Tensions are boiling over into the courts as Parkview residents resist multiple infill housing projects. "There's a human cost to this. It's not just about our property values going down or the noise or the parking issues," said resident Corisandra Leyton-High.
Lawn signs reflect growing tension
Along 88 Avenue in Edmonton's Parkview neighbourhood, lawn signs highlight the conflict. Signs read "your neighbourhood is changing," warn about "infill math," and note that a single build could mean 16 doors, 32 people, 16 garbage bins, and 32 cars. For-sale signs and development notices also stir the community.
Leyton-High, who lives in an infill herself, supports adding density with duplexes and fourplexes. "Stretching it would be six, but not eight," she said. However, she is now worried about multiple multi-unit infills coming to her neighbourhood.
Appeal to prevent multi-unit builds
Documents show Leyton-High and other residents are appealing to prevent builder Davach Properties from executing plans for two multi-unit builds. Her case was dismissed by the Edmonton Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in May, but she has filed with the Alberta Court of Appeal, with a hearing set for early August.
Central to her case is that the plans lack necessary clearance for a path, retaining wall, swale, and fence posts. "Those lots are not very big. I don't understand how they're going to fit them," she said. The May decision ruled the plans allowed enough space, calling concerns about the retaining wall and swale "speculative."
A Davach Properties spokesperson declined to comment, as the matter is before the courts.
Dramatic changes in zoning
The Parkview case comes amid heated tensions over infill after Edmonton introduced a new zoning bylaw in 2024, aiming to increase densification. It permits buildings with up to eight units in developed neighbourhoods, requiring at least 75 square metres per unit.
Leyton-High says the bylaw is too vague and should be tweaked, especially if multiple eightplexes are built back-to-back. She fears that is happening in her neighbourhood and that the developer plans more eightplexes. Residents face pressure to sell, some to the same developer, amid concerns over shrinking property values and neighborhood changes.
"There is a human cost to this. It's not just about our property values going down or the noise or the parking issues," she emphasized.
