Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Challenge

Located along a key arterial road within Edmonton’s Centre City node, the properties south of 100 Avenue NW and west of 109 Street NW were well-positioned for redevelopment. However, existing Community Mixed Use (CMU) zoning limited the scale of development allowed on the site, falling short of the City Plan’s vision for high-density, mixed-use growth in the downtown core. This disconnect created a barrier to intensification in an area primed for new housing, commercial activity, and urban vibrancy.

Approach

Situate worked with the F&F Holdings to proactively explore ways to increase the site’s development potential. After carefully evaluating a range of standard rezoning options for policy alignment, built form outcomes, and contextual fit, a targeted amendment to increase the maximum height in the CMU Zone emerged as the most balanced and effective approach. To support the application, Situate also launched a dedicated project webpage to share information and gather feedback, and reached out early with the Downtown Edmonton Community League to foster transparency and build trust.

Outcome

On August 19, 2024, City Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment, bringing the site’s zoning into alignment with broader policy objectives and enabling future high-rise, mixed-use redevelopment. This project demonstrates how a proactive, policy-informed approach, grounded in strategic analysis and early community engagement, can help remove barriers and unlock development potential.