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Metro 78: Making Structural Changes Toward an Inclusive Edmonton
Metro 78, located just steps from the McKernan-Belgravia LRT Station, has reached a significant milestone with the approval of its development permit. This achievement underscores Pinto Properties' and the project team's dedication to bringing this project to life. It also highlights the perseverance of our partners, Keith McIntyre of Frank Hilbich Architect Inc., EFG Architects Inc., and the many other consultants involved.
Edmonton is committed to building a comprehensive LRT system. Many cities with similar goals have maximized the return on the billions of taxpayers' dollars invested by combining transportation and land use efficiencies. Metro 78 exemplifies these efficiencies at an underutilized LRT station.
Throughout the three-year rezoning process, Pinto Properties President Bryce Pinto and the project team, led by GSA’s Associate Principal Marcelo Figueira, worked tirelessly to enhance Metro 78. They prioritized built form over density, creating a car-free environment to promote equity in housing and transportation. The resulting two six-storey buildings reflect a design that best fits the site.
Metro 78 is designed to achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption, provide subsidized transit passes for residents, and offer affordable rental units that meet CMHC’s criteria. This development represents incremental transit-oriented development (TOD) at a critical location, realizing the potential of TOD without the long wait associated with master planning large TOD areas.
Pinto Properties will also make significant contributions to the community, including designing and developing a new public plaza and a cash contribution to the redevelopment of Charles Simmonds Park.
The McKernan-Belgravia Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) initially posed challenges to this project.
We received strong support from the general public reflecting a broad consensus on the need for a sustainable, inclusive TOD project. However, some viewed the ARP as a covenant between the community and City Council and argued against changes. However, the reality proved different, leading City Council to repeal the ARP in June 2024 to create room for the new District Plans.
With a new set of policies and zoning regulations, we now have a clear path forward, and future desirable projects like Metro 78 may not take years to be approved.
Metro 78 is about making structural changes and building an inclusive Edmonton. These are the real covenants we uphold.
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