Supporting the evolution of our single-detached neighbourhoods can be daunting, so we’ve created a space where local government planners can tackle these collective challenges together.
The Gentle Density Network is an open space to catalyze the evolution of single-detached neighbourhoods that provide ground-oriented homes, equitable for all. There will be opportunities to collaborate with other local government planners, learn about new resources, and attend webinars.
Sign-up for the Gentle Density Network
Sign-up for the Gentle Density Network
Join us at Gentle Density Network Events
The Gentle Density Network brings planners and related professionals together to learn and share experiences that will enable greater uptake of gentle density. Thank you to all that joined us @ Sun Peaks during the #PIBC2023 conference. Stay tuned for more in-person events!
Gentle Density Network: Webinar Series
The Gentle Density Network brings planners and related professionals together to learn and share experiences that will enable greater uptake of gentle density.
GDN Winter Watercooler Wind-up
December 6, 2023 ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Pour yourself a cup of your favourite office-friendly winter beverage and join the Small Housing team for a chat around the virtual water cooler to celebrate the winter and wind up this busy year.
During this 1-hour session, we will:
- Unpack the provincial government’s recent upzoning legislation
- Share the latest news about CMHC’s Housing Accelerator Fund program
We are also going to host our first ever Gentle Density Gingerbread House competition. We invite you to create your favourite style of gentle density housing – in gingerbread form. We want to see them all: rowhouses, cottage courts, multiplexes, tiny homes villages… use your imagination! Our esteemed panel of judges (TBD) will select a winner who will hold bragging rights for a full year and the best part is, even if you don’t win, you can still eat your losses.
Missed our last webinar?
The Parking Break: Parking Reform and Gentle Density
We assembled a group of parking and transportation reform champions to help the Gentle Density Network explore what parking reform and gentle density might look like in their communities.
- Parking reform efforts in smaller and car-dependent communities – Nancy Henderson, Sr. Local Government Advisor, Urban Systems
- Bringing active transportation & car shares to your city – Alison Gu, City of Burnaby Councillor
- Car-free and car-lite developments – Julian West, Developer, Urban Thrive
- Edmonton’s Open Option Parking – letting people decide for themselves – Colton Kirsop, Business Lead, Community Planning, McElhanney, and former City of Edmonton planner
Pipes and Wires: Servicing and Infrastructure
The prospect of upzoning single-detached neighbourhoods to 3-4 or 6 units per lot has planners, civil engineers, and utility providers wrestling with how to plan for servicing the increased density, and councils and finance officers wondering how to pay for it all. Attendees will:
- Learn about SHBC’s Guidance Paper recommendations and future planned resources to support infrastructure planning for gentle density infill
- Engage with colleagues in other jurisdictions to discuss challenges and approaches to infrastructure and servicing for gentle density infill
- Jumpstart or advance internal staff dialogue to prepare for forthcoming Provincial legislation
Infill Development in Edmonton: Strategies for Success
Discover how infill is allowed in the City of Edmonton and the City’s role in supporting infill and learn about the resources provided by external organizations to support infill development.
This session features Nicholas Rheubottom, Executive Director at Infill Development Edmonton Association (IDEA), and Travis Fong, Co-Founder and President of YEGarden Suites.
Exploring Gentle Density Supply and Housing Affordability
Gentle density infill housing strategies provide a promising way to increase housing supply in already built areas, but the question of affordability still remains.
This session features James Moore, City of Kelowna, and Matt Thomson, Urban Matters.