This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes a few efforts to gather feedback on what should be allowed in Garneau, plus in-person sessions on recreation in Leduc, a survey on Strathcona County's 2027 budget, and budget engagements in all 12 of Edmonton's wards.
The City of Edmonton is looking for feedback on a rezoning application for 11054 84 Avenue NW. The property is currently zoned under the Garneau special character residential zone, which aims to maintain the neighbourhood's character while still allowing infill development. The zone applies to properties in a portion of the neighbourhood between 83 Avenue and 86 Avenue, and between 109 Street and 111 Street.
Anonymous Architecture has proposed a new direct control zone that would allow for six units instead of four, a half-metre increase in height, and 5% more site coverage. The proposed zone would require building details and finishing materials common to the early 1900s and existing single-detached housing in the area. A survey on the rezoning is open until April 26. The feedback will be summarized and presented to council when the application is discussed at a public hearing.
The application would also trigger administrative updates to bring the special zone in line with the city-wide zoning bylaw, which was approved in 2023. Most of the regulations in the special zone are the same, with minor changes proposed to side setbacks. The city is accepting feedback on changes to the special zone until April 26.
Meanwhile, the Garneau Community League is looking for input into its own proposed amendments to the zoning bylaw and district policy aimed at enhancing the neighbourhood character protection. "As our neighbourhood continues to densify, Garneau residents are looking to preserve our heritage character and ensure continued livability for residents of all demographics and life stages," the league said.
The league has proposed expanding the special character residential area zone to sections north of 87 Avenue, south of 82 Avenue, and east of 109 Street. It also wants to modify the zone to limit lodging houses and microsuites, allow backyard housing with regulations, add design requirements, and require that developers retain trees.
The league said new development in Garneau has been one-dimensional and mostly focuses on small homes aimed at students, reducing housing diversity. This has been exacerbated by the priority growth area project, the league added.
The league is asking residents to suggest additions or subtractions to the proposed amendment, among other feedback. "By amending the plan, we hope to ensure that more of Garneau's historic character is considered in its future growth, even as we support thoughtful, well integrated densification throughout the neighbourhood," the league said.
The league will hold in-person engagement sessions on April 11 and 14 at Garneau School. There will be a survey open from April 11 to May 4.
The Garneau Community League is looking for input into its community-led amendment to the district plan and zoning bylaw to protect heritage homes. (Stephanie Swensrude)
Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:
- April 9: Residents of Ward Dene are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Junior High School.
- Until April 10: Fort Saskatchewan is looking for input on a new land use bylaw.
- April 12: The City of Edmonton is looking for input on naturalization planting in the southwest neighbourhoods of Allard, Cavanagh, Callaghan, Desrochers, Chappelle, and Heritage Valley.
- April 13: The City of Leduc is holding public hearings on proposed amendments to the municipal development plan and amendments to the Black Stone Area Structure Plan.
- April 13 to 30: The City of Leduc is launching a series of public engagement calls on recreation programming. A survey opens on April 13, with residents able to register their interest in participating in a focus group in May.
- April 14: Residents of Ward Sspomitapi are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at Ridgewood Community Hall.
- April 14: Sturgeon County will be holding a public hearing on amendments to its land use bylaw related to regulations governing resource extraction.
- Until April 15: The City of Edmonton has launched its annual survey to gather feedback on communications related to parking bans, service levels, and other winter maintenance matters.
- April 15: Residents of Ward papastew are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at L.Y Cairns School.
- Until April 16: Parkland County is encouraging residents to browse through vacancies and apply to join a committee or board.
- April 16: Residents of Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at St. Teresa Catholic School.
- Until April 18: Strathcona County is inviting residents to take its 2027 budget survey.
- Until April 19: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on the development of the West 240 neighbourhood, which is bounded by 62 Avenue to the north and 122 Street to the east. An open house will be held on April 9 at the Alfred H. Savage Centre.
- Until April 19: The City of Edmonton has launched a survey to gather input as it develops its new Heritage Places Strategy.
- April 20: Residents of Ward Métis are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at Highlands School.
- April 21: St. Albert is hosting public hearings on two proposed bylaws relating to recreational land use.
- April 21: Residents of Ward pihêsiwin are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at Whitemud Creek Community Centre.
- April 22: Residents of Ward Anirniq are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at St. Lucy Catholic Elementary School.
- April 23 Residents of Ward Nakota Isga are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at St. Thomas More Catholic Junior High School.
- Until April 24: Parkland County is holding a series of information sessions on the Acheson Industrial Area Structure Plan on various dates until April 23; a survey to gather feedback will be open until April 24.
- April 27: Parkland County is holding a public hearing to adopt the Commercial Amendment Bylaw to redistrict a piece of land in the Village of Seba Beach.
- April 27: Residents of Ward tastawiyiniwak are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre.
- April 28: Residents of Ward O-day'min are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at Westglen Elementary School.
- April 29: Residents of Ward Karhiio are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at Blessed John Paul I Elementary.
- April 30: Residents of Ward sipiwiyiniwak are invited to an in-person engagement on Edmonton's 2027-2030 budget at S. Bruce Smith School.
- Until May 1: The City of Edmonton is asking residents to give their input on the upcoming 2027-2030 budget through a survey and budget balancing tool.
"Your turn" is Taproot's weekly collection of public engagement opportunities in the Edmonton region. Watch this space every week for opportunities to make your views known. If you know of a request for public input, send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca.