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About this episode of the I Love Edmonton Real Estate Podcast
Now that the city elections are done once again, it’s a good time to look back on this episode that the I Love Edmonton Real Estate, did with city Councillor Andrew Knack! In this episode, originally uploaded in 2017, Jason Scott talks real estate matters with Incumbent City Councillor of Ward 1 (now named Nakota Isga), Andrew Knack. The two discuss infill, rezoning and geographic factors that affect real estate on many levels.
Here are a few of the key points from their discussion, to give you some further insight into both Andrew and Jason’s thoughts on each of the topics that are covered. Episode show notes follow.
What do the people of Ward 1 (now named Nakota Isga) say about infill?
The feedback from the public in Ward 1 regarding infill has been relatively mixed so far. There are some people who are happy to see new development in their communities, as they this new development will positively impact the value of their own homes. There are others who are concerned about new development in their communities because of certain issues like construction in their neighborhood.
The City Council understands these concerns and has been working to enhance building and construction practices and increase fines for those who don’t follow the rules.
What issues can arise from a lack of geographic constraints like we see in Edmonton?
Vancouver has mountains and the ocean that place geographic constraints on expansion within those local communities. Edmonton has no such geographical constraints on its development.
This does not mean that unlimited development into these outlying areas is the right thing to do. Andrew mentions that Edmonton cannot grow out forever as there are a lot of challenges that would arise if the city were to do so. Financially, the city would be challenged by having to build additional police and fire stations, parks and libraries. Further expansion would also cause more schools to close due to low enrollment and negative impacts on agricultural industries as premium agricultural land is used up for real estate development.
What are Andrew’s goals for senior development?
Edmonton is home to many mature communities that don’t have adequate development for seniors. Currently, the only available options are bungalows or condos, with not many options in between the two.
Andrew would like to see the next City Council work to rectify this issue by rezoning certain areas to allow for more variety in development.
In the podcast, Jason and Andrew also discuss the hot topic of lot splitting, St. Albert Trail, barriers when rezoning is needed and the new LRT. You can listen to the entire podcast above, or feel free to contact Jason Scott or Andrew Knack for more information!
Episode Show Notes:
Introduction
Andrew Knack lives in Jasper Park and has called Ward 1 (now named Nakota Isga) home for over 15 years. He was first elected as Councillor of Ward 1 in 2013.
As City Councillor his duties have included
- Chair, Edmonton Urban Planning Committee
- Member, Edmonton City Council Audit Committee
- Councillor Responsible For:
- Seniors Initiative
- Public Engagement Initiative
- Transit Initiative
- Post-Secondary Initiative; and,
- Active Transportation Initiative
[1:55] Ward 1 (now named Nakota Isga) as some of the oldest communities. Areas like Crestwood and Parkview.
[2:27] What have the people in your Ward been saying about Infill?
- It’s mixed. Some people are happy to see housing go up they see it as a way to increase their property values. Others are concerned about construction and don’t think that infill will increase their property values.
{4:10] Many of the older communities have seen their populations drop considerably over the last 30 years. Schools have fewer enrollments, and fewer businesses can stay open without a strong population base. This is part of the natural life cycle of a city. The council has been working to enhance building practices and imposing fines on those who are not following the rules.
[4:50] Edmonton has no geographic constraints on growth. What sort of issues do you see coming from that?
- We can’t grow out forever. It’s challenging for the city’s suitability, and we would need to build all new services like police stations, fire halls, parks, and libraries.
- Outward growth would eat up farmlands.
- The more the population spreads out, more schools get shut down because of low attendance
[10:00] Many mature communities don’t have proper developments for seniors. It’s either a bungalow or a condo with nothing in between. That is something I would like to see the next council tackle by rezoning these areas to allow for the development of more variety. Infill is not just for young families, it can be for seniors too.
[12:15] One of the hot topics in mature neighborhoods is lot splitting and the building of skinny homes. I know you have some experience with this, can you tell us a little bit more?
[14:30] From my own experience with infill, I learned that it takes a lot longer than a traditional construction and it’s a good bit more expensive.
[19:24] St.Albert Trail is the perfect location for townhouses, but you don’t see it happening. Why not?
- When Edmonton used to do neighborhood structure plans, they used to do the rezoning at the time of the plan. But what has happened recently is the plans get approved to buy, and no rezoning happens. This creates a new set of barriers.
[25:08] Do you think there is a will from the city to reduce the amount of red tape?
- We have a process to green light builders who have proven their quality. We do not have the same process for infill, but there is a plan in the works to implement a similar program.
[25:55] Tell us a bit more about the LRT?
- In April 2017 the city made the decision to fund the land acquisition costs. We are also updating the design work.
- The only thing that could stop progress is if the provincial government does not approve funding.
- Our last reports (if everything goes smoothly) construction can start as early as spring 2019 to early 2020.
- The west LRT (along with the SW LRT) are being designed using the low floor model “streetcar style”. It is a model used in cities like Portland and Minneapolis.
[32:00] What are your thoughts on Rossdale?
- I think there is a desire to see the area improve.
- We have to work with the community to make the project a success.
[33:50] We don’t take advantage of the River Valley like we should.
[36:10] Do you think there is a chance of overdevelopment downtown?
- I’m not as concerned with a slowdown in the tower market. Most of the slowdowns have been the B and C class buildings, not A class.
- I think there will be an opportunity to repurpose the B and C buildings into lower-cost residential housing.
- We know that it is something we have to keep our eye on and we have to be able to act quickly and nimbly if it becomes an issue.
[38:15] What about the east side?
- You don’t solve something like that overnight.
- Unlike the Ice district, there is not just one project that can create that spark of billions of dollars of additional development.
[43:00] If you get re-elected, what do you want to see council do next?
- The next council is responsible for updating the next 10-year redevelopment plan.
- That document does not only impact land use it affects transportation, the economy, and our environment.
References
Contact Andrew Knack
Web: www.andrewknack.com
Tel: 780-932-7630
More About the I Love Edmonton Real Estate Podcast
Host Jason Scott of The Mortgage Group talks to everyone and anyone who knows real estate in Edmonton.
Learn from local experts and get the inside scoop on anything that impacts Edmonton’s real estate market. Whether you are thinking of buying, selling or investing in the Edmonton market, Jason and his guests are here to help.
We interview top real estate professionals, decision-makers, influencers, and people who can help you learn more about what’s happening in Edmonton.