In Development Podcast (Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA))

Welcome to Episode 40 of "In Development" – where urban planning meets insightful discussion! In this comeback episode, our dynamic new hosts, Lilit Houlder and Allison Rosland, bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the podcast.

Join Lilit and Alison as they delve into their professional backgrounds as urban planners, sharing the twists and turns that led them to the vibrant world of IDEA. From urban landscapes to the new zoning law, these hosts have seen it all and are ready to unpack current issues impacting the world of infill development.

In this episode, they explore recent developments in Edmonton's urban planning scene, dissecting the implications of the city's new zoning bylaw and the subsequent motions presented by City Council following its approval. Get ready for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the headlines, as Lilit and Alison share their thoughts on the topic and drop an exciting teaser about Episode 41, revealing their first official guest.
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Lilit is a local planner in Edmonton, working with a consulting firm, Invistec Consulting Ltd. Lilit has pursued her Masters in Urban Planning at the University of Calgary and has since worked in private and public sectors with a focus on urban design and policy. 

In her volunteering efforts, Lilit strives to advocate for equitable cities as the Co-Chair of her national organization, Women in Urbanism, by taking an intersectional approach to urban planning that focuses on people’s health and safety.

Allison is an urban planner with six years of planning consulting experience in both an urban and rural context. She began her planning career working with small urban and rural municipalities to prepare long-range future land use plans, zoning bylaws, watershed management plans and tackling the day-to-day planning challenges municipalities face. Since joining Situate in 2022, her focus has shifted to rezoning and strategic advisory services for awesome infill projects.

Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and Master of Planning from the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

This episode features two passionate Edmontonians, Jay Downton and Erin Murray-Green, who are involved with River Valley Company and River Valley Hospitality. These ventures focus on creating community-oriented amenities in Edmonton’s river valley, including the beloved Little Brick Café and Umpreheville Block. Jay and his team are helping to build a more vibrant and accessible river valley experience through redeveloping commercial sites into unique destinations.

Jay Downton is a passionate Edmontonian and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing the Edmonton community. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Nation Network, a global sports media network, and serves as the President of Oodle Noodle, a staple in the Edmonton food scene. Jay’s deep connection to Edmonton and its iconic river valley inspired him to co-found River Valley Company and River Valley Hospitality.

Erin Murray-Green is a design enthusiast and a maker at heart. She started her design career in the realm of industrial design and furniture making, then pivoted to architecture and tackling creative challenges at a greater scale. As an architect, she has a meticulous approach to design that is grounded in a solid understanding of site context, community and desired outcomes.

In today's episode, Mariah and Ryan talk to Trevor Hoover, Partner, and Architectural Designer at Habitat Studio. Mariah finds out that one of her all-time favourite homes in Edmonton was designed by Trevor and his team, and they talk about how he came up with the design that has that “hygge” feel. Trevor explains their design process and how context and the client's needs are key to creating someone’s dream home, and what zoning changes could help make that happen. Habitat is known for sustainable design, and Ryan asks Trevor about their 18 sustainable design choices. Trevor explains how choices like a true 9’-1” basement ceiling height can make a big difference. Trevor explains to Mariah how they can achieve zero thermal bridging and .5 air exchanges per hour. Listen in to hear how Habitat brings design and sustainability together! 

A 1989 graduate of NAIT’s architecture and design program, Trevor Hoover joined the team as a draftsman in 1994. Now one of the partners and head of Habitat’s design section, he oversees every unique design produced by the “studio” side of the operation. He guides each Habitat client through the collaborative process of concepts, drawings and blueprints that precedes the building phase of every project. Trevor has earned widespread respect and recognition for his distinctive designs. He endows every Habitat home with its own identifiable flair, regardless of the architectural style chosen by the client.

On Today's episode of In Development, we are talking to Jason Syvixay, who is an urban planner at the City of Edmonton and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alberta. We asked Jason to be on today specifically to speak to the Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) and Equity Toolkit he and his team recently created. This new policy toolkit is getting Canada wide attention on how we can build more equitable cities. 

Join us for an engaging episode of the In Development podcast as we welcome Puneeta McBryan, CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA). Puneeta stepped into her role in December 2020, navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a leader and connector, she collaborates with government bodies, the private sector, arts and cultural organizations, post-secondary institutions, and social services to foster vibrancy and economic prosperity in Edmonton's downtown. Her efforts have earned her recognition as the Inspired Leader of the Year by IABC Edmonton, one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 by Edify Magazine, and the recipient of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Community Impact Award.

In this episode, Puneeta shares her journey from the field of marketing and communications to leading the EDBA, offering insights into the evolution of downtown Edmonton since her last podcast appearance in April 2022. Listeners can expect to hear about significant changes, including the impact of new projects like Warehouse Park and the High Level Line, and how these developments contribute to downtown’s resilience.

Puneeta delves into the current state of downtown, discussing the flourishing tech industry, the effects of hybrid work models, and the importance of BIAs in enhancing the downtown experience. She also addresses the challenges of residential development, safety concerns, and the ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, inclusive community.

Tune in to learn more about the dynamic landscape of downtown Edmonton, the strategic initiatives of the EDBA, and Puneeta’s vision for the future. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on urban development and community building.

In this episode, our hosts chat with Lisa Drury from the City of Edmonton about the new Priority Growth Area (PGA) rezoning project. We dive into how the project came about, the selection process for areas being rezoned and how the public was engaged during its development. This episode provides a great opportunity to learn the nuances of the proposal before it goes to public hearing on May 20th, 2025. 

More information & the ability to leave comments or request a chat with a planner can be found on the City’s website here: 

edmonton.ca/PriorityGrowthAreaRezoning

Lisa Drury is a Senior Planner at the City of Edmonton with over ten years of municipal experience. After graduating with a Master of Science in Planning at the University of Toronto, Lisa worked in several municipalities in Alberta and Ontario. She began her career working in long range policy planning and transitioned to working in current planning prior to coming to the City of Edmonton. She enjoys exploring the City, playing sports, learning new skills and getting involved in her community.

Are you interested in geo-thermal energy, sustainable building practices, and The Missing Middle? Join Mariah and Ryan as they talk to John Clarke the President of Niche Developments who builds sustainable projects all over Alberta Canada. 

John and his partner Peter started Niche Developments in 2016 to change how we build, how we live, how we heat, cool, and utilize multifamily buildings. He built my first 0 emission project in 2006-2008 before it was the future. Today Niche Developments has 15 years of experience in Geothermal technology. Now Niche Developments builds the highest quality, lowest emission projects in North America.

On today's episode of In Development Alkarim, Mariah and Ryan discuss how to balance the needs of a neighbourhood as it redevelops. They dive deep into human behaviour and how the needs of people change and evolve over time. Redevelopment is a balancing act between viable projects and social responsibility and Alkairm shares his experience as one of Alberta's leading medium scale builders. Alkairm has chosen to build with a focus on people's needs and we recommend you check out his website. 

Alkarim’s vision is to make thriving communities through elevated design and innovation. He wants to connect more people to the simple pleasure of living in a walkable neighbourhood full of vibrant, local businesses and modern spaces. Seeded in his hometown of Calgary, he is committed to improving the urban life and connection of people everywhere.

As Co-Founder of RNDSQR and as Co-Founder and  board member at CHROMA, his ideas are reflected in each build. Emphasis is placed on living, connecting and creating sustainable homes where people can make it all fit.

In addition, Alkarim is a board member of D.Talks, a partner at NHBR Coffee and No Island Co-Work, places to connect with his community and maintain a pulse on the needs of Calgarians.

In this episode, listeners are invited to explore waste management and innovation with Jordan Denault, a business development manager at Underground Disposal Systems (UDS). Jordan delves into his work in the waste management industry and its intersection with infill development. The conversation spans across waste management practices in Edmonton, encompassing traditional methods and the rise of solutions like underground silos pioneered by UDS. Jordan provides an insightful overview of UDS's role, from design to installation, emphasizing the functionality of their underground bins.

Advantages and challenges of underground waste disposal systems take center stage, alongside examples of their implementation in various locations, from bustling commercial centers like Edmonton's Currents of Windermere to residential neighbourhoods in Sherwood Park and Calgary. The discussion also touches upon evolving trends in waste management, such as endeavours to integrate bins with green spaces. Drawing comparisons to waste management practices in other cities like Calgary and Saskatoon, Jordan sheds light on regulatory hurdles and opportunities for improvement in urban waste management. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of waste management, appealing to those interested in sustainability, urban planning, or technological innovation.

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Jordan Denault is a business development manager at Underground Disposal Systems (UDS), a Western Canadian distributor of underground waste collection systems. He has been with UDS for over 3 years and his focus is helping improve the waste management experience right from working with developer and architect partners through to the end users. 

Locally owned and operated, UDS is Western Canada’s first waste disposal company dedicated solely to the sale, installation, and maintenance of semi-underground waste collection systems across Western Canada. UDS prides itself on offering solutions to meet their clients’ needs for more functional and aesthetically pleasing sites.

In this episode of In Development, Ryan and Olivia chat with Travis Fong, President and Executive Director of YEGarden Suites. Travis shares about his passion for sustainability, its impact on urbanization and housing, and how YEGarden Suites came to be founded. From building for family proximity, to aging in place, to rental income, Travis dives into the main driving factors for this built form. Listen to the full episode to hear Travis outline the challenges for garden suite development, the growth and evolution of YEGarden Suites, and his thoughts on the future of housing typologies with Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw Renewal initiative. 

Originally from Halifax, Travis moved to Edmonton after graduating from Dalhousie University with an Honours BA in Sustainability and Political Science, with a minor in Economics. Travis also holds a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Waterloo. Travis’s studies focused on the efficiency and growth of cities from an environmental and financial sustainability lens.

Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Travis worked on multiple development projects including affordable seniors housing and renewable energy. In 2017, Travis co-founded YEGarden Suites, a non-profit that functions as an advocacy, education, and awareness organization to support the densification of Edmonton through homeowner-driven development. Through policy advocacy and citizen empowerment, YEGarden Suites has supported tens of millions of dollars of homeowner led investment into this housing form. Understanding the policy framework, and economic underpinnings behind Edmonton’s larger development strategy served the organization well as they proposed changes and alterations to the regulations which were arbitrarily restrictive and reducing positive housing outcomes. Edmonton’s backyard housing regulations are now among the strongest in North America, and Travis now serves as President and Executive Director of YEGarden Suites, and strives to deliver extraordinary value to homeowners who are considering making an investment on their own. 

In this episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Sikander Singh, Principal / Project ManagerPrincipal / Project Manager at Oasis Engineering. Ryan and Mariah get Sikander’s perspective on specific zoning and building code regulations that could be modified to help create more sustainable building opportunities. Sikander teaches Mariah about how different roof pitches can create optimal solar power options and significantly reduces costs. Sikander also shares tips and tricks for designing or retrofitting net zero homes. Tune in to find out more!

Sikander Singh is a Professional Engineer and founder of Oasis Engineering, a local engineering outfit which offers civil, structural, and energy engineering to builders and developers. Sikander is passionate about sustainability and mindfully densifying the inner core of cities. Sikander enjoys golfing (even though he says he’s not a great golfer). Otherwise, he loves spending time with his wife and three daughters.

In this episode, we reconnect with Alkarim Devani to talk about how Edmonton and Calgary are faring when it comes to pushing for a better policy and regulatory environment with regard to infill development. We learn more about mddl, an expert organization in middle housing whose mission is to build capacity from top to bottom for "missing middle" and reduce barriers to delivering this kind of development. We glean insights from Alkarim on how to tell the positive story of infill and work across communities to push for better.

Alkarim Devani is co-founder of RNDSQR, where his passion for design and innovation drives his vision of redefining what it means to be a developer. Alkarim’s work building RNDSQR has garnered national and international recognition and is a frequent guest lecturer at The University of California, Berkeley, and The University of Calgary. In addition, Alkarim is a dedicated and active member of the community and development industry. He regularly contributes his time to numerous volunteer organizations as well as several industry-led boards and communities including D.Talks and Calgary Housing Company. Alkarim’s work has gained a multitude of media attention and frequently been the recipient of The Canadian Architecture Awards, MUDA Awards, American Architecture Prize, and the BILD Awards. Alkarim transitions into the next stage of his career with mddl to use his in-depth experience with middle housing to help scale the delivery of housing across Canada.

This episode’s guests visit us virtually from Calgary for a discussion all about building missing middle housing across Alberta. Studio North’s Matt Kennedy discusses building missing middle housing in the mountains and translates lessons learned from this context to apply across the province. Matt shares more about the Astor project in Banff, which exemplifies how to balance design excellence with affordability and meet the needs of a local community.

Check out the Aster project here: https://www.studionorth.ca/banff-aster-affordable-housing

See the sneak peak of the Aster documentary: The Aster Banff - Affordable Housing Project - Documentary Trailer

Matthew's career began with a passion for craftsmanship, starting as an apprentice finishing carpenter during his high school years. He honed his skills and pursued higher education at Dalhousie University, where he earned a Master's in Architecture. Matthew sees how architecture influences human experiences. His focus goes beyond aesthetics; he aims to design spaces that bring delight, beauty utility to enhance daily life. Presently, Matthew is intent on merging construction knowledge with architectural innovation to produce efficient, affordable, and beautifully crafted buildings. His goal is to create environments that positively impact the lives of the individuals and families who inhabit them, underscoring the profound effect of architecture on our well-being.

Today on In Development, we're excited to welcome Simran Malhi, Vice President of IDEA and the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Building Supply Depot. Their vision? To revolutionize the procurement of exterior building supplies, offering a seamless experience for builders, contractors, and developers. Simran shares her journey of identifying a crucial industry gap and crafting a solution that blends the meticulousness of interior design with the practicality of exterior construction. She gives insight into trends in building materials, highlighting resilient products tailored for Alberta's diverse weather conditions while championing sustainability. Join us for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation and philanthropy!

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Simran is a trailblazer in the field of building supplies and construction, bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her journey as an immigrant who hustled her way to success showcases her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Simran embodies leadership and advocacy, inspiring others to challenge the status quo and drive positive change in the building supplies and construction industry.

Her journey with IDEA began when she ventured into infill projects and experienced firsthand the challenges faced by builders. This led her to eagerly join IDEA’s pilot program, where she discovered the association’s invaluable solutions and the power of collective action. Recognizing the need to attract and empower young individuals in these industries, Simran is deeply committed to fostering growth and driving positive change in Edmonton. 

As the co-founder and CEO of Building Supply Depot (BSD), she has created the ultimate one-stop shop for all exterior supplies. BSD offers exceptional value, providing everything from excavation materials to lumber, roofing, siding, and stone supplies. By supporting the city’s building projects, BSD actively contributes to the transformation of Edmonton’s architecture Simran’s passion for giving back to society has led her to establish non-profit endeavors that unite people in sponsoring underprivileged children and providing them with quality education.

Through her platform, she creates meaningful opportunities for a brighter future.

The guests on this episode of In-Development are familiar faces! Mariah Samji and Sean Sedgwick join forces to talk about the past, present, and future of IDEA. As Mariah moves on from her role as Executive Director of IDEA, she discusses the legacy and impact the organization has had on the City as well as herself personally. Sean shares what drew him to IDEA and what he hopes the organization can do moving forward. Together, they stew on the challenges, opportunities and future outlook of infill development in Edmonton.

Mariah Samji served as the Executive Director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) from 2017 to 2024. Driven by a passion for creating inclusive spaces for everyone, she pursued a career in city planning. During her time at IDEA, Mariah worked with the infill community to establish the Builders Education Program, launched IDEA’s annual Infill Symposium, organized numerous events to connect and educate people to make infill easier, started a podcast on redevelopment, contributed to reducing unnecessary infrastructure costs, and collaborated with local experts to implement policy changes that positioned Edmonton as a leader in infill development across Canada.

Sean Sedgwick is the new Executive Director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association. Sean’s fascination with urban infrastructure and development led him to turn his passion for urbanism from a hobby to a career with the Masters in Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of Alberta. Sean's experience includes a number of years spent working in technology service and support helping to educate and mentor clients and coworkers. He also has a diverse academic background bridging the studies of space and human behaviour, and a personal passion for music and graphic design. He is thrilled to bring these passions to IDEA and put them to use in service of building a better Edmonton.

Kim Petrin is the Branch Manager for Development Services at the City of Edmonton, which stewards strategic growth and private sector investment through zoning, subdivision, servicing agreements, permitting, licensing, inspections and compliance. Kim is an energetic, creative, and hands-on professional with a passion for city building. With 20 years in the public/private sector, Kim has led an impressive growing body of transformative planning initiatives and practices and is known for her ability to work in collaboration with people of all backgrounds to arrive at shared goals and new and innovative solutions/approaches. She believes in doing work that improves quality of life for Edmontonians by creating inclusive, well designed, thoughtful urban places.

Check out the latest episode of "In Development" featuring Jason Cunha, where he shares his expertise on the infrastructure challenges in infill development. Jason discusses this topic through the lens of zoning bylaw renewal, as well as it applies to programs such as the Neighborhood Renewal and Infill Fire Protection. Later on in the episode Jason reflects on his term as IDEA President since May 2023, ruminating on the association's growth, new educational programming and the upcoming inaugural golf tournament next summer. This episode covers a range of topics from water mains to district planning to composting toilets. Don't miss out—listen now using the link in bio!

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Jason Cunha is an Associate and Project Manager at Stantec. He is a mechanical engineer and experienced project manager with a long track record of managing large scale infrastructure projects in Edmonton, with a specialty in infrastructure renewal and replacement. Prior to his current role with Stantec, he held leadership and project management roles at EPCOR Water and ATCO and brings a wealth of utility industry knowledge from his time there.

Jason’s first direct experience with the real estate development industry started in his role as Manager, Infill Development Planning and Engineering at EPCOR Water. In that role he developed an appreciation for the importance of connecting and building understanding between the land planning and engineering sides of the development process, and uses that insight both in advising clients and in working to influence the development of policy and processes within the City of Edmonton.

Jason is the current president of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA). He joined IDEA to provide an engineering perspective and share his knowledge and expertise in all things infrastructure.

In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Dave Onishenko about how urban planners are a jack of all trades. Dave's experience has led him to take on a development advisory mindset which helped him and his clients in projects like the infamous commercial site in Highlands. They also get into potential opportunities to reduce the financial barriers to infill development and the affordability crisis that Canadian cities are facing. Listen in to hear how you can give a damn and get involved.

Dave Onishenko is the owner and principal of Clarity Development Advisory, an urban planning and development advisory firm located in Edmonton. As a professional urban planner and development manager with nearly 15 years of experience in the development industry, Dave has built a career of overseeing the planning and development of hundreds of projects in residential, commercial and industrial sectors in Edmonton and throughout Western Canada. Passionate about development, Dave’s skill set lies in connecting people and ideas, and finding solutions where barriers form.

Prior to starting Clarity Development Advisory in 2017, Dave worked in several roles within the local development industry including managing development projects for Maclab Development Group, and as an Urban Planner in both the public and private sectors including with the City of Edmonton, ParioPlan and Stantec. Dave spent four years as a Director-at-Large on the Westmount Community League and also teaches as a sessional instructor for the University of Alberta’s Applied Land Use Planning program.

Dave holds a Master’s degree in Planning from the University of Waterloo, in which his thesis focused on the impeding and facilitating factors of Greyfield Redevelopment.
Dave is a connector of people and ideas, a believer in the power of relationships, a proud father and a shameless fan of Edmonton.

Join us for a special year-end episode of In Development as we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025. In this engaging and competitive episode, our new podcast host Stephen challenges our existing hosts to a heart-pounding elimination challenge to find out which one of them will remain in the new year. Topics include...

• Edmonton’s new Zoning Bylaw
• The Housing Accelerator Fund
• District Plans and Priority Growth Areas
• The Infill Infrastructure Fund
• More!

Don’t miss this festive, informative, and entertaining look at the year that was.

Happy holidays from the In-Development team! We’ll see you in 2025!

In today’s episode, Curtis Power the President of Private Mortgages at KV Capital sits down to talk to Ryan and Mariah all about how interest rates are affecting lending for infill projects. He also shares with them the benefits of both private and traditional lending options, and Ryan shares his own private lending experience. Mariah asks him about infill trends he has seen over his career in private lending and what Canadian cities may look like in the future. 

Curtis Power, the President of Private Mortgages, is responsible for the Private Mortgages operation within KV Capital, which includes ensuring that the company is continuously building a robust deal flow pipeline. Curtis works closely with mortgage brokers and borrowers, and leads the KV Private Mortgages team to offer competitive and private loan structures, as well as to deliver on the dual investment objectives of capital preservation, and providing consistent returns to investors.  Curtis holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting and is a Chartered Accountant.

Curtis has spent a total of 20 years in the financial services industry and has experience in numerous businesses, including reinsurance, energy and private lending. His progressive development in the industry has led to a variety of accomplishments, with the most notable being his participation and leadership in the growth of KV Capital from approximately $35M in assets under management to $150M in assets under management. Curtis places great importance on going the extra mile to understand KV Capital’s borrowers’ real estate projects and financing needs, following through on commitments, and providing high-quality service in everything he does. When he’s not working, Curtis spends his time learning,  playing sports, coaching youth soccer, and spending time with his wife and their four boys.

In this episode, Ryan and Olivia chat with Jill Lange of Ace Lange Homes. Jill shares her experience of growing up in the home-building industry and how she has seen the Ace Lange business and infill in Edmonton evolve over the years. When it comes to home-building, Jill and the rest of the Ace Lange team operate under the motto of “do it right, or not at all”, emphasizing  quality, sustainability, and strong relationships with their clients. Listen to the full episode to hear Jill’s thoughts on the Zoning Bylaw Renewal’s impact on missing-middle housing, upcoming Ace Lange projects, and Jill’s aspirations for shifting the infill narrative towards neighbourhood rejuvenation. 

As one of Ace’s 4 grandchildren, Jill is part of Ace Lange Homes’ 3rd generation of ownership.  The legacy of the Ace Lange company is about honesty combined with a demand for quality in home construction. The family is passionate about new home building and focuses on creating the best experience for homeowners. Jill has grown up in the business and predominantly oversees the initial stage of the build including land development, plan design, pricing and permitting.The opportunity to capture the homeowners vision for their home, align it with the City of Edmonton’s bylaws for building, and then see it become their dream home is a very rewarding experience for Jill. She is proud of the contribution her family’s business has made to the City over the last 60 years and is eager to see what comes next for development in Edmonton. In her free time, Jill loves being active with her two sons and listening to live music.  

In today's episode, Mariah and Ryan talked to Kimberleigh Wyton, Realtor and Interior Designer about trends she is seeing in the market. Kimberleighs perspective is unique as she has experienced people making big decisions on where to live and how they want to transform their space. Kimberleigh also gives Ryan tips on how to update his home. Listen in to hear about where you live can make s difference in your day-to-day experiences. 

Kimberleigh Wyton has a passion for people, design, and Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods! Growing up in Parkallen and now living in Pleasantview, she knows firsthand the amazing life that comes with revitalization in mature neighbourhoods. Kimberleigh sees infills as our opportunity to enhance and further our areas in a beautiful and sustainable way.
 
With a background in Biology and a Diploma from Cornell University in Business Strategy, KW found her perfect balance between creativity and analytics in Real Estate. Now a full-time designer and REALTOR®, when she’s not renovating her own home in Pleasantview or running her two German Shepherds, she spends her days helping Edmontonians reach their real estate goals.  

In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Mick Graham who has made the Missing Middle possible in Edmonton. Mick brought his project forward as a case study which was the catalyst to making city-wide changes on how we rebuild our infrastructure. Mariah and Ryan get into why Mick is passionate about saving schools in our existing neighbourhoods. Mick also shares with Mariah and Ryan the operating costs of our neighbourhoods and what we need to do to create a financially sustainable city with housing options for more people. Mick spends his free time tackling redevelopment barriers to create vibrant 15-minute neighbourhoods. Listen to learn more and find out what he is working on now!

Starting as a labourer during the summer in high school, Mick Graham has always believed that construction was his calling.  From working as a framing carpenter to building with heavy timbers to managing multiple multi-family sites for production builders, Mick's experience is vast and varied.  
 

Mick Graham started Singletree Builders in 2012 because he realized that many of Edmonton's mature neighbourhoods needed rejuvenation.  Over the years he has discovered the challenges of negotiating the City's complicated and frustrating zoning bylaws and of managing neighbours who don't necessarily welcome new construction on their street.  He joined the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) to help the City create better legislation in order to make mature neighbourhoods healthier and more diverse.

Mick has recently joined Hibco Construction as the General Manager of their Residential Division.  It’s a perfect fit because the Hibco team shares the same attitudes toward customer service, quality and city building.

In this episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Lindsey Butterfield the City of Edmonton's Director of Open Space and Urban Growth. Lindsey chats with Ryan and Mariah about how the City uses data to make decisions on where to invest in growth, infrastructure and open space in the city. Lindsey also shares more information about how Edmonton is changing its growth pattern over time to be financially sustainable, climate resilient and equitable - all of which have big impacts on infill! Listen to the end to hear more about one of Mariahs' and Ryans' favourite new neighbourhoods.  

And here is the interactive map mentioned in the episode! https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks-river-valley

Lindsey Butterfield is a Registered Professional Planner. She has worked as a city planner in Metro Edmonton for two decades, first in the City of Spruce Grove, and for the last seven years with the City of Edmonton. After several years leading the Regional Development team, she took on the task of starting the growth management framework, a key pillar of implementing Edmonton's City Plan and a deep dive into city parks, leading the Urban Growth and Open Space section. Lindsey has a particular passion for long range city planning policy, and having recently completed a certificate in mediation, is excited to take on new challenges that hone her new skills in mediation and negotiation. Lindsey loves a crunchy problem that brings together different subject matter experts so that she's always doing something new and creative! Lindsey enjoys the discovery of a new saison on the patio of a local brewery, family ski trips, and checking out new restaurants around Edmonton. She holds a Master's degree from Dalhousie University in Urban and Rural Planning. 

In this episode, we dive into what goes into operating that great local coffee shop that often features prominently in many visions of local redevelopment. Antonio Gomez and Peter West both operate coffee shops in Edmonton, but also have backgrounds in design and planning respectively. We chat about how community connects within coffee shops and how design and planning intersects with successful local commercial spaces across Edmonton.

Antonio Gomez, born and raised in Mexico, is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur. He completed his university studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) branch in Michoacan, living and working in his home country until 2011. In that year, Antonio immigrated to Canada where he a few years later established Space Squared, a design studio specializing in residential design, where he currently serves as the head designer. In addition to his work at Space Squared, Antonio is a proud co-creator, designer, and co-owner of Boxcar, a coffee shop located in the Calder community in northern Edmonton. The coffee shop occupies a small residential building, which was also designed by Antonio, reflecting his integrated approach to design and community.

Peter West is a former urban planner turned entrepreneur and is the owner of Coffee Bureau with his wife Cristiane. After years spent serving coffee in Edmonton and Toronto, Peter felt compelled to create a small but impactful cafe in an effort to marry a desire for better urbanism and a better coffee shop experience downtown. Today Peter and Cris operate a location on Jasper Avenue as well as a new shop on 123 Street and 102 Avenue.

On today’s episode, embark on a riveting journey through the heart of Edmonton's urban transformation with the Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative. In this episode, hosts Allison and Lilit are joined by key figures from the City of Edmonton, Darbi Kinnee and Lyla Peter. Together they unravel the city's efforts to create zoning regulations that work for Edmonton,  the philosophy guiding the renewal, and the collaborative efforts that engaged diverse stakeholders, including IDEA. Darbi and Lyla delve into the key shifts in the zoning bylaw, the retirement of overlays,  the introduction of mixed-use zones,  and how the new zoning bylaw allows for more dynamic and equitable city building.  Listen now and visit the links below for more information and resources discussed in the episode.

Darbi Kinnee is the Strategist for the Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative with the City of Edmonton. She is a proud alumnus of the University of Alberta's School of Urban and Regional Planning and has varied experience in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining the Zoning Bylaw team, Darbi has honed her skills in heritage preservation, government relations, and the implementation of key strategic planning policies - including the 2018 Infill Roadmap. Fueled by a passion for urban development, Darbi has a keen interest in local planning issues, consistently seeking innovative solutions to shape more vibrant and sustainable communities.

Lyla Peter is the Director of Development Approvals and Inspections at the City of Edmonton. Her team focuses on issuing development permits and licenses, overseeing compliance activities related to zoning bylaw, lot grading, landscaping, and leading on related policies. Her role is interdisciplinary and she often collaborates with City teams like planning and development, infrastructure development, waste, community standards and housing programs. She loves working towards building a more equitable and responsive community and learning from diverse perspectives, and her fascination with community and exploring what makes them function and thrive has led to her living and working in three countries - Canada, United States, and the United Kingdom. Lyla holds a MBA in Urban Regeneration from the University of Liverpool and a BA in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan. She also sits on the Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Community Advisory Council and has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners Planning Student Trust Foundation Jury since 2021. 

Episode Resources:

• New Zoning Bylaw webpage - edmonton.ca/ZoningBylaw 
• New Interactive ZB link - zoningbylaw.edmonton.ca 
• City Building Newsletter mailing list - Subscribe to the City Building Newsletter
• Building Edmonton mailing list - Subscribe to the Building Edmonton Newsletter
•  Zoning Bylaw 20001 Feedback Form
• Development and Construction Application Processing Times
• Service Improvements
• COE Maps

In today's episode, Mariah and Ryan talk to Armando Hernandez, Principal and Owner of Dualita Architecture. Armando has built his design style on having no preconceived notions about where he will end up but what is right for the site and the client. He has proven that you can design beautiful projects and make the numbers work which he has showcased in his work in various styles of development. Armando explains to Ryan and Mariah his philosophy of Do Better and how it helps him continuously grow and challenge his style. He sees questioning how we do things as a key aspect of Doing Better. Listen in to learn more about Armando's experiences in Mexico, Spain and Canada have shaped his designs. 

Armando Hernandez is a Registered Architect. He was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he studied architecture at Tec de Monterrey and then went to Barcelona to obtain his Master's from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya. During this period, he was a guest lecturer at Naples University in Italy, where he spoke about contemporaneity and memory in architecture during a seminar exploring heritage and tradition.

When he returned to Guadalajara, he became a professor at Tec de Monterrey for six years, teaching design and theory, before moving to Canada in 2013, where he worked for firms like L7 architecture, Dialog and Stantec before starting his firm in 2019; Dualita Architecture.

He is passionate about design and creating spaces that enhance people's lives. He believes that good design is critical in creating a better society. Currently, he is working in different building typologies, from multifamily buildings to industrial facilities. He is a proud father of a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy and loves spending time with them when he is not at the office.

Today, David and Melissa Campbell join In Development to discuss their award winning missing middle housing development, T5M Connect. From a sign collecting development suggestions written in sharpie to accessibility decisions and landscaping, David and Melissa share their experience building the first Passive House Certified Multi-family building in Alberta! Environmental leadership was woven through the project from design to construction, and they highlight some of the components that go into a building that uses as little energy as possible. They also discuss the process of re-zoning to  DC2, and the huge role that community engagement played in the approval of that change. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation!

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With more than 18 years of experience in the construction industry, David Campbell is highly respected in the Edmonton market. He has built a strong reputation among city officials, consultants, developers, clients, suppliers and trade contractors, who have recognized his knowledge and experience.

David is a highly qualified individual with a strong background in Design, Development and Project Management, particularly in large and small-scale multi-family commercial and residential construction. He holds a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, a Red Seal Journeyman Certificate, and is also a Passive House Certified Builder.

David’s expertise extends to energy saving techniques, including the Passive House Initiative, and he has worked on a range of projects encompassing both wood-frame and concrete constructions. He has extensive experience in the conversion of commercial projects, as well as new construction of multi-family , commercial, and infill townhome & single-family residential projects, handling them from concept through completion. 

 Melissa is a collaborator, an optimist, and a believer in the power of the collective. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 19 years, a role which has allowed her to hone her skills in connection, effective problem-solving, and enhancing communication. She is passionate about using these skills to build relationships and communication in groups and organizations. She is the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for T5M Connect, a development company that builds multifamily housing that is environmentally sustainable, accessible, and community-oriented.

Melissa recently launched Stop, Collaborate, & Listen, Ltd. a company that provides community engagement and group facilitation support to purpose-driven organizations and companies. Current projects include: community engagement for the Braemar Baptist Church Redevelopment Project, engagement facilitation for Edmonton Regional Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC), and project management for Green Violin/Urban Matters Unconventional Actors in Affordable Housing project.

Melissa holds a Masters of Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She has also completed a Certificate in Dialogue & Civic Engagement and a Certificate in Restorative Justice, both from Simon Fraser University. She is an active community member and volunteer and sits on the board of the North Glenora Community League and is the Chair of the board of Edmonton Youth Justice. The greatest challenge and joy of her life has been raising 3 incredible daughters with her husband, David.

The guiding principles of all that Melissa does are collaboration, iteration, and an abundance mindset. She believes that if we work together, we can tap into the brilliance that is all around us and create something greater than the sum of its parts. For more information visit: www.stopcollaborateandlisten.ca

In today's episode Mariah and Ryan the official "Fans 4 Cam" club learn from Cameron Bardas one of Edmonton's leading fire engineers how past events have shaped current standards and where we need to go next in regards to infill development. Cameron and his team currently review every missing middle development in Edmonton. His team's expertise has led to the Infill Fire Protection Assessment and the results from that work are currently having significant effects and how we build neighbourhoods. 
Additional resources: https://homefiresprinklercanada.ca/

Cameron Bardas is a licensed professional engineer with the City of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, specializing in Fire Protection Engineering.  A graduate of mechanical engineering at the University of Calgary (2000) his experience in fire and life safety has ranged widely from forensic analysis, regulation development, and progressing the application of performance-based design.  An avid public servant, Cameron's career focus is in managing public risk through collaboration, education, and increased application of life safety science.

In today's episode Mariah and Ryan talk to Chelsey Jersak Principal at Situate, Edmonton's first infill focused planning firm. Chelsey, Mariah and Ryan get into what makes healthy communities, and what barriers stand in our way. 

Chelsey Jersak is the founder and principal of Situate, an Edmonton-based urban planning consulting firm specialized in strategic advisory, rezoning, and municipal approvals for awesome infill and urban development projects. Chelsey is the current president of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA), past Edmonton Director of the Alberta District Council of the Urban Land Institute, and a founding member and past coordinator of the Child Friendly Housing Coalition of Alberta.

Today’s guest is Nicholas Rheubottom, the Executive Director of IDEA. If you have questions about IDEA or have been interested in getting involved, this is a great episode to tune into! In this episode Nicholas gives a review on the year 2023, including some big wins for IDEA and then outlines the direction of the association for the upcoming year. He also discusses district planning, zoning bylaw, and the Infill Certification Program, along with other initiatives like BE Infill. This episode has everything you need to get up to speed on all things IDEA, and discover ways to get involved next year with an exciting calendar of events coming in 2024! 

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With six years of industry experience, Nicholas understands the vital role of infill in addressing economic and environmental challenges being faced by cities today. He values his advocacy work with IDEA and the contributions he's made to educational programming for IDEA's membership and the wider infill community.

Nicholas possesses a unique educational background, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Regina, a Master of Arts from the University of Alberta, and having pursued doctoral studies at King’s College London during a two-and-a-half-year stint in the UK. Despite his distinct path in the industry, he views his lived experience as an asset to his current work.

Before becoming Executive Director, Nicholas served as Co-Chair of IDEA’s Policy committee, actively engaging in projects such as the Zoning Bylaw Renewal and District Planning initiatives. Additionally, he advocates for Alberta's queer business community as Vice Chair of the Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

Tai Ziola's joined DIALOG as a principal in 2017 when her predecessor firm, newstudio, merged with DIALOG. Tai lends her expertise to a wide range of residential, institutional, and commercial projects. Tai believes that we thrive best in collaborative networks and robust communities. Her definition of a successful project is when the ambitions of the design and the aspirations of the community are both realized.

Tai is a strong advocate for the role of architecture and urban design in improving the livability of our cities. She consistently connects with stakeholder groups, clients, and members of the broader community in her role as project leader and facilitator. Tai's cooperative approach to design has earned the respect of municipal authorities, client groups, and community advocates alike.    

Tai has contributed to her community by serving on numerous charitable and municipal boards. She's a founding member of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) and actively engages in industry committee work. Tai is frequently invited to consult on zoning regulation changes due to her in-depth knowledge of city-building regulatory framework. She has also been asked to participate in the City of Edmonton's Infill Action Collaborative, the Growth Market Intelligence Committee, the Energy Transition Leadership Network, and the Emissions Neutral Buildings Steering Committee.  

Tai is an enthusiast of architectural history and recently founded Sunday Modernism, a collaborative project studying Edmonton's mid-century modern churches and their relationship to modernist urban planning and community-building. 

In this episode of In Development, Ryan and Olivia sit down with Nancy Surby, Principal of NAKO Design - a full service interior design firm. Nancy dives into how NAKO came to be, the influences of travel and lifestyle on NAKO’s style, the company’s core values and the nuances and challenges of entrepreneurship. Nancy also provides her thoughts on infill design across Alberta and compares housing within the inner cities to those in the suburbs. Listen to the full episode to hear Nancy share about NAKO’s unique projects, designing for longevity, and multi-general living, as well as of the importance of becoming educated as a client. 

Nancy Surby is a self-appointed insanely passionate creative who loves design; when she is not working, she is still researching, reading, and discussing design with her carpenter husband Karl. In August of 2019 she stepped out on her own creating NAKO Design after thirteen years of working with talented architects and designers across various sectors; this included leading designs on high profile mixed-use buildings: prominent city projects such as the TWOSE Planetarium, recreational facilities like the Jasper Place Pool Renovation, and boutique commercial spaces. Combining her creative and technical skills with her list of extensive travel experiences from all over the world, including a short living stint in Australia, she approaches each project with authenticity, designing specifically to each client. Her focus has always been function meets timelessness’ quoting her clients are investing in ‘forever’ not 'trendy'. This encourages collaboration with builders and makers within each city that her projects take her, which currently is across Canada from BC to Nova Scotia. When she is not working and not designing, she enjoys being active in the mountains whether hiking or skiing, or being calm practicing yoga. 

Today, Dr. Sandeep Agrawal joins In Development for a very special episode. The conversation kicks off by exploring Dr. Agrawal’s interesting journey into the Planning profession and academia. The audience learns about Dr. Agrawal’s experiences spearheading programs at two prominent Canadian universities. For the first time ever, this episode also features audience-generated questions, in which Dr. Agrawal provides his professional insight on topics such as climate, culture, equity, zoning policies and more.

Dr. Sandeep Agrawal is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. He was an Associate Chair in the department and Inaugural director of the School of Urban and Regional Planning between 2013 and 2023. During his tenure as director, he led the development of MSc Planning and PhD specialization in urban planning, and established the School in 2018. Prior to moving to the University of Alberta, he was Associate Director and Founding Graduate Program Director of the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson).

Dr. Agrawal has a diverse array of research interests that encompasses sustainable urban and rural planning, energy transition, Indigenous issues, and human rights. Among several national and international grants he has received, the most recent one is $98.6M CFREF grant, in which he is the project lead from the University of Alberta. As an accomplished author with over a hundred articles and professional reports and three books, Dr. Agrawal has contributed to planning practice and affected city bylaws and planning policies and legislation, with a lens on human rights and equity. The most recent book is entitled Rights and the City: Problems, Progress and Practice. His new book Municipal Boundary Battles will be published soon.

Dr. Agrawal is a recipient of the Canadian Institute of Planners’ national academic award for his significant contribution to planning education and research in the country.

In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Puneeta McBryan the Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. Downtowns have been hit hard over the pandemic and Ryan and Mariah get Puneeta's insight into what is currently happening to activate our downtown and what essential steps need to happen next. Spoiler Alert, there is no silver bullet. Events, infrastructure, tax structure, housing, offices, transit, our local businesses, a downtown park, and the playoffs (Go Oilers!) are all core ingredients to creating an amazing ecosystem. 

Puneeta McBryan is Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, where she is working hard to secure the ongoing and renewed vibrancy of Downtown Edmonton, having taken on the role in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic as downtowns across North America grappled with the new realities and challenges ahead. Prior to joining the EDBA, she served public and private sector clients across Alberta as a business strategist and consultant specialising in marketing, communications, and stakeholder & community engagement. A transformational leader and a connector by nature, Puneeta is working to support Edmonton’s economic recovery and resilience through innovative new initiatives & community collaborations with downtown stakeholders, the business community, and all three levels of government.

In this episode, Ryan and Olivia sit down with Hon Leong to chat about all things Chinatown. Hon dives into the changes and challenges Edmonton’s Chinatown has seen over the recent years: from dwindling foot traffic and small business engagement, to advocating for a vibrant and multicultural hub for the future. Hon also discusses the sensitive topic of social disorder in this area and how he hopes “housing first” and City resources such as the Community Revitalization Levy can create positive outcomes. Listen to the full episode as Hon tells the audience about Chinatown’s development plans, how this cultural centre in Edmonton compares to other cities in Canada, and how Edmontonians can become involved with this integral component of downtown revival.

Hon Leong is the Chair of the Edmonton Chinatown Transformation Collaborative (CTC), a collective formed in 2018 by a group of passionate advocates and organizations who continue to share the goal of preserving Chinatown as a culturally significant and celebrated location in Edmonton.  He is a Chartered Professional Accountant by training and is now a real estate developer running his company at LPY Holdings Ltd., with a focus on local community development.  Hon was motivated to join the CTC through his childhood experience growing up in Chinatown.  He sees Chinatown as part of his Chinese-Canadian identity and considers it to be a cultural asset that should be well preserved.  

In this episode, Mariah and Ryan sit down with Dr. Robert Summers the Academic Director of the Sustainability Council and a Professor in the Urban and Regional Planning Program at the University of Alberta. They get into how we can remove barriers to change in our communities. Listen in to hear about how our current planning policies have led to supply and demand issues which have increased housing prices, why we need to concentrate our efforts and resources to make positive substantial impacts and how we can reduce anxiety and opposition to development in our City. 

Dr. Summers is the Academic Director of the University of Alberta's Sustainability Council, is a unit that is working to advance sustainability education and research across the University. He led the effort to establish the Planning program at the University which he later helped to transition into the School of Urban and Regional Planning where he continues to teach. His research focuses on how communities can transition to a more sustainable form.  He has a BA in Geography from the University of Alberta, a Masters of Geography from Carleton University and a Phd in Interdisciplinary Rural Studies from the University of Guelph. He also is a registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute. 

Today's episode is our first episode with a reoccurring guest! Ryan and Mariah talk to Chelsey Jersak, Principal at Situate, Edmonton's first infill-focused planning firm. Ryan and Mariah invited Chelsey to look back at what has happened over the last months in the infill community, most notably a new development-focused newsletter! They also talked about innovative infill zones that we recently started using. They also chat about a recent trip Chelsey and Mariah took together exploring Mexico City, which has mastered missing middle and the 24-hour culture. Tune in to listen!

Chelsey Jersak is the founder and principal of Situate, an Edmonton-based urban planning consulting firm specialized in strategic advisory, rezoning, and municipal approvals for awesome infill and urban development projects. Chelsey is the current president of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA), past Edmonton Director of the Alberta District Council of the Urban Land Institute, and a founding member and past coordinator of the Child Friendly Housing Coalition of Alberta.

In this episode, Ryan sits down one on one with Olivia Fung, Principal Architect at NORR. Olivia and Ryan chat about her unique journey in architecture — from graduate school in Winnipeg, to her experiences living and working in various major cities all around the world, to her current career in Edmonton. Oliva and Ryan dive into examples of what Olivia has seen done well in the industry, the importance of having missing middle housing options, aging in place, housing tenure, and more. Listen to the full episode as Olivia shares her thoughts on Edmonton’s architectural aesthetics, what she loves most about our city, the future of design in Edmonton, and more. As well, stay tuned to the very end of the episode for an exciting podcast announcement!

Olivia Fung has always been passionately interested in our everyday social spaces. How we live, work, and play in the environment has pushed her to look for meaning in her work. Having lived and traveled in cities such as London, Hong Kong, Berlin, and Taipei, Olivia believes it is equally inspiring to question and challenge our environments in different cultural contexts. With ten years of experience in both the commercial and residential world, Olivia has been involved in working and designing a range of projects, from small interiors and mix-use spaces to high-end commercial and residential typologies. A typical day for Olivia usually involves meeting clients, negotiating contracts, creating proposals, guiding design projects, creating building plans, and mixing the best Spotify playlist! No matter the size or scale of the project, Olivia’s focus has always been to fill the space with a special narrative unique to the client and the site. Outside of design, Oliva enjoys playing the piano, boxing, rock climbing, and oil painting.

Join us for a dynamic episode of the In Development podcast as we sit down with Chelsea Whitty and Jordan Riemer, two innovative urban planners making significant impacts on Edmonton's urban landscape.

Jordan Riemer is an Urban Planner in Edmonton who specializes in merging equity and land-use considerations into transportation planning. With a background that includes six years at DIALOG, Jordan has been involved in major projects such as the Valley Line West LRT and the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion Program, showcasing his expertise in solving complex city-building challenges.

Chelsea Whitty is an Associate at DIALOG, where she excels in urban design, sustainable integration, and public engagement. Her portfolio includes significant projects like Kinistinâw Park and the MacEwan University Campus Master Plan, demonstrating her commitment to creating thoughtful and resilient urban environments.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative projects shaping Edmonton's future. Jordan discusses his work on the Valley Line LRT and Edmonton's approach to Sustainable Urban Integration (SUI), emphasizing how innovative transit design can enhance community connectivity and accessibility. Chelsea Whitty shares insights into her projects, focusing on the importance of public engagement and collaborative urban design.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in urban planning as Jordan and Chelsea share their experiences and visions for Edmonton's growth. Discover how their collaborative approaches and innovative thinking are driving positive change in the city.

Tune in to learn more about the exciting projects redefining Edmonton's urban landscape and the passionate planners behind them.

Welcome! To the In Development podcast. This is the podcast for all you city-builders, city-shapers and city-dwellers out there that care about driving change towards people-centred communities. On In-Development we talk about how Canadian cities develop in and up. We are presented by IDEA, the Infill Development in Edmonton Association, a non-profit education and advocacy group bringing together like-minded people working to shape our City. 

We created this podcast to Help share knowledge as North American cities redevelop and build up. We will be talking about development, infrastructure, social change, policy and so much more. 

Todays episode is a little different: we will be going to IDEA’s background and how it was created with Tegan who founded the organization and then going into some of her exciting projects happening right now in Blatchford and Riverdale two very different but important communities in Edmonton Alberta, Canada, so if you are listening in specifically for development projects we get into that conversation at minute 24. 

In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to  Brett Johnson a partner in Boss Design, a Residential Design Firm that works on over 300 homes a year. Brett's firm works with people throughout Alberta and British Columbia to help design homes that meet their needs. Brett gets into the evolution of design in North America and how modern furniture and updated codes play a huge role in how we design homes today. Brett and Ryan discuss how communication and education are critical to the success of infill development.

Brett Johnson is a partner in Boss Design, a Residential Design Firm in the Edmonton area, that specializes in estate homes, renovations, and infill development. A graduate of the NAIT Architectural Technology program in 2003, he has been designing custom homes of all shapes and sizes since. He takes the approach that one design doesn't fit all, as everyone's needs, wants, expectations and stories are all unique. Through a collaborative and informative process, he educates clients and builders on design, construction, bylaws, and codes so they can maximize their homes. This has been extended into IDEA's builder education course, where he teaches the Design 101 module.

Join us for an insightful discussion on urban development as we connect with Clarence Wong, Vice President at Investec Consulting. Born and raised in Edmonton, Clarence's background includes a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering Degree in Construction Management from the University of Alberta. His 20-year career spans consulting and public service, with experience in Transportation Planning, City Planning, and leading roles in both Provincial and Municipal levels.

In this episode, Clarence shares his journey from working with the City of Edmonton to his current role at Invistec, outlining the differences between the public and private sectors. Listeners can expect to hear about some of the challenges, but also opportunities, that emerge in balancing municipal needs with private development interests. Clarence provides a deep dive into the decision-making processes, highlighting the distinct motivations and objectives that drive each sector.

Edmonton's City Plan comes to the forefront of the discussion as Clarence touches on some of the collaborative efforts required to meet densification goals,  such as removing barriers and creating incentives to catalyze infill development. He shares valuable insights into the infrastructure requirements from an engineering perspective, emphasizing the holistic life cycle approach needed to create vibrant communities.

Tune in to learn more about the dynamics of public and private and the role each sector plays in building inclusive, sustainable communities.

In today's episode, Mariah and Ryan talk to Don Tolsma, President of Timber Haus Developments. Don teaches Ryan and Mariah about some of the hidden costs of infill, including a surprising cost you may not think of - dirt! He also shares how important it is to be open and upfront when working with clients and the community to build beautiful homes and shares how he learnt that. Ryan asks Don about what clients are asking for that the rules don't currently allow for, and Don’s answer may or may not surprise you. Mariah asks Don about his clients, and he shares how their infill projects have helped people age in place and afford the neighhourhood they love. Tune in to learn more! 

Don Tolsma has been in the construction industry since the late ’90s, working with Lincolnberg Master Builder, and Don has done it all. Starting with decks, fences and framing, Don excelled and quickly rose to Site Superintendent, Construction Manager and now President of Timber Haus Developments.

As a building industry leader, Don is now sitting on the board of directors with the Canadian Home Builders Association Edmonton Region. Don is also actively involved with the Builder Technical Committee, IDEA, and the Edmonton Infill Working Group. “We build amazing homes for amazing people. A great home at a fair price is far superior to a fair home at a great price”.

In this episode, Mariah and Ryan chat with Andrew Laycock. They dive into the differences between EPCOR water and power distribution/transmission as business units and legal entities: how water is regulated at the municipal level, while electricity is governed by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), how the different divisions are funded, and how Alberta is unique as a deregulated province when it comes to electricity.

Andrew breaks down some myths — like electrical capacity versus proximity, discusses aerial versus underground service, and details how EPCOR is working to reduce barriers, increase safety, and provide better access to resources for infill builders. Andrew also tells listeners about what to expect for the future, with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) — or smart meters, micro-generation, electric vehicles and more.

Andrew Laycock is the Manager, Customer Relations, Customer Connections for EPCOR Distribution and Transmission Inc. — which is the electrical business unit of EPCOR. With 15 years in stakeholder relations for utility companies and 20+ years in professional communication, when Andrew is asked what he does for a living he generally chuckles and says “I get yelled at: I’ve made a living with a short memory and a thick skin.” In his current role, Andrew acts as the bridge between Edmonton’s developer/builder community and EPCOR internal teams that design, manage and build the connections that are needed. When he’s not busy getting yelled at, Andrew enjoys coaching his daughter’s soccer team, cheering on his son’s Ultimate team and tricking his wife into watching VERY bad reality television.

In this special episode, Mariah Samji takes on the role of interviewee as she joins Ryan on ‘In Development’ one final time before going on maternity leave. Ryan and Mariah chat about all things IDEA (Infill Development in Edmonton Association): what drew her to the organization six years ago, the passionate people and mentors that have shaped her experience, organizational wins achieved over the years, and more. Mariah also details IDEA’s role as a key stakeholder for city-wide projects such as District and City Plan, the Zoning Bylaw Renewal, missing-middle infrastructure, the EPCOR cost-share program, etc. Listen with us as we celebrate Mariah’s tenure at IDEA, and hear about the importance of getting involved.

Mariah Samji is the Executive Director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association. She holds two degrees: one Bachelor of Education, and one After Degree in Human Geography and Urban Planning. Mariah served for five years on the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board and five years on her community league in North Millbourne. Mariah has a passion for small businesses, and vibrant, people-centred spaces ⁠— which keeps her motivated to advocate for change in Edmonton. The most exciting “development” is that she is soon-to-be a new mom. 

In today’s episode, Mariah and Ryan chat with Hani Barzagar, Founder and President of HIBCO and First General Edmonton. After arriving as immigrants to Canada, Hani and his siblings moved from small town Halifax to Edmonton, where he began work in the construction industry as a subcontractor. Along with his brothers, Hani founded HIBCO Construction, and expanded through the acquisition of First General Edmonton. Hani shares with Ryan and Mariah what community means to him. They speak about Hani’s passion for revitalizing inner-city communities in support of small businesses, affordable housing and cultural diversity. In particular, along Church Street near McCauley, and mature neighborhoods like Norwood and Crestwood. Ryan and Mariah also learn about Hani’s work with small and large-scale restoration projects. Listen to the full episode for more details about Hani’s experience with the Fort McMurray and Northern BC Wildfires, his involvement with IDEA, and his hopes for the Zoning Bylaw Renewal project.

Hani originally started his career as a carpenter working in restoration and disaster-related projects for various companies . His passion and drive encouraged him to bring together like-minded individuals to create HIBCO Construction in 2009, a company focused on both restoration as well as full-service construction services for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. In 2021, Hani acquired his second company, First General, which augments his team’s restoration capacity. The two companies now employ over 150 people.  

He believes that collaboration can help to reduce the red tape and financial barriers that are limiting infill development. Hani is passionate about improving the connections between neighborhood residents and infill builders and developers; he believes that we need to work together to build empathy and understanding on both sides.  

In this special episode of In Development, Ryan and Olivia chat with Tegan Martin-Drysdale - President of RedBrick Real Estate Services, Founder of Ocheller Homes, Co-Founder of Homestead Coworking and Co-Founder of IDEA; Chelsey Jersak - Founder and Principal of Situate and Past President of IDEA’s executive board; and Mariah Samji - previous Executive Director of IDEA.

In recognition of IDEA’s 10 Year Anniversary, Tegan, Chelsey and Mariah share their individual stories about IDEA’s beginnings, reflect on the challenges of starting a non-profit in the infill space, and celebrate the many pivotal moments of driving positive change for infill in our city and beyond.

For the first time ever, watch IDEA’s key players as they commemorate the organization’s collective achievements and speak to how you, the viewer, can be a part of driving change for people-centred communities!

As well, join us and infill community on Friday, June 23 at the IDEA 10 Year Gala! 🎉🎉🎉*Tickets available until June 19
 
Thank you to our episode sponsor: Situate. Get in touch with Situate today to find out how they can help you with your infill and urban redevelopment projects, large and small: hello@situateinc.ca.

In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Chris Dulaba a Placemaker at Beljan Development all about what commercial infill is, what benefits it brings to neighbourhoods and how we can repurpose heritage buildings into beautiful community hubs. 

Chris Dulaba, RPP, MCIP

Chris is a Placemaker at Beljan Development with over fifteen years of experience as a planner and developer. Chris has been directly involved in the planning, design and development of various projects from large master-planned communities to small scale infill throughout western Canada and Ontario. At Beljan his primary role is managing the development team with a specific focus on acquisition, concept development, land use approvals and design development. 

Chris holds a Bachelor's degree in Planning from the University of Waterloo and a Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and Alberta Professional Planners Institute. 

Today's guest on "In Development" is Ranon Soans. In this episode, the group delves into a thought-provoking discussion on district and city planning. "Cities are complex beings that need to live and breathe," so how do we best create plans with the understanding that they will continuously need to be amended? How do we enable what we want to see without restricting what we fear, while also providing certainty to residents and the public interest? What is the optimal balance between assessment and negotiation versus setting things in stone? Ranon also discusses the delicate balance of involving communities in the planning process to gather their perspectives and engagement, all while ensuring an efficient decision-making process to keep things moving forward. Join the conversation and listen now!

Ranon Soans is an urban planning specialist with a rigorous
understanding of planning processes and development in Alberta. Since joining
the team at Clarity Development Advisory in 2019, he has
coordinated a large variety of projects including complex rezoning
applications, public engagement efforts, and larger land use planning
proposals. Ranon’s skillful and knowledgeable proficiency in the industry is
built on diverse experiences in urban research, planning practice, and
involvement in development projects.

Ranon holds a Master’s degree in Human Geography from the
University of Alberta. He continues to be actively involved in academic
research focused on urban revitalization and affordable housing, and regularly
advocates for planning policy changes in Edmonton. Ranon is passionate about
placemaking, urban design, and sustainability transitions, and enjoys using
systematic thinking to better visualize problems and find solutions.

In today’s episode, Mariah and Ryan chat with Katie Warwa, Owner/Partner and Lead of Design at Urbis Infill Homes, a family-run business. Katie has worked in British Colombia and Alberta on a wide scale of infill development projects. She shares details about an amazing undertaking she was able to be a part of the Oak Ridge Mall redevelopment in the very heart of Vancouver. Transitioning from Vancouver to Edmonton, Katie shares about Urbis’ early days being one of the first companies to do lot splits in Edmonton, which started with a home for her own family in Bonnie Doon. Katie and Ryan get into the opportunities of multi-generational living that infill can provide the flexibility it gives to people to have their home grow with them. Katie also shares with them how neighbour communication is key to their projects and what tactics they have used to gain community support. Mariah asks Katie about what clients are asking for and what opportunities there are in the upcoming zoning bylaw renewal for redevelopment. Listen to hear more about her fascinating experiences designing for infill projects.

Katie Warwa is an Owner/Partner and lead of Design at Urbis Infill Homes, a design builder focused on infill in Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. She has a background in Architecture, with a Masters of Architecture graduate degree from the University of British Columbia. Her role at Urbis is much broader than residential design. She has been with the company since its infancy when it was a small operation of just four employees. She wears many hats and touches everything from marketing, to client relationships, to exterior and interior design of homes, to overseeing construction. She is also key to company culture managing multiple teams within Urbis and plays a role as the glue between design and construction. Katie’s passion and focus is on the clients of Urbis. She not only assists clients in designing their homes, but more importantly focuses on the client experience during the process. For Katie, it’s about ensuring that her clients will love their dream home for years to come thanks to her timeless and thoughtful design style of her and her team, as well as her focus on providing a positive and supportive design and build experience for homeowners.

Scott Mckeen is Edmonton's former Ward 6 City Councillor. Scott is best known for his 24 years at The Edmonton Journal, including eight years as the hometown newspaper’s City Hall columnist.

Scott’s career at the paper ran the entire spectrum, from crime reporting to the environment beat. The majority of his years were spent at City Hall, reporting and commenting on city council.

Upon leaving the newspaper, Scott launched a last-minute bid in the 2010 civic election, finishing second. Since then he has started a successful communications business, serving local, provincial and federal clients.

He also became actively involved in the community, a few including volunteering as director of the Downtown Edmonton Community League, the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, the Downtown Vibrancy Task Force, the Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health and the Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addiction.

Scott was also the City of Edmonton’s first ever Blogger in Residence, a position he stepped down from to run in Ward 6 in 2013.

Since his election in 2013, Scott has advocated for our most vulnerable population with his Mental Health and Urban Isolation initiative and through affordable housing and harm reduction strategies.

He’s voted for and against infill developments in Ward 6 based on the location, design and density of the project.

He’s supported a walkable, bikeable, and livable downtown with the approval of the 102 Ave bike lanes, the Reimagine Jasper Avenue Revitalization, and by pushing EPS for more enforcement on noisy cars and motorcycles.

Scott has three grown children. He spends as much time with them as they allow. He lives in Ward 6 in the community of Oliver, where he can often be seen zipping around on his yellow Vespa scooter.

In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Sean Bohle about how Edmonton achieved more than its 25% infill development targets and what is coming next. Sean was on the team that lead the implementation of Edmonton's Infill Roadmap which dealt with infrastructure, missing middle, parking, policy and education which Mariah and Ryan were involved in. Ryan and Sean do a deep dive into Edmonton's Missing Middle Design competition. Mariah inquired further about Sean's current project, District Planning, what it will mean to Edmontonians and how people can get involved. 

Sean Bohle is a Senior Planner at the City of Edmonton. He discovered a love for spreadsheets and financial models while completing graduate school at the University of British Columbia and through consulting work on affordable housing development. At the City of Edmonton, Sean has worked on policies to provide affordable housing and community amenities from rezoning, supported the implementation of the Infill Roadmap, and now works on District Planning.

In this episode of In Development, Ryan and Olivia sit down with Alessandra Bruni, Principal/Owner of ChalkMark Residential. Alessandra starts by sharing about her nuanced career journey; how her strong background, passion for unique design, and experience with diverse groups of builders and developers allowed her to create a niche in the real estate industry.

The conversation explores ChalkMark’s unique service offerings, and how Alessandra’s lens in marketing and communications sets ChalkMark apart. Tune in to the full episode to hear Alessandra speak to how travel has inspired her work, her involvement with prominent infill projects in Edmonton, as well as her role in leading the charge for infill development in Leduc. 

With over 10 years of residential experience, an insatiable amount of passion, and a desire to make a difference, ChalkMark Residential was built. Born and raised in Edmonton, Alessandra was immersed in the real estate industry at a young age. Spending weekends at showhomes collecting builder brochures and floorplans is where she first fell in love with the housing industry. Since then, she has worked with numerous builders, developers, and marketing firms. With an eye for design, a thirst for innovation, and an efficient personality, Alessandra brings her years of experience to ChalkMark Residential in the hopes of helping those around her make informed, unique decisions as it relates to the real estate industry. 

Alessandra has a bachelor’s degree in Business, along with a background in media communications, and holds an active REALTOR® license. She currently serves on multiple committees within the community, and Chairs the Urban Development Institutes, Leduc Committee. 

Join us for a candid conversation on affordable housing as we sit down with Jonathan Lay, Vice President in Projects for HomeEd. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience from his background in civil engineering to his current role in property management, where he's passionate about crafting communities that thrive.

In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the complexities of affordable housing, clarifying the distinction between affordable housing and housing affordability. We delve into HomeEd's mission of providing near-market housing, offering a blend of market rent and subsidized units to meet the diverse needs of Edmonton's residents.

Discover the faces behind affordable housing as Jonathan shares insights into the demographics of residents, from seniors to single-parent families and new Canadians. Together, we explore the historical trends and challenges in Edmonton's housing landscape and the innovative strategies employed by HomeEd to address these gaps.

From the Affordable Housing Strategy to zoning bylaws and financial support programs, Jonathan highlights the collaborative efforts needed to increase the availability of affordable housing. As we wrap up, Jonathan encourages listeners to educate themselves on affordable housing and advocate for inclusive community development.

In this episode, Ryan and Olivia chat with Stephen Raitz, Chair of Paths For People and Law Student at the University of Alberta. Stephen outlines the group's current advocacy work, including: active transportation for all, sustainability and equity when it comes to the public realm, and public funding for community infrastructure. Stephen also dives into how P4P is involved at the municipal level through The Bike Plan, Vision Zero Street Labs, District Plan, and Zoning Bylaw Renewal.

Listen to the full conversation to hear about Stephen’s passion for the intersection of law and planning, his thoughts on transportation disruptors, the future of active transportation, and how Edmontonians can get involved through positive discourse and a solutions-oriented mindset!

Stephen Raitz is a Registered Professional Planner who has worked within the Edmonton region and is now currently a Law Student at the University of Alberta. He has been a part of the Paths For People Board since 2018, always equipped with a lot of enthusiasm for ensuring that everyone can walk, roll, or cycle around our city safely. Stephen is also an improviser with Rapid Fire Theatre.

In this episode, Ryan and Olivia sit down with Kristin Tollovsen to discuss the relationship between environmental sustainability and property development. In particular, the influence of embodied carbon, operational carbon and a building’s end of life on our climate. Kristin also highlights various industry resources available, such as educational programs, green building certifications, and free digital tools for builders and developers. Listen to the full episode to hear an environmental scientist’s unique perspective on development and why Kristin believes all stakeholders in the industry should consider a carbon life cycle analysis for existing and future projects.

Kristin Tollovsen is the Manager of Sustainability and Social Purpose at Centurion Canada Infrastructure. Kristin has a B.Sc. from UBC and over 13 years of environmental experience including roles as an Environmental Scientist and Sustainable Project Manager. Kristin has worked with sustainable building certifications, sustainable operations and policy, and life cycle analysis for buildings and is now using those skills to lead Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) initiatives and improve workplace diversity at Centurion. Kristin is the co-founder and chair of the Carbon Leadership Forum – Alberta Hub and was named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 recipients by Edify Magazine for 2021.

In today's episode, Mariah and Ryan sit down with local business owner Morgan Kunitz who builds community on her street, in her family's business and on her property. Morgan is the owner of three beautiful locations of Kunitz Shoes, has a heritage home with a brand new garden suite, and has helped to bring food and flowers to her community through tactical urbanism. She shared real-life examples of what it is like being a small business owner in a growing City and what changes the City can do to support the local community. 

Bio: Morgan Kunitz is a local business owner, performer, director, community advocate and lover of all things YEG.  When she isn’t busy in her family retail business Kunitz Shoes she spends her time producing shows and building community on her street with her family in Inglewood.  A graduate of Grant MacEwan’s Theatre Arts program, Morgan’s theatre experiences gave her a passion for trying new things and a ‘making it work’ mentality. Whether it is stocking her Little Free Pantry or planting rogue flower pots along the bike lanes, Morgan shows her kids what it means to live in a vibrant community and how to make the block a better place through small incremental actions.