Residents of south Edmonton neighborhoods near the University of Alberta are raising concerns about newly constructed infill homes operating as rooming houses. In some cases, these rooms are being rented out daily or even hourly, leading to worries about tenant safety and neighborhood stability.
Concerns Over Rooming House Model
In the Belgravia and McKernan areas, locals feel that the infill developments, marketed as multi-family dwellings, are misleading. McKernan resident Rhonda Bell noted that what appears to be seven or eight units can actually mean around 32 rooms in total.
Each room is designed with its own ensuite, which adds to the confusion regarding the property’s intended use. Recent findings revealed multiple classified ads on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, promoting these rentals by the day or hour. Prices range from $35 to $65 per night.
Community Response
- Residents expressed worries about the revolving door nature of tenants.
- Concerns were raised about shared facilities, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Many feel this setup does not foster a safe community environment.
Michael Janz, the local city councillor, has received numerous complaints regarding these developments. He emphasized the need for greater accountability from landlords and property owners to ensure the advertising matches the reality of the living conditions. Janz stated, “Neighbours deserve a sense of transparency and predictability.”
City Regulations and Developments
The city of Edmonton identifies a lodging house as a structure with four or more sleeping units, each rented separately. While the McKernan property in question is classified as a four-plex zoned for Small Scale Residential (RS), it is currently undergoing an application for a designation change to a lodging house.
The sudden removal of classified ads following inquiries raised suspicions among community members. Janz remarked that transparency is crucial. He has been addressing neighborhood concerns over infill housing, which has long been a contentious topic in Edmonton.
Future Implications
Janz is preparing a report that will clarify what constitutes a lodging house and the regulations governing its location. Meanwhile, residents believe that loopholes in current regulations are being exploited. Bell commented that the city should have anticipated the number of built bedrooms.
As property uses evolve, residents advocate for updated bylaws that reflect the realities of such developments. Bell argues that clarity and honesty from the city are essential in managing community expectations and maintaining neighborhood integrity.
This situation underscores the complex relationship between housing developments and community dynamics in Edmonton, particularly with the rise of rental models that complicate traditional residential norms.
