In Development Podcast: Recent Episodes
Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA)
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.
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 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 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.
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 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
To stay in the know, subscribe to IDEA’s bi-weekly newsletter.
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, 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 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, 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 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.
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.
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, 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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, 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.
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.