Edmonton, St Albert, & Area RE/MAX Real Estate Professional

Cities such as Edmonton, St Albert, and Sherwood Park are set to begin planning for higher housing density to help prevent urban sprawl. In addition to reducing sprawl, this will make transit systems more affordable and make areas more accessible for walking to amenities.

The idea of increasing the housing density makes economic sense for transit planning, land preservation, and property taxes although it also causes issues with the segment of the population that wants to live in a city but not feel like they live on top of their neighbours.

The planned housing density will be 30 to 45 housing units on a residential hectare. St Albert says it has a density average of about 18, with Sturgeon having the lowest density of approximately 13.5 units per hectare.

The City of St Albert has a section on it webpage about the proposed “Smart Growth” plan and its basis. You can find it at:

http://www.stalbert.ca/uploads/files/Smart%20Growth/Weekly_Bulletins/July%2023-09%20Bulletin%202%20-%20Capital%20Region%20Land%20use.pdf

The other question I have is how will these density targets affect infill developments in Edmonton, St Albert, and Sherwood Park. Existing neighbourhoods could be dramatically affected by these developments.

Now, for those considering Edmonton real estate or St Albert real estate purchases, older established neighbourhoods may have some extra draw due to their lower housing densities. Its truly a choice to be made, weighing all your options.

Ben Officer   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate (Edmonton)