The City is reviewing an application to rezone the La Perle Surplus School Site located at 9611 - 189 Street NW from the Parks and Services Zone (PS) to the Medium Scale Residential Zone (RM h16) to allow for the development of multi-unit housing in the form of row housing and/or apartment housing. Key characteristics of the proposed RM h16 zone include:

• A maximum height of 16 metres (approximately four storeys)
• A maximum Floor Area Ratio of 2.3
• A minimum density of 45 dwellings per hectare

A Municipal Reserve Removal Resolution is being advanced concurrently with the rezoning application.

The City received 20 surplus school sites from the Edmonton Public School Board in 2009 after they were no longer required for schools. In 2015, City Council designated 14 of the sites for affordable housing. The development of these sites is guided by policy C583A, which prioritizes:

• Access to affordable housing
• Increased housing choice
• Integration of housing, services and amenities

Two surplus school sites have already been prepared for development and sold at below-market value to affordable housing providers. The remaining 12 surplus school sites will be developed over the next three years. This includes seeking Council’s approval of rezoning, subdivision, and municipal reserve removal, where required, and a below-market land sale to an affordable housing provider.

In spring 2024, the Housing Action Team is pursuing rezoning approval for five sites, including La Perle. For more information about the City’s efforts to create more affordable housing, please visit edmonton.ca/HousingDevelopments or email the Housing Action Team at affordablehousing@edmonton.ca.

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 that 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 for a specific site. When rezoning to a Direct Control zone, there is opportunity for public engagement to inform adjustments to the proposed regulations because these zones apply to a specific site or area only.

Public Hearing

Once the City completes its review and recommendation and the applicant is ready to take the application to City Council for a decision, the City sets a Public Hearing date. Notices will be sent to all residents within 120 meters of the lands being rezoned, as well as affected community leagues and business associations advising them of the Public Hearing date.

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

Administration is seeking Council approval to sell the land to a housing provider for development. If the land sale and rezoning are approved, Administration will select a housing provider. The housing provider will be required to obtain development and building permits before 2026. Construction timelines are typically at the developer’s discretion.