WPCL’s Support for Zoning Updates and Thoughtful Neighbourhood Development
Planning for a Better Windsor Park: WPCL’s Support for Zoning Updates and Context-Sensitive Growth
Over the past several months, the Windsor Park Community League’s Development Committee has been actively reviewing zoning proposals and advocating for thoughtful, appropriate development – both within our neighbourhood and across Edmonton. Our goal is to ensure that future growth aligns with Windsor Park’s character, supports liveability, and respects community context.
City-Wide Planning Improvements: WPCL Supports Key Zoning Amendments
Following careful consideration and a recommendation from our Development Committee, WPCL supports proposed amendments to Edmonton’s District Policy and the Residential Small-scale Mixed-use (RSM) Zone in the Zoning Bylaw. These changes—part of City Council’s agenda items 3.1 and 3.2 (Charter Bylaws 21214 and 21215)—represent important improvements that will help ensure new development fits better within established neighbourhoods like ours.
What’s Changing—and Why It Matters
1. Clearer Guidelines for Higher-Density Development
Last year, WPCL raised concerns about a policy that allowed higher-density development without clearly outlining how those decisions would be made. The revised policy – now Policy 2.5.2.7 – addresses this issue. It clarifies what “additional scale” means and confirms that site size and surrounding context must be considered before approving higher-density projects. We welcome this added clarity and predictability.
2. Targeted Support for Strategic Infill
A new policy – 2.5.2.5 – introduces more specific criteria for small-scale infill development outside major corridors and nodes, including:
- within 100 metres of a corridor or node,
- within 400 metres of a mass transit station, or
- along arterial or collector roads.
These are common-sense updates that help ensure infill is better integrated into surrounding communities.
3. A Stronger, Clearer Purpose for the RSM Zone
WPCL is particularly pleased to see improvements to the purpose statement for the RSM Zone, which is frequently used in rezoning applications. In the past, vague language enabled proposals in locations that weren’t contextually appropriate—including one in Windsor Park surrounded entirely by small-scale homes and far from major corridors. That proposal was rejected by Council, and we’re encouraged that the revised language makes it clear that RSM zoning is intended to serve as a transition zone—not to be applied indiscriminately.
WPCL urges City Council to approve these important changes, which will support more thoughtful, compatible development in mature neighbourhoods across Edmonton, including our own.
Local Advocacy: What the WPCL Development Committee Has Been Working On
In addition to engaging in city-wide planning issues, the WPCL Development Committee continues to respond to local development applications and initiatives that affect our community directly.
1. Supporting More Child Care in Windsor Park
WPCL supports Bylaw 21179, which proposes adding child care as a permitted use in the Windsor House Direct Control (DC) zone. With many new families moving into Windsor Park and increased demand for daycare, this is a timely and important change.
The need is especially urgent as the daycare operating in Windsor Park School – serving the neighbourhood for 45 years – will have to vacate by June 2026 due to school expansion. Because commercial space is limited in the area, this rezoning is a practical way to maintain access to child care for local families.
WPCL has submitted a letter to City Council in support of this bylaw and encourages its approval.
2. Rezoning Along 87 Avenue: Advocating for a Better Fit
WPCL has reviewed a recent rezoning proposal for a site along 87 Avenue, and we recognize that the site is located in an area where additional scale can be considered under Policy 2.5.2.6 of the District Policy.
The site benefits from:
- A nearby bus stop and added street parking via the service road
- Proximity to a recently rezoned RMh16 property
- Adjacency to an RS-zoned property expected to host skinny homes
In our view, this site is better suited to RSMh12 (3 storeys) rather than RSMh16 (4 storeys), as it provides a more appropriate transition between small-scale housing and nearby higher-density areas. WPCL would be prepared to speak in support of an application for RSMh12, which we believe balances city objectives with community fit.
3. Improving Mid-Block Row Housing
WPCL has provided input on Bylaw 21202, which is part of the one-year review of Edmonton’s new Zoning Bylaw. Our feedback has focused on improving how mid-block row housing is integrated into existing neighbourhoods.
Our key recommendations include:
- Limiting development to 6 units (instead of 8) to reduce traffic, garbage, and parking pressures
- Shortening building length to reduce bulk and shadowing impacts on neighbours
- Improving side setbacks to allow room for entrances, windows, and proper drainage
- Enhancing street-facing design so row housing resembles traditional house fronts, with clearly visible entries, windows, and varied materials
- Redirecting side entrances toward alleys or walkways instead of neighbouring homes to reduce light and noise disruptions
While some of these recommendations are already reflected in the bylaw, we’ve asked Council to consider a follow-up motion to explore additional refinements—particularly related to side entrance orientation.
Looking Ahead
WPCL remains committed to advocating for appropriate, context-sensitive development that protects and enhances Windsor Park’s liveability, diversity, and character.
Our Development Committee is made up of Windsor Park residents who volunteer their time to help shape development that reflects the values of the neighbourhood.If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please contact our Civics Director at civics@windsor-park.ca.