CTV News Edmonton has reported:

Alberta says Edmonton can continue work on infill projects already underway and accept permit applications under its current zoning rules until the city amends them. The clarification follows the province’s order last week for Edmonton to reverse its zoning bylaws, which left developers and the city seeking details about what was expected.

“The City of Edmonton is expected to amend their land-use bylaw within three months, to align with the direction of the Government of Alberta,” a Ministry of Municipal Affairs spokesperson said in an email. The ministry said permit applications under existing rules remain possible under the Municipal Government Act.

Last week, Premier Danielle Smith told Edmonton it had until early January to restore zoning rules to their pre-2024 state, when multiplexes were not common on single-family lots. The three-month change is expected to reinstate the city’s earlier parameters for infill housing types, density and height, as well as minimum on-site parking requirements. Edmonton removed those parking requirements in 2020.

After the changes, an 18-month review period is intended to give council time to consult the public about its approach to high-density infill and “ensure it is done within the policy statement set out by the province.” The government said it would continue meeting with Edmonton and Calgary to discuss “the announcement and support them as they work through the next steps.”

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack has criticized the provincial move as an “overreach” and called for greater clarity on the policy expectations. Speaking to CTV News Edmonton on Thursday, he said: “We’re now a week since the announcement was made, nothing’s been provided in writing,” and added, “There’s no way for city staff to begin work until we know what the province actually needs to be done.”

Edmonton city council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting Friday to discuss the provincial directive.