The City Plan identifies Priority Growth Areas, which are the nodes and corridors (urban centres and main streets) in Edmonton’s redeveloping area (roughly inside the Anthony Henday) expected to see the most near-term growth. Both The City Plan and District Plans encourage development intensification in these areas and around mass transit - like an LRT stop - to support Edmonton’s growth management goals.
Why does it matter?
By focusing on Priority Growth Areas, the City can coordinate its resources and leverage existing and planned transit to help create a healthy urban, climate-resilient city where residents have access to a variety of housing and transportation options and can meet their daily needs close to home.
How will Housing Accelerator Fund help?
One barrier to residential infill development is the initial cost to design and install off site infrastructure, such as water, wastewater and storm systems, electrical distribution systems and street lighting, and mobility improvements like sidewalks, alleys and traffic lights. This is particularly true in cases where the infrastructure built by one developer benefits multiple parcels, because the first developer bears the full cost.
Through a HAF-funded program, the City will help offset infrastructure costs in the short-term for residential and mixed use development in Priority Growth Areas, within 800 metres of mass transit in the redeveloping area, or non-market affordable housing projects in the redeveloping area.
The City will also create a plan for how it can use HAF funds to prioritize the development of non-market affordable housing in Priority Growth Areas.
Milestones
Infill infrastructure fund
- Launches Quarter 3 2024 (further details on the application process, including eligibility criteria, will be available at that time)
Priority Growth Area Rezonings
- Public Engagement: Summer/Fall 2024
- Public Hearing: 2025
Affordable Housing Land Acquisition Framework: 2025