The City has received a rezoning application from Green Space Alliance to rezone 8526 and 8530 - 81 Avenue NW. The current zone is the Small Scale Residential Zone (RS) and the proposed zone is the Medium Scale Residential Zone (RM h23.0) which would allow:

• Mid-rise multi-unit development with limited commercial opportunities at the ground level.
• A maximum height of 23.0 metres (approx. 6 storeys).
• A maximum floor area ratio of 3.0 - 4.4.

A comparison of the key differences between the current and proposed zone can be found in the Zoning Comparison Table.

As the proposed zone is considered a ‘standard zone’, the applicant is not required to provide detailed building drawings at this stage in the planning process. If the rezoning is approved by City Council at a public hearing, the next step will be for the applicant to submit a Development Permit application. At that time, the applicant will be required to submit detailed building drawings to the City for review.

The City Plan, Edmonton’s combined Municipal Development Plan and Transportation Master Plan, was approved in December 2020. The City Plan sets City Council’s direction, and charts out how we will accommodate one million additional residents in Edmonton. While all areas of the city will densify over time, The City Plan introduces a ‘Nodes and Corridors’ network, where deliberate urban intensification will be accommodated. Whyte Avenue is identified as a Primary Corridor where mid-rise and some high-rise development will be supported.

A frequently asked questions document has been prepared for this application. If your question has not been answered yet, please use the Ask a Question function.

The role of the public when participating in engagement activities for proposed rezonings is at the ADVISE level of the City’s Public Engagement Spectrum. This means that the City will use any feedback you share to:

• Inform the City’s planning analysis and ensure all factors are taken into consideration
• Help inform conversations with the applicant about making revisions to address concerns
• Summarize feedback for City Council so they are aware of the public’s perspectives prior to making a decision at Public Hearing

A What We Heard report that summarises the feedback received is posted online and provided to the Ward Councillor as well as anyone who registers and provides feedback through this page or by contacting the file planner directly.

City planners use the Public Engagement Charter for rezonings as a guide when determining what type of engagement activities are most appropriate to help inform rezoning proposal reviews

Please Note: Because standard zones apply to multiple sites across the city, the City cannot adjust or customize the individual regulations within these zones. When rezoning to a Direct Control zone (DC), there is opportunity for public engagement to influence adjustments to the proposed site specific regulations because these zones are only applied to a specific site or area.

Public Hearing

Once Administration completes its review and has determined its recommendation and the applicant is ready to take the application to City Council for a decision, the City sets a Public Hearing date. Notices are sent to all property owners within a minimum of 60 metres of the site in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw. In addition, notices of Public Hearing are sent to affected community leagues and business associations advising them of the Public Hearing date and how to participate.

Register to Speak to Council or Submit Comments

Public Hearings are an important part of the engagement process for rezonings. Once the hearing agenda is posted, members of the public can register to speak at the City Council Public Hearing to share their views on the proposed rezoning directly with the Council.

Written comments can also be submitted to City Council through the Office of the City Clerk. Edmontonians can also watch the Public Hearing online.

If the Application is Approved

If the rezoning is approved by Council, the next step is for the developer to apply for development and building permits to start construction. Timelines for submitting these applications and starting construction are typically at the developer’s discretion.