Between balancing changing demographics, meeting population influxes, creating new household compositions, and working with different housing preferences, people are moving out of the core.

In fact, “80,000 people have left Edmonton’s core,” said St. Claire Aubin, Senior Planner with the City of Edmonton.

“We have to ask: Is it affordability, aging-in-place, or family needs that are causing this, and how do we change the narrative around infill?”

Throughout the city’s history, housing has continually adapted to reflect changing demographics, population influxes, lifestyles, and economic realities. Today, infill is able to continue that legacy by retrofitting unique homes while adding gentle density to pre-established neighbourhoods, allowing all types of residents to find a home that works for them.

Why Infill?

In Edmonton, infill isn’t a new concept; it’s a natural evolution of how the region has grown to meet the needs of its people.

“Infill can come in all shapes and sizes,” said Michelle Hoover, Partner at Habitat Studio.

“Whether through new builds or renovations, each project is unique, but the goal is consistent: creating more housing options for diverse households.” Trevor Hoover, Senior Designer and Owner at Habitat Studio, echoed the sentiment around bringing diversity into neighbourhoods. “These projects bring in new scale and design, offering distinctive spaces that appeal to different residents, all while enhancing mature neighbourhoods.”

Beyond variety, infill also supports sustainability and affordability. Features like net-zero construction, secondary rental suites, and careful site design help reduce environmental impact while lowering costs. “We’re seeing more gentle infill, like garage and secondary suites,” said St. Aubin. “This enables newcomers to have more housing options, and seniors to remain in the communities they’ve lived in for years.”

With Projects Come Permits

Like most projects in the industry, even gentle infill doesn’t always come easy. In June of 2025 alone, Edmonton issued 3,600 renovation and alteration permits, totaling $153 million in construction value.

Provincially, development activity has also been rising. From 2022 to 2023, Alberta saw a 17.7 per cent increase in development permits, along with a notable rise in rezoning applications. These trends not only reflect the growing demand, but also highlight the need for efficient approval processes.

More Units, More Options

The building industry is responding to population growth by delivering more diverse and flexible housing options. According to Michael Plamondon, Partner at Ackard Contracting, Edmonton has become a leader in housing policy, with updated zoning regulations now allowing more units per lot and encouraging sustainable development.

This flexibility opens the door to options like multi-generational housing and rental suites. “Infill projects show how housing can meet different needs within one property,” Plamondon noted, allowing families to live together while maintaining independence.

Meeting the Needs

Ultimately, gentle infill is all about balance – preserving neighbourhood character while adding needed density and diversity. It supports a more inclusive, sustainable, and livable city by offering housing choices that reflect how people actually live.

“We all want, or need, something different,” said Michelle Hoover. “Infill is a great way to meet that diversity of needs.”