Making the best of mature neighbourhood enhancements: infill and what it means

Many of you attended the Hazeldean Community League Annual General Meeting last month, where representatives from the City of Edmonton presented on infill and its potential impact on mature neighbourhoods like Hazeldean. 

The city is currently undergoing a review process to its Mature Neighbourhood Overlay, which is a part of the Zoning Bylaw that requires development that better suits older communities with tree-lined streets and smaller lots. The current MNO contains 24 regulations that modify the existing zoning and includes items like the amount of space between buildings and property lines, window placement and driveway locations.

With a new influx of development in mature neighbourhoods, and after almost fifteen years since its creation, it’s time for the MNO to undergo a review. The goals of the MNO review are to:

• improve the MNO as a tool that supports suitable new development in our mature neighbourhoods
• reduce the need for variances during the permitting process by re-evaluating regulations for mature and established neighbourhoods
• improve the development approvals process and provide clarity for citizens and builders
  
  

Why does this matter to the residents of Hazeldean?

As Edmonton grows, it’s important for residents in mature neighbourhoods to share their opinions about how new residents can be welcomed into their communities without losing the qualities that make each community special and
unique. These qualities can include the look and feel of streets, homes and buildings, and the presence of tree lined streets and alleys.

Representation from the Hazeldean Community League was present at a consultation session on Oct. 27 to provide feedback on the MNO, specifically in reference to the components of infill we heard feedback on at our AGM.
Issues raised during the consultation pertain to set backs from the sidewalk, side setbacks of appropriate width, hard and softscape standards and shadow issues. 

Another topic that was raised was more information sharing when a variance to a bylaw is submitted. It was proposed that the Community League board be made aware of all variance requests, so that the information can be shared and
explained, and that the board can advocate on behalf of those affected, if requested. 

Once the consultation is complete, city planners will compile the recommendations put forward by members of Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues for presentation to City Council. This is expected to occur in February 2017. 

Information on the MNO can be found here and, as information is made available to the Hazeldean Community League board, it will be posted on our website.

Cait Wills, civics director
Hazeldean Community League