Alberta Premier Smith blames federal funding for Edmonton's zoning rollback

During a radio interview, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith accused the federal government of using funding to coerce Edmonton into adopting zoning changes that favor multi-unit developments in established neighborhoods. She labeled the federal offer as a bribe that disrupted the integrity of the city’s housing approvals. In response, Smith announced that the province has rolled back the 2024 zoning bylaw amendments, giving Edmonton a three-month deadline to reverse them.

The funding, part of a Housing Accelerator Fund announced by the former Trudeau government, was intended to fast-track over 5,200 new homes. Calgary mayor Jeromy Farkas warned that the province’s intervention threatens municipal autonomy, though the reversal does not affect Calgary’s own recent rezoning reforms. The dispute is set to be a focal point in Alberta’s upcoming referendum, which includes a question on whether the province should stay in Canada. Smith reiterated her personal intention to vote to remain in the federation.