Edmonton neighbourhoods in revolt over residential lot-splitting
ELISE STOLTE
It’s not just lawn signs now. Legal measures to prevent any increased density are starting to take hold in half a dozen mature neighbourhoods.
Most residents of Westbrook have already signed a restrictive covenant to prevent lot-splitting or duplexes in perpetuity and several other neighbourhoods are organizing.
“There’s a tremendous number of people upset with this,” said Victoria Archer, a lawyer and resident of Capilano, which scheduled a set of community meetings on restrictive covenants starting next week. “People here are furious with city council, absolutely furious.”
In April 2015, council amended the zoning bylaw to allow anyone to subdivide a residential property at least 50 feet (15.24 metres) wide. They saw it as a fair way to permit a gradual increase in density across the city. But although the deliberations were covered in the media and council held a public hearing, many people didn’t find out until a subdivision happened in their neighbourhood.
Westbrook was the first to rally after a $950,000, 96-foot (29.2 metre) property on Fairway Drive was subdivided. But protests signs are now spreading. Lansdowne, Aspen Gardens, Rio Terrace, Capilano – all are realizing the only way to prevent residents from splitting their lot and building two homes in place of one is by signing a legally binding agreement among neighbours.
“It’s registered against the title of the land,” said Chris Bowie, a lawyer and Westbrook resident who drew up the caveat for his neighbours.
http://edmontonjournal.com/business/real...in-revolt-over-residential-lot-splitting
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