Edmonton considers new standard to control urban sprawl

The City of Edmonton is suggesting a new approach to control urban sprawl, which some city councillors say is crucial to keep the budget in line as the city struggles to provide basic services.

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. 

The city's urban planning and economy department outlined the standard requirements in a report to council's urban planning committee Tuesday. 

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. 

Jo-Anne Wright, councillor for southeast Ward Sspomitapi, suggested some areas are still lacking programs, services and amenities. 

"If we allow further development and urban sprawl, are we not just increasing that gap?" Wright asked. 

The committee heard from several people who argued that industry has succeeded in creating denser neighbourhoods. 

Chris Nicholas with the Urban Development Institute, Edmonton Metro region, said the city and industry have to figure out a way to create amenities faster. 

"The ask is not to put a shovel in the ground, it's to be ready because people are coming," he told the committee.

"We're doing a very good job at creating 15-minute cities, way better than we ever have." 

Wright disagreed with Nicholas, noting that in Laurel, there wasn't a retail or commercial store in the entire neighbourhood last year, though a complex has since taken shape in the area.

"That to me isn't a 15-minute community, that's not what we're looking for in the city plan," Wright said. 

Edmonton's city plan aims to create neighbourhoods where residents are able to meet most of their needs — groceries, parks, and other services — within a 15-minute walk, bike or mode other than a motorized vehicle, from their home. 

Wright noted several other neighbourhoods, like Decoteau and Aster are still being built-out.