What’s the Latest: Crestwood residents fear 8-plex ‘sandwiches’ being fast-tracked before provincial deadline
Residents of the Crestwood neighbourhood in Edmonton are concerned about numerous applications submitted to build new 8-plexes before a provincial deadline. Area councillor Reed Clarke confirmed that no permits have been approved yet and the city administration has assured that no applications are being fast-tracked.
Numerous building applications for eightplex developments have been submitted to the City of Edmonton ahead of a November 8 deadline, as local builders seek to take advantage of existing zoning laws. City councillor Reed Clarke reported that no permits have yet been approved for the specified street and assured residents that the approval timeline remains unchanged despite speculation of expedited processing.
Crestwood residents are taking action to prevent further ‘eightplex sandwiches’ in their neighbourhood, with plans to explore an appeal route if new developments proceed. Area councillor Reed Clarke has assured the community that no permits have been approved for the street in question and stated, “That timeline is not being sped up.”
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether any permits for the proposed developments have actually been approved by the City of Edmonton.
Crestwood residents concerned about potential fast-tracked 8-plex developments
Residents of Edmonton’s Crestwood neighbourhood are expressing concerns about a possible influx of new 8-plex developments in their community. Numerous applications for these multi-unit buildings have been submitted to the City of Edmonton prior to a provincial deadline that may restrict such projects. The prospect of large infill developments is raising alarms among locals who fear significant changes to the character of their established neighbourhood.
Crestwood resident Terry Paranych, a real estate agent and developer, articulated the sentiment shared by many: “This is something that is destroying neighbourhoods. It’s pitting neighbours against each other, creating a horrible cause-and-effect.” With 20 years of experience in property redevelopment, Paranych emphasised the importance of maintaining the existing look and feel of established communities.
In response to residents’ concerns, the provincial government intervened last month, directing the City of Edmonton to revert to earlier zoning regulations regarding housing types and density. The city has until January 22, 2027, to comply with this order. Many in the community, such as resident Nancy Sorensen, welcomed this move, stating, “We thought, wonderful, now we’re going to have the opportunity to work with the city, and the city working with the province.”
However, residents feel that the city and developers are hurriedly trying to approve applications under the current regulations before the deadline. Evan Wood, another Crestwood resident, expressed this worry: “We feel that these permits are being expedited.” Attention has also turned to the possibility of developing “8-plex sandwiches,” where large multi-unit buildings would overshadow existing single-family homes.
City councillor Reed Clarke acknowledged the residents’ concerns, confirming he has been in communication with them about the developments. He assured the community that no permits have yet been approved and emphasised that the permit review process remains thorough, stating, “That timeline is not being sped up.” While residents await clarification on the future of these developments, they are prepared to take action, with Wood mentioning the potential for appeals to safeguard their neighbourhood’s character.