LDA24-0249 Wedgewood Heights Surplus School Site

Engagement has concluded

***The discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report will be posted here when available.

Thank you for providing feedback for consideration.

The application is expected to go to City Council Public Hearing for a decision, with the exact date still to be determined. For more information, please visit these FAQs(External link) for Council meetings.***

Get involved!

You are invited to learn more about the application and share feedback online. The following engagement opportunities are open from July 22, 2024 until Aug 11, 2024.

What Happens Next

We will use feedback shared to make sure our review of the application is as complete as possible. After engagement is closed, feedback received will be summarized in a What We Heard report for City Council so that they know your perspective prior to making a decision.

***The discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report will be posted here when available.

Thank you for providing feedback for consideration.

The application is expected to go to City Council Public Hearing for a decision, with the exact date still to be determined. For more information, please visit these FAQs(External link) for Council meetings.***

Get involved!

You are invited to learn more about the application and share feedback online. The following engagement opportunities are open from July 22, 2024 until Aug 11, 2024.

What Happens Next

We will use feedback shared to make sure our review of the application is as complete as possible. After engagement is closed, feedback received will be summarized in a What We Heard report for City Council so that they know your perspective prior to making a decision.

Engagement has concluded

Submit a question below to the file planner or see what others have been asking. Answers are posted within 5-10 business days. When needed, we will also work with the applicant to provide an answer. 

Please note you must register on Engaged Edmonton to ask a question.

You may wish to review these Frequently Asked Questions on Surplus School Sites prior to posting your own question. If you have not found the answer to your question, please ask a question below that will go directly to the City file planner who is processing the application.

If you are unable to provide feedback on this site, you may also provide feedback to the Project Planner directly via the contact information under the "who's listening" section of the page.  Please avoid asking your question in two different places, such as emailing the planner as well as posting on this site. It is not necessary to do both in order for feedback to be captured, and may delay response times.

  • At our June 13th meeting with Councillor Hamilton and the team, we were informed that an updated transportation study was being conducted for the Wedgewood Heights neighbourhood in regards to the proposed rezoning of the the Wedgewood School Surplus Site. Has this study been completed and how and when will it be shared with the residents of Wedgewood? Thank you in advance.

    LeahWidynowski asked about 1 month ago

    As a part of this rezoning application a Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) is being reviewed. The TIA will be posted on this Engaged Edmonton webpage once it has been shared with City Councillors as part of the package of information they review prior to making a decision. 

    The TIA analyzes the trips generated from the proposed development and its impacts on the adjacent roadways and intersections. In order to obtain current traffic data, the TIA also includes traffic counts at the Wedgewood Boulevard and 184 Street intersection, and at 184 Street and Lessard Road. Using this background data and the site-generated traffic, any upgrades or improvements needed to minimize any traffic impact and appropriately support the development are proposed. 

    This question was responded to on August 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • Hello, has a wildlife impact study being done? I believe the east edge of the surplus school site border at 184th St., in the area you’re proposing to move the site eastwards into, is a place that I see a number of animals at night. Due to my remote work schedule, I’m up late and then go for a walk in that area, multiple deer, and a few times a moose can be seen standing under those trees look carefully. A coyote or two on the hill by the fountain is a semi regular sight between 1 and 3 am. It’s possible there is a wildlife corridor coming out from the ravine, and going into a path directly across 184th St. just north of the house #8 Wedgewood Crescent NW. Animals are sometimes seen coming in and out of that “goat trail”. So please report to us what assessments have been done, considering that spot as a refuge and temporary rest stop in that corridor.

    Mark_Joyce_Wedgewood asked about 1 month ago

    The City of Edmonton received 20 surplus school sites, including this site in Wedgewood, from the Edmonton Public School Board in 2009 after it was determined they were no longer needed for schools. These sites have always been planned for development, first as schools and then as affordable housing, following Council’s designation in 2015. We recognize that while awaiting development, the surplus school sites have served different purposes, including their temporary use as open space and sports fields.

    As the site was initially intended for school building, a wildlife impact study is not required.

    This question was responded to on August 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • From the Urban Parks Management Plan: “When redevelopment of existing plan areas is proposed by a developer, (e.g., plan amendments, zoning bylaw amendments, etc.), the impact of the development on the existing parkland network must be assessed and addressed by the developer. The following steps will be taken: • A Parkland Impact Assessment will be provided by the developer. • A Parkland Impact Assessment, will be reviewed, and if appropriate, will be approved by the City. • If the impact on the parkland network is negative, corrective action is required (e.g., new parkland must be purchased, redevelopment of existing parkland is required, etc.). • Corrective action is approved by City Council and funded by the developer (e.g., a Parkland Redevelopment Levy will be applied)” – Where is the Parkland Impact Assessment (PIA) for this proposed rezoning? What was the result of the PIA? What corrective action is being taken, if any?

    chickadee asked about 1 month ago

    The City of Edmonton received 20 surplus school sites, including this site in Wedgewood, from the Edmonton Public School Board in 2009 after it was determined they were no longer needed for schools. These sites have always been planned for development, first as school buildings and then as affordable housing, following Council’s designation in 2015. We recognize that while awaiting development, the surplus school sites have served different purposes, including their temporary use as open space and sports fields.

    As the proposed development site was initially intended for a school building, a Parkland Impact Assessment is not required. 

    This question was responded to on August 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • As the city and population of Edmonton expands there is much need for affordable outdoor sports such as soccer as well as accessible and safe fields to play they game. Will the city consider keeping this green space and adding additional soccer fields?? Especially since Wedgewood keeps that feild so well groomed… it’s a no brainer. Make Wedgewood a SOCCER DESTINATION feild at no additional cost to the city. ???????

    KristinSteffen asked about 1 month ago

    We recognize that while awaiting development, the surplus school sites have served different purposes, including their temporary use as open space and sports fields, but they are not considered open space by the City.

    The site is already zoned RM h16. The application shifts the site slightly by approximately 29 metres towards 184 Street NW. The remainder of the site will be maintained for open space uses. The development of these sites is guided by policy C583A, which prioritizes access to affordable housing, increased housing choice and the integration of housing, services and amenities.

    There are currently no plans in place to expand the soccer fields in the Wedgewood neighbourhood.

    This question was responded to on August 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • Is any reason why the city waited for the last a few days to put a sign on Wedgewood bolvd? More than half of the residents over 60. Most of them low key. Not many tech savvy. We ask the city to rectify the timeline for closing comments submissions by Wedgewood residents please. This almost same scenario by the city the whole city rezoning saga. Without the citizens comprehending effect to communities, the council pushed it through and put a sign up when the decisions were already made.

    HE asked about 1 month ago

    This City of Edmonton sign is intended to share information about the land development application. 

    The Zoning Bylaw 20001 (Section 7.50 4. Zoning Amendments) regulates sign placement. A sign must be placed 21 days before the Public Hearing. We have yet to schedule a Public Hearing, but the sign has been placed on the site. In addition to this mode of communication, the City of Edmonton mailed out information regarding the engagement opportunity on Engaged Edmonton to residents within 120m of the site, as well as to the Wedgewood Community League and Wedgewood Ravine Homeowners Association. Given the volume of questions and responses, we can confirm that project awareness and engagement is high.

    While online public engagement is complete for this project, residents are still welcome and encouraged to send comments by email or call and speak to the file planner directly. All contact information is available on the sign and the mailed LDA notice, which is also posted on edmonton.ca/HousingDevelopments 

    It’s important to note that no decisions have been made on the future of the site. A decision will be made after a Council public hearing and you and your neighbours are welcome to speak to Council at that time. 

    This question was responded to on Aug 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • Why is it that the city put up a sign just today August 8th about the proposed Re-zoning of the wedgewood heights green space. With out 3 days left to comment you are leaving residents in the dark. The deadline for commenting should be postponed due to the cities lack of communication and engagement

    Finn1 asked about 1 month ago

    This City of Edmonton sign is intended to share information about the land development application. 

    The Zoning Bylaw 20001 (Section 7.50 4. Zoning Amendments) regulates the sign's placement. A sign must be placed 21 days before the Public Hearing. We have yet to schedule a Public Hearing, but the sign has been placed on the site. In addition to this mode of communication, the City of Edmonton mailed out information regarding the engagement opportunity on Engaged Edmonton to residents within 120 m of the site, as well as to the Wedgewood Community League and Wedgewood Ravine Homeowners Association. Given the volume of questions and responses, we can confirm that project awareness and engagement is high.

    Even though online public engagement is complete for this project, residents are still welcome and encouraged to send comments by email or call and speak to the file planner directly. All contact information is available on the sign and the mailed LDA notice, which is also posted on edmonton.ca/HousingDevelopments 

    It’s important to note that no decisions have been made on the future of the site. A decision will be made after a Council public hearing and you and your neighbours are welcome to speak to Council at that time.

    This question was responded to on Aug 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • What opportunity will be lost by converting a community open space into residential development in terms of future recreation needs?

    chickadee asked about 1 month ago

    This site has always been planned for development, first as a school and then as affordable housing, following Council’s designation in 2015. We recognize that while awaiting development, the surplus school sites have served different purposes, including their temporary use as open space and sports fields.

    The site is already zoned RM h16. The application shifts the site slightly by approximately 29 metres towards 184 Street NW. The remainder of the site will be maintained for open space uses. The development of these sites is guided by policy C583A, which prioritizes access to affordable housing, increased housing choice and the integration of housing, services and amenities.

    This question was responded to on Aug 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • From the Urban Parks Management Plan “Cash resulting from land sales is directed to reserves.” To what reserve will the sale of this site be directed?

    chickadee asked about 1 month ago

    Proceeds from the sale would follow direction as per Policy C468A, Policy to Govern the Use of Funds from the Sale of Surplus School sites. As per Policy C468A, proceeds would transfer to the Funds in Lieu of Reserves account. However, to provide more affordable housing in the City, these sites will be sold for a nominal value or leased to developers so there will not be any proceeds. 

    This question was responded to on Aug 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • Has there been an adequate study done on how this low income building will affect crime rates in the wedgewood and surrounding area? I can assure the crime and vandalism rates will sky rocket if this is in fact built.

    Finn1 asked about 1 month ago

    Affordable housing is a home like any other. Its residents share their neighbours’ interest in maintaining a safe environment. Overall, research shows that affordable housing does not have a negative impact on community safety. 

    This question was responded to on Aug 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning

  • Is there a lack of residential land in the City? Is there a surplus of park sites in the City?

    chickadee asked about 1 month ago

    This site is already zoned RM h16. The application shifts the site slightly by approximately 29 metres towards 184 Street NW. The remainder of the site will be maintained for open space uses. The development of these sites is guided by policy C583A, which prioritizes access to affordable housing, increased housing choice and the integration of housing, services and amenities.

    This question was responded to on Aug 15, 2024. 

    wedgewood heights,surplus school site,rezoning
    wedgewood heights surplus school site rezoning