Alberta government orders Edmonton to reverse infill zoning rules

The Alberta government has directed the city of Edmonton to roll back its 2024 infill zoning rules and reinstate minimum on-site parking requirements. Premier Danielle Smith announced the directive, stating that the province intends to return the city to pre-2024 regulations regarding housing types, density, and building heights. Smith characterized the previous zoning changes as the result of federal interference, describing funding from Ottawa as a “bribe” that disrupted local home-building processes.

Edmonton has three months to comply with the order while undergoing an 18-month review of its land-use rules. The province maintains that current policies are too permissive, potentially harming property values and causing parking shortages.

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack criticized the decision, calling it “uninformed” and warning that it could increase property taxes and reduce housing affordability by pushing growth to the city's periphery. Knack noted that the city is examining legal options, though he acknowledged that non-compliance could lead to the removal of council members under provincial powers granted in 2024.