Point Access Blocks: A New Pathway for Housing in Edmonton

What’s a Point Access Block, and Why Does It Matter?

For decades, North American apartments have mostly followed the double-loaded corridor model—long, hotel-like hallways with units on both sides, two required stairwells at opposite ends, and a focus on code compliance over design flexibility. While this approach works, it’s not always ideal for small urban lots or for creating the best living spaces.

Point Access Blocks take a different approach. Instead of long hallways and redundant circulation space, a single staircase serves a small number of units per floor (typically two to four). This design allows for:

• More livable apartments with windows on multiple sides, better ventilation, and more flexible layouts.
• Better fit for infill development, particularly on smaller lots where two staircases make buildings inefficient.
• More cost-effective construction by reducing wasted square footage on hallways and stairs.
• More human-scale buildings that feel integrated into existing neighborhoods, rather than oversized or bulky.

Why Haven’t We Seen These Before?

In Canada, fire codes have historically required two exit stairs for buildings over two storeys, regardless of whether modern fire safety features—such as sprinklers, smoke management systems, or fire-rated construction—could make a single stair just as safe.

Many other countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, have long allowed well-designed single-stair buildings that meet or exceed safety standards through other measures. The City of Edmonton’s new Alternative Solution Guide is helping bring our processes in line with global best practices by setting clear expectations for how Point Access Blocks can be safely built here.

What’s in Edmonton’s Alternative Solution Guide?

The Point Access Block Alternative Solution Guide, issued in early 2025, provides a structured pathway for developers to get single-stair buildings approved under the existing Alberta Building Code. Since these buildings don’t fit within standard “acceptable solutions,” they must be approved through an Alternative Solution process, which requires proving that they offer an equal or better level of safety than conventional two-stair designs.

The guide covers:

• Regulatory Framework – How alternative solutions work under Alberta’s building code and Edmonton’s process for reviewing PAB proposals.
• Problem Definition – Why two staircases were historically required and how modern fire safety technology allows for a re-evaluation of that standard.
• Risk Assessment & Fire Safety Measures, including:
  • Fire-resistant construction and sprinkler systems.
  • Pressurized stairwells to prevent smoke buildup.
  • Vestibules or exterior corridors to keep smoke from reaching the stairwell.
• Design Considerations – How PABs up to six storeys can meet safety standards through smoke control, stairwell protection, and other strategies.
• Application Process – Steps for developers to submit an Alternative Solution proposal, including required technical documentation and professional involvement.

One key takeaway from the guide is that Point Access Blocks are not an automatic approval—developers must still work through the Alternative Solution process to demonstrate compliance. But for the first time, there’s a clear framework to follow, which should significantly streamline approvals for well-designed projects.

What This Means for Developers

For infill developers, the City’s guide removes a major roadblock to building more space-efficient, well-designed multi-family housing. With a defined pathway to approval, it’s now easier to propose projects that take advantage of PABs’ benefits—especially on smaller, urban lots where traditional two-stair designs don’t make sense.

Beyond just regulatory clarity, this shift also opens up new possibilities for creating better urban housing. Edmonton’s housing market needs more livable, mid-scale options, and Point Access Blocks provide a way to increase density while improving unit quality and affordability.

How Situate Can Help

Navigating the Alternative Solution process for a Point Access Block isn’t as simple as a standard development approval, and that’s where Situate comes in.

Our team specializes in rezoning, approvals, and alternative solutions for urban redevelopment projects. If you’re interested in exploring how a Point Access Block could work for your next project, let’s talk. Situate can help you navigate the process and bring your project to life.