Hundreds of Edmontonians rallied at city hall on Sunday to protest the city’s infill bylaws, as residents and housing advocates argued over the effects of multiplex construction in mature neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods United organized the rally and called for changes to make infill more sustainable. The group’s co-founder, Jaclyn Soroka, said, “It’s poor planning at the core of it,” adding, “And that’s what we’re here to do, is help the city understand that there is a better way to do infill.”

Multiplexes have become common across Edmonton since a zoning bylaw took effect two years ago. Subsequent amendments allowed developers to build multiplexes with as many as eight units on lots previously occupied by single-family homes. Residents at the rally said the volume of construction is straining established neighbourhoods.

City council approved zoning bylaw changes in the spring to lower infill height limits. Those limits took effect in August, but some residents say the measures do not go far enough. Soroka said, “I think a lot of councilors are of the opinion that that was enough. And we’re telling them it’s not. There is more work to be done. There is more consultation with neighborhoods on how this can be done better.”

Grow Together Edmonton organizer Jacob Dawang attended the rally and argued that infill helps address housing demand, particularly in desirable neighbourhoods that are not always affordable. “We’re trying to repopulate our neighbourhoods and bring them back to where they were built,” he said. Dawang added, “People of all walks of life finally are able to call the neighbourhoods they love home and come back and repopulate our mature neighbourhoods.” Protesters surrounded him as he spoke with reporters and challenged his claims.

Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz has moved a motion for a design check-in on infill projects. He said, “It’s clear more work needs to be done in getting word out about how design is being improved, how construction of accountability is being improved in some areas and some of their other complaints.”

Some protesters said the increase in infill housing is reducing their homes’ value. City administration is preparing a public report to assess market value impacts. The report is scheduled to go to city council in the third quarter of 2027. CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti contributed to the report.

Based on reporting by CTV News Edmonton.