Impassioned community groups have successfully fought against a contentious proposal that looked to replace a narrow strip of low-rise apartment buildings with a multi-tower development that included a 22-storey tower. City council voted 8-5 to send Regency Developments' Holyrood Gardens project back to be studied, where staff will reconsider traffic impacts, building heights and compliance with existing city guidelines.

A preliminary look at the ground-level expression, image via Regency Developments

With a Valley Line LRT station to be erected at the property's front door on 85th Street, the 1,200-unit proposal was touted as a transit-oriented development capitalizing on a site soon to have quick and reliable service to the downtown core. But concerns over the consultation process, the height of the proposed buildings, and traffic being rerouted back into the Holyrood neighbourhood dominated the discussion for months. As one of Edmonton's first neighbourhoods to contemplate a transit-oriented development, and a project that could very well serve as a blueprint for transit-oriented development across the city, residents found it crucial to get the details right.

Mayor Don Iveson was one of the eight votes recorded in favour of Councillor Ben Henderson's motion to refer the project back for additional study. Councillors Scott McKeen, Bev Esslinger, Tim Cartmell, Aaron Paquette, Mike Nickel and Andrew Knack also voted for the motion. Councillors Michael Walters, Moe Banga, Jon Dziadyk, Sarah Hamilton and Tony Caterina voted against the referral motion.

Numerous buildings were proposed for the site, image via City of Edmonton

After hearing the barrage of concerns lodged with the development, Mayor Iveson said an additional layer of review, requiring developments around LRT stations go through the Edmonton Design Committee, may be needed for major projects like these. Despite the setback, Regency Developments is planning on beginning utility services work at the site before TransEd closes the right of way for LRT construction. 

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