It is impossible to miss Jay and Val Gendall's house — the one with the bright red "STOP" sign warning about the multi-plex planned next door. Their message is now drawing attention from political leaders across all levels of government.
The Edmonton senior couple were preparing for a holiday when they first spotted a development notice for what they say will be a three-storey, five-unit building that could tower 10 feet over their Sweetgrass home. They worry the build will block sunlight, bring an influx of cars, people, and noise, while threatening the neighborhood's character and their property's value.
"We've been here for 33 years, and the funds from our house are for our retirement," said Val Gendall. The number of bathrooms and bedrooms has the couple concerned that it might not remain just five units. They fear it could be adapted for more rooms and used as a lodging house, leaving them powerless to act.
Federal and Provincial Leaders Take Notice
At an infill town hall event on Saturday, Jay Gendall stood among a crowd of political leaders and fellow homeowners to share his plight, echoed by many others. The event comes as residents work to impose restrictive covenants and appeal new infill developments after the city's 2024 zoning policy changed what can be built in residential neighborhoods.
Speakers matched each other's frustration and anger toward the previous city council for passing the zoning bylaw and the current council for not amending it. Now, other political leaders are backing those opposed to the city's infill policies, with some looking to the province for action.
Jesse Watson, a former city council candidate and owner of Boxcar Coffeeshop, reiterated what a man from Lansdowne and others had said — that one option lies with the provincial government. "It is possible; we just need the will of the people who believe in change," Watson said. He urged attendees to ask sympathetic councillors to submit inquiries to the city administration and to start attending and filibustering city meetings to control agendas.
Chief government whip and Leduc-Beaumont UCP MLA Brandon Lunty told the crowd that Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams asked him to attend. "He's really interested," Lunty said, adding that staff from Williams' office were also present. Jack Alarie, a spokesperson for the minister, said Williams considers how the government can support development that helps young people own homes in safe, affordable, family-friendly communities.
