BILD Advocates for Streamlined Infill Approval Process and Design Standards in Edmonton
In a significant move to address housing challenges, BILD Edmonton Metro has unveiled a comprehensive 22-point Infill Priority Actions Plan aimed at accelerating infill development in the city. The advocacy group, representing builders and developers, presented the plan during a press conference on Thursday, April 16, 2026, emphasizing the need to streamline approval processes and enforce design standards to meet Edmonton's long-term housing goals.
Addressing Infill Challenges in a Divisive Climate
Paul Lanni, BILD's vice-chairman and president of the Averton Group of Companies, highlighted the current climate surrounding infill projects. "Infill is under attack," he stated during a panel discussion at a luncheon for homebuilders and developers. Lanni pointed to several issues plaguing infill development, including:
- A series of arsons targeting under-construction infill projects
- Residents in neighborhoods like Crestwood and Glenora implementing restrictive covenants to hinder infill
- The failed 2025 attempt by former city councillor Tim Cartmell to impose an infill moratorium
- Calgary city council's recent repeal of a blanket zoning bylaw similar to Edmonton's
Despite these challenges, Lanni emphasized that stakeholders share more common ground than many assume. "As we developed this plan, we reviewed policies, housing data and extensive stakeholder feedback," he explained. "What we found is that there is far more alignment than many people assume across stakeholder groups."
The 22-Point Infill Priority Actions Plan
The newly unveiled plan focuses on several key areas to improve infill development in Edmonton:
- Streamlining Approval Processes: Developers report that infill projects can take as long to approve as 100-home greenfield developments in suburbs. BILD advocates for reducing these timelines significantly.
- Enhancing Communication: The plan calls for better engagement between infill builders and affected communities through clear communication and earlier involvement in the planning process.
- Enforcing Design Standards: BILD supports the city's 2025 design-standard provisions, which include requirements for front-facing windows, limitations on side entrances, and street-facing facades for all projects.
- Pre-Approved Plans: The organization suggests the city maintain a library of pre-approved plans that builders can use to expedite project starts.
Sydney Bond, chairwoman of BILD's infill committee and vice-president of Rescom, emphasized the plan's focus on relationship-building. "The plan is about strengthening relationships with communities through clear communication, earlier engagement and consistent expectations on how infill projects are delivered," she said. "Ultimately, success will require buy-in from the entire city. This plan is about shifting from reactive decision making toward long-term planning that provides stability for residents, investors and builders alike."
Meeting Edmonton's Housing Goals
As Edmonton's population continues to grow, the city faces increasing pressure to meet its ambitious housing targets. The municipal government has set a goal of ensuring that 50% of new housing in mature neighborhoods comes through higher-density infill projects. BILD believes their 22-point plan provides a practical framework to achieve this objective while addressing community concerns.
Kalen Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro, addressed concerns that faster approvals might compromise community engagement. "Communication doesn't need to be at cross-purposes with the speed of housing," Anderson argued. "In fact, I would argue that when the communication breaks down within an ecosystem of community partners, that's when timeline likes start to grow. That's when frustration grows."
The organization's plan represents a significant effort to balance the need for increased housing density with community preservation and design quality. By advocating for both streamlined processes and design standard enforcement, BILD aims to create a more efficient system that still protects the character of Edmonton's established neighborhoods.
