Last week, city council rejected a proposal from Regency Developments to add another 250 units to the Holyrood Gardens project at 83 Street and 93 Avenue. The development was approved in 2018 with a total of 1,200 units.
It's the second time this year the company has attempted to increase the size of the development.
Administration supported the updated application arguing it would be a "positive contribution to residential infill and transit oriented development in accordance with the City Plan."
The proposal failed on its first reading. Councillors Tony Caterina, Jon Dziadyk, Bev Esslinger, Mohinder Banga, and Tim Cartmell voted in favour, while Andrew Knack, Scott McKeen, Aaron Paquette, Michael Walters, and Mayor Don Iveson were opposed. Sarah Hamilton, Ben Henderson, and Mike Nickel were absent for the vote.
"This sends a message that developers don't run carte blanche over the city," Troy Pavlek argued in Episode 143 of Speaking Municipally. "You can't just say 'City Plan' three times fast and get your project approved."
Regency COO Raj Dhunna told CBC News the decision "definitely put the entire phase two at risk." He argued the market has changed since the original approval in 2018. The Holyrood Development Committee spoke against the new proposal, saying a deal is a deal.
"Had it gone ahead, it would have been yet another example of how public engagement and community consultation is meaningless," said Mack Male, Pavlek's co-host on Speaking Municipally.
"It would have been a huge slap-in-the-face to the community had it gone ahead."
Photo: A 3D rendering of the project as approved in June 2018. (City of Edmonton)