What are restrictive covenants and why this Edmonton infill is stirring debate

CONSUMER What are restrictive covenants and why this Edmonton infill is stirring debate By Karen Bartko Global News Posted September 15, 2026 2:54 pm 7 min read In her weekly radio show, Premier Danielle Smith said her municipal affairs minister is looking into concerns over blanket infill policies in Edmonton. Quinn Ohler has more from one west end neighbourhood where residents say a new redevelopment plan on a lot previously slated for an 8-plex fits their community much better. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Edmonton’s approach to infill developments is drawing attention from the provincial government, as debate continues over the city’s zoning rules and neighbourhood redevelopment. From restrictive covenants to buying the neighbouring property, the rise in multi-unit infill builds in recent years has led some homeowners to take drastic action. In the west-central McQueen neighbourhood, a lot that was controversially slated for an eightplex is now undergoing a different redevelopment — one those involved say is a better fit for the area. “This is a very quiet residential street. It’s a one-entry crescent with a beautiful green space and the community was very, very concerned about it,” said real estate agent and developer Terry Paranych. View image in full screen A lot in west Edmonton’s McQueen area where an infill development is being built near 146 Street and 110 Avenue. Global News Paranych said a former client contacted him with concerns about a multi-unit development slated to go up on a lot near 146 Street and 110 Avenue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT “We care about the community, so I reached out this particular developer and we had discussion. After some debate, he agreed to sell it to me,” Paranych said. His plan now is to build a 2,500-square foot, two-story urban craftsman-style home with four bedrooms, a veranda, attached double garage and big backyard — what Paranych calls the “perfect family home.” “We’re very happy and proud to be putting a beautiful single-family home here — and that’s what belongs.” SHARE THIS ON X CLICK TO SHARE QUOTE ON X: "WE'RE VERY HAPPY AND PROUD TO BE PUTTING A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE-FAMILY HOME HERE — AND THAT'S WHAT BELONGS." 2:10 Infill impact on Edmonton property values Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see…