- I support the Better Edmonton policy regarding the amendments that need to made regarding infill in our mature communities.
- I support Mayoral Candidate Tim Cartmell's position to made the amendments within the first 40 days in office.
- Attached is the Policy which will bring representation to the resident in the ward.
Better Edmonton Path to Infill Development
Voting Day is Today - this is a very important election to reset the development for our mature communities.
On Friday October 03rd, Ward Métis candidate forum, the PACE candidate promised to repeal the entire zoning bylaw — but has no plan for what comes next. That’s not bold. It’s reckless. Why? Because after “repeal,” there’s no plan, no timeline, and no accountability. That’s not leadership — that’s gambling with your vote.
Even PACE admits repeal is “complicated” and they’ll need to consult legal and provincial officials after the election to determine next steps??.
I DO NOT SUPPORT A BLANKET REPEAL: Why is PACE pushing Repeal - do they want to:
- Take controls away from our beautiful River Valley and agricultural zones
- Erase rules that guide responsible development and community planning
- Create legal gaps and uncertainty for residents and businesses
- Leave Industrial and Retail organizations in mayhem
- Create city wide chaos, as municipalities must have a land use bylaw
I do support the Better Edmonton policy, which commits to amending the RS (Residential) section within 40 days of election.
- That means real results that are socially and fiscally prudent.
- Not years of costly consultation and confusion.
LET’S BE CLEAR ...
- The zoning bylaw is not just a housing bylaw, many sections do not impact residential infill.
- Only one section — the RS (residential) portion — urgently needs to be fixed. Repealing the entire bylaw is unnecessary and irresponsible.
I say NO to a blanket repeal.
I say YES to:
- Community-driven infill
- Parking requirements
- Height and setback rules
- Real public engagement
Our communities deserve solutions — not slogans.
I’m ready to put that experience and passion to work for Ward Métis, helping our community thrive.
Vote Caroline Matthews; October 20, 2025
October 02, 2025 Post:
What matters to you? Caroline on zoning…
Why Edmonton Needs Infill Amendments – Not Blanket Repeal
Housing Affordability is Out of Reach
- New infill: $700,000+, Duplex: $500,000+
- Not affordable for families or first-time buyers
- Meanwhile, the City collects more taxes while residents are priced out of their neighbourhoods
What Residents Are Telling Me at the Doors
- Infrastructure gaps: sewers, drainage, power upgrades not keeping pace
- No parking solutions: overcrowded streets, frustration
- No traffic planning: more congestion and safety risks
- Flooding risks: aging infrastructure unaddressed
- Rising costs: long-time residents being forced out
People call it “blanket rezoning.” That’s exactly what it is: a one-size-fits-all policy that hands developers a free pass while homeowners pay the price.
Edmonton Homeowners Didn’t Create the Housing Crisis
- Federal and provincial policies drove population growth without preparing cities
- Communities are now left dealing with the fallout
Why Amendments Are the Answer, we must put:
- Infrastructure before density
- Affordability before profits
- Real consultation before developer interests
What the Bylaw Got Right
- Consolidated uses: 125 land uses cut down to 51, making the system simpler and supporting business flexibility
- Non-residential tax base: Edmonton has lost 12% in the past 4 years—rolling back progress would be irresponsible
-
Overlays simplified: Reduced from ten to three, while still protecting:
- Floodplains
- North Saskatchewan River Valley and River System
- Airport protection
What the Bylaw Got Terribly Wrong
- Elimination of the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay (MNO)
- Covered 111 older neighbourhoods
- Protected setbacks, height, and density
- Replaced by a blanket “Residential Small Scale” zone city-wide
- Result: established communities lost their protections
Leadership You Can Count On
- Growth with residents, not done to residents
- Clear, responsible, affordable planning
- Real consultation and real protections
Building it Better - A Smart Path for Infill in Edmonton
Reject blanket repeal – which
June 2025 post
I believe Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw MUST be amended immediately. More specifically, the SMALL RESIDENTIAL (RS) zoning portion of the bylaw must be amended immediately.
The RS Zoning changes that came into effect on January 01st, 2024 are causing significant and irreversible damage to our neighbourhoods. It disrespects the character and livability of our mature communities. It permits the construction of multi-story 8-plex’s - with no parking – eliminate privacy over single family homes. It offers no buffer between traditional homes and these more intense multi-occupancy complexes. Neighbouring property owners and communities are not consulted, and have no recourse. In mid June, after pressure from residents, a motion was made in city council to amend the 8 suite maximum to 6 suites. This still doesn't address the issues of parking, traffic, privacy and other impacts to the community. I am against unchecked growth over neighbourhoods. The proposed change will go to a public hearing June 30.
Some incumbent City Councillors are advocating for further up-zoning in the heart of our established neighbourhoods. This would mean even larger infill developments to be built. This would mean even more damage and heartache in our communities. I cannot - and will not - support this.
Some candidates are calling for the total “REPEAL” of the whole Zoning Bylaw. While that may sound like an appealing solution to the infill problems, perhaps these folks should “read it first” - before promising to throw ALL city developments into chaos.
Simply put, the Zoning Bylaw determines what can be built, where. It sets the rules for where new buildings should go, what types of buildings they can be, and what businesses and activities can happen on a property. It covers residential, business, commercial, industrial areas, parkland, agricultural and public utility zones. The last significant overhaul was completed in 1961 when Edmonton’s population was about 276,000. Our city’s population is now over one million, and growing. Changes were needed.
The new Zoning Bylaw came into effect as of January 01st, 2024. This condensed version is over 1,090 pages. The entire Zoning Bylaw should not be repealed, as some candidates are proposing.
Only a small portion of this bylaw relates to SMALL RESIDENTIAL (RS) zoning. THIS is the key area that they got VERY WRONG… and must be urgently AMENDED. As your City Councillor, I will fight to protect the residents, the unique community character and the livability of our mature neighbourhoods.
I’m Caroline Matthews and I am running to represent the residents of Ward Metis.
Drone view of 6 storey infill - Councillor Salvadore calls this "gentle infill"