, listen, and fix what’s broken before we allow more of the same.

When rules move faster than public trust—and faster than infrastructure—we create a backlash that puts our entire City Plan at risk.

Let’s not let that happen.

I also intend to support the motion to reduce the maximum number of row housing units on mid-block lots from 8 to 6.

It’s a modest but tangible change, based on what we’ve seen on the ground. The scale and form of development in many areas has simply not matched the character or capacity of the streets they’re being built on. This adjustment is a first step toward rebalancing.

But fixing what’s in front of us isn’t enough. We also need to plan for where we’re headed.

That’s why I’m moving a second motion—one that directs City Administration to initiate a full update of Edmonton’s District Plans. These plans must reflect Edmonton’s next phase of growth—from our current population of 1.2 million to the 1.5–1.75 million we know is coming.

When the District Plans were introduced, they were a consolidation exercise. They streamlined outdated neighbourhood plans—but they didn’t provide new detail, fresh data, or authentic public input. They didn’t answer basic questions like:

• Where should density go?
• What infrastructure do we need to support it?
• How will we ensure amenities and transportation options keep pace?

The next version of these plans must include technical modelling and real community consultation.

As your next Mayor, here’s what I’ll deliver:

• Smarter, better-coordinated infill. No more repeat road cuts, blocked sidewalks, or unfocused development.
• Prioritizing responsible infill. There are good home builders in this city. I’ve met them, talked with them and understand their side of this problem as well. Responsible builders will see fast-tracking of their permits with a Better Edmonton Council team. 
• A new phase of District Planning. Grounded in data, modelling, and real community input. If it fails on June 30th, I’ll be bringing it back. 
• Balanced growth. Density where it makes sense—not just where it’s easiest to build.
• Transparency and accountability. Communities deserve to know what’s coming—and have a say in shaping it.

I’ve been pushing for these changes for years. And I’ve watched every one of my motions be voted down by this Council. But I’m not backing down.

Because Edmonton’s future depends on getting this right.