Edmonton Considering Sprawl Control Measures

Under a proposed standard, developing neighborhoods in Edmonton would be required to fully build out infrastructure and community facilities, like retail and amenities, before the city approves additional development.

1 minute read

August 31, 2023, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Edmonton, Canada

LisaBourgeault / Shutterstock

The Edmonton, Alberta City Council is considering a “substantial completion standard,” which would limit development approvals in 91 developing neighborhoods around the city.

“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,” reports Natasha Riebe in an article for the CBC. The city’s urban planning and economy department recently presented the standards to a council committee.

“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,” explains Riebe.

Edmonton city councilors say that controlling sprawl “is crucial to keep the budget in line as the city struggles to provide basic services,” according to Riebe.

More on the political debate about the new rules, including references to 15-minute city concepts and density, are include in the source article, linked below.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 in CBC News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Streetcar and bus stopped at station on Market Street in San Francisco with Ferry Building visible in background.

Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street

If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.

April 16 - San Francisco Examiner

Parklet with wooden benches and flower boxes on street in Ireland.

Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces

Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.

April 16 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Bronze statue of homeless man (Jesus) with head down and arm outstretched in front of St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.

April 16 - The New York Times