Edmonton has high level plans which outlines where things are built such as residential housing, commercial business, parks, schools, etc. The North East corner in the neighbourhood of Griesbach has somewhat been a blank slate as the Neighbourhood Structure Plan hadn’t been fully detailed - until now. The proposed development for Griesbach’s North East corner came to Public Hearing on February 20, 2024 for amending the Neighbourhood Structure Plan - and it passed.
The plan for this portion of Griesbach will allow for the following to be built by Canada Lands:
Increasing density and diversity in residential housing options(eg; single family homes, townhouses, multi-unit buildings up to 6 storeys, affordable housing, and mixed-use)
Commercial areas (eg; local coffee shop, retail stores)
New green spaces for community activities and gathering
Active mode infrastructure (eg; shared use paths, shared streets)
The amendments to the plan passed at Council with unanimous approval. I voted yes to the changes, however, it wasn’t a straightforward decision for me.
The NE corner of Griesbach is currently home to many residents who are valued members of the community. The properties in that area are owned and operated byCanada Landsand the reality is that the 1950’s military housing is aging. Regardless of whether the amendments passed or not, Canada Lands could choose to no longer rent out the homes on this land. I’ve heard concerns from the community regarding displacing the people who currently live there in order to make way for the development and I share these concerns. At the same time, I am heartened to see that Canada Lands has taken a balanced approach throughout this process of compassion and support - including providing a housing liaison to assist folks with finding comparable housing for their needs and budget, as well as 3 years notice to residents who will need to move. This is definitely not something that is commonly seen from many landlords.
Canada Lands was right to step up for the people who call this corner of Griesbach home, as well as engaging with the broader community, and they are going above and beyond city policy in what they are proposing (including turning over more land to the city for park space than required and exceeding the city’s goal of 16% of neighbourhood housing being dedicated to affordable housing).
During the public hearing I brought forward concerns I heard from residents about ensuring traffic safety, cost of maintenance for the features planned, and the quality and quantity of the units being demolished vs. built (for example loss of a 3 bedroom unit that is replaced by a 1 bedroom unit is not like for like).
What’s next?
Canada Lands has indicated that they will be developing the area in phases. More information on the project phases can be found here.
My commitment to residents is to continue working with Canada Lands to ensure great community spaces that welcome a diversity of people to this amazing community in North Edmonton.
