[Greenspace]

I love the idea of cottage courtyards, new owners, seniors etc. Sense of community without shared walls. But it can be tricker to build. You still need all the commercial stuff an apartment does - storm sewer etc, But it's always something I thought would be great if developed correctly.

 

[policyenthusiast]

I love the idea of cottage courtyards, new owners, seniors etc. Sense of community without shared walls. But it can be tricker to build. You still need all the commercial stuff an apartment does - storm sewer etc, But it's always something I thought would be great if developed correctly.

100%. The good thing about building this in a condominium structure instead of fee simple is that you could still have common sewer, electrical, etc. infrastructure which is highly accessible through the shared courtyard infrastructure.

You then have Condominium Property Act obligations, but I think the tradeoff is worth it for most people.

 

[northlands]

I like the idea of these homes as well and I'd like to think there are more than a few people who would like to downsize out of their detached SFH into something more 'multifamily', but simply don't want to share a wall or have neighbours above that could cause a lot of noise disturbance. My partner works a lot of night shifts, and even in concrete buildings noise transfer between units has been an ongoing sore spot for us.

Beyond that: even if that style of development takes say, two existing homes and makes it into five or six homes, is that not still a win? Not every lot needs to replace four bungalows for a 280 unit apartment building or even one house for an 8plex.

 

[IanO]

BILD Edmonton just released their Infill Priority Action plan.

Full link:

https://www.bildedmonton.com/wp-content/uploads/BILD_InfillPriorityActionsIPA.pdf

 

[policyenthusiast]

BILD Edmonton just released their Infill Priority Action plan.

Full link:

https://www.bildedmonton.com/wp-content/uploads/BILD_InfillPriorityActionsIPA.pdf

View attachment 729655View attachment 729656

I went to BILD's "Future of Infill" luncheon today, surprisingly this was barely mentioned. Also in the "Long-term", having "Evaluate the performance of infill-specific regulations in the Zoning Bylaw (e.g. Cluster Housing) to determine effectiveness and identify potential improvements" feels like a larger project than the rest, and perhaps is the most urgent.

Still, a solid base platform to build from.

 

[TAS]

Went for a walk through part of Ritchie yesterday and counted 4 very large infills that were all single family homes. Was a bit surprising.

Of note in the latest Oh The Urbanity YouTube release, it was shared that 80% of Canadian households are 3 people or less. Seems like the higher density infill we're seeing in neighbourhoods with smaller square footage per unit is a good fit for that stat.

 

[ntt1]

View attachment 698291

Before:

 

[TAS]

I did a bike ride through Prince Charles Community today. A lot of quite nice infill - 8 unit midblock and on the corners.

Some more reputable builders like Bloc 53, House of Modernity and Platinum Living Homes.

 

[TAS]

More Prince Charles

 

[TAS]

Prince Charles

I really like this mid block 8 plex from House of Modernity. The two middle doors lead right to stairs for a unit that takes the 2nd and 3rd floor. Then another unit is on main floor and basement. All 8 units get a lot of light.

 

[thommyjo]

A lot of these 3 story projects look great on their own or next to each other, but I totally get the pushback from neighbours. It’s tough.

For the old bungalows, I’m less sympathetic as they’ll likely get better return from a large infill vs what they would have got 6 years ago for their lot.

But for any newer homes that might be bungalows, certain setbacks or yard orientations, or even styles, the aggressiveness of current infill is challenging.

 

[policyenthusiast]

There's a beautiful infill structure framed in Glenwood right now, with a big circular window. I will try to get a photo later today.

 

[TAS]

View attachment 730565

The thing I like least about this pic is the chain link fence in front of the duplex and zero landscaping except for grass. Most people don't enjoy outdoor yard work though so probably something very low maintenance is appealing?
New windows, capping, sidding doors look good. Looks like duplex may have basement suites, too. So maybe 4 units in there.

 

[policyenthusiast]

Cold Lake rental incentive set to offer $15,000 for each new unit built​

Cold Lake, AB – Cold Lake City Council revisited its Multiunit Rental Housing Incentive in an effort to help spur the development of purpose-built rentals in the community.

The current version of the program was passed in March of 2024 with an incentive worth $10,000 per door for each new rental dwelling built, provided the project created a minimum of four new rental dwellings. The program is approved with funding for up to 100 units. An even earlier version of the program received applications in 2013 and 2014 which resulted in 318 rental units being created and $2,297,500 in grants being disbursed.

At its Regular Council Meeting on April 14, Council decided to increase the Multiunit Rental Housing Incentive offered to $15,000 per door with the remaining provisions of the program intact.

“We’ve seen this incentive work in the community when we were under pressure from growth and, with what we know is on the horizon, we are doing our best to be in front of the wave,” Mayor Bob Mattice said. “We’ve heard from local builders that it is difficult to raise the capital needed for large rental projects, and rentals are the housing option that are often the most difficult to see built at scale in a rural community.”

Council reintroduced the program in 2024 as one of several measures intended to help position the community for significant growth in the coming years, as work is undertaken to prepare 4 Wing Cold Lake to accept Canada’s new fighter jet. Once that work is completed, growth will continue as it is expected that 4 Wing will see additional personnel needed to operate and maintain the new jet, as well as a modernized Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.

Administration has been told by members of the development community that capital for projects is difficult to negotiate with lenders, and government programs are not geared to supporting projects in rural settings.

“A welcoming and inclusive community requires a mix of housing options to ensure that something is available for everyone’s situation,” Mattice said. “Strengthening the business case for these projects with municipal support will pay dividends down the road when we can welcome new residents who are able to find housing that matches their needs.”