In a significant move to address housing needs and urban density, the City of Edmonton is developing a new initiative designed to dramatically accelerate the approval process for infill housing projects. The plan, known as the standardized design initiative, aims to cut down approval wait times that currently stretch for months.
Fighting the 'Notion' Against the Missing Middle
The city's ambitious goal, as outlined in the Edmonton City Plan, is for half of all new constructions to be infill developments. A key part of this strategy involves challenging the resistance to denser housing forms in established neighbourhoods. The initiative is actively fighting the notion that the 'missing middle'—housing types like duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes—doesn't belong in existing communities.
How the Fast-Track Plan Works
The core of the new strategy is the creation of a Housing Design Catalogue. This catalogue will feature 12 pre-approved, ready-to-build designs, with seven of them being specifically tailored for Edmonton's context. Developers and builders who select a design from this catalogue would benefit from a streamlined, fast-track approval process.
This is a potential game-changer for the industry. Mauricio Ochoa, president of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) and owner of FCX Developments, expressed strong support. He highlighted the current frustrating delays, stating, "Sometimes we can wait three to six months for approval, it would be very positive if we could get [it] in a couple of weeks."
The initiative was a central topic at the IDEA symposium held on Thursday, November 14, 2025, at the Matrix Hotel. Tenchoe Dorjee, the implementation lead for the city’s Housing Action Team, presented the plan and emphasized the need for swift action. The city is motivated to move quickly so local builders can capitalize on funding available through the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund.
Contentious History and Future Studies
Infill development has been a source of debate in Edmonton. In the summer of 2025, city council implemented new architectural controls for infill projects. These included rules on side entrances, window coverage on front facades, and limits on the length of mid-block developments.
However, a proposal to limit mid-block infill projects to six units or less, supported by Mayor Andrew Knack and Coun. Michael Janz, was narrowly defeated in a 6-5 council vote. The impact of larger projects, such as eightplexes, will be the subject of a further study expected in 2026.
By introducing pre-approved designs, Edmonton hopes to balance neighbourhood character with the urgent need for more diverse and attainable housing options, bringing the vision of a denser, more vibrant city closer to reality.
