The EFCL is hosting a workshop to review ways to make multi-unit housing attractive to families. The workshop is set for 9:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 at Queen Alexandra Community League Hall, 10425 University Avenue
The EFCL has come to realize that many leagues are worried about the loss of family-friendly accommodation in their neighborhood. It comes up every time a new apartment is being discussed, as almost all of them are designed for adults only. Children are commonly ruled out, either through building design or by policy, from living in new comcomplexes, which may be across the street from a neighbourhood playground and school.
Family housing is important to communities for a number of reasons. Unlike adult-oriented buildings, child-friendly buildings can accommodate the needs of a family in all stages of life. There is no need to move if children become part of the household. Expectant parents do not need to relocate, nor do seniors have to move if their children/grandchildren move in with them to take care of them. New immigrants can remain in their established home when their extended family joins them. This type of housing encourages long-term residency.
“We know from experience, people who see themselves as long term residents are more likely to become involved in their community and volunteer for their community league,” says Allan Bolstad, EFCL executive director.
“Higher density family friendly infill housing will bring more children to mature neighbourhoods and help fill our schools,” says Christopher Spencer, from Grovenor Community League.
Most mature neighbourhoods are ideal for families. Community Leagues have provided excellent family recreation facilities and programs, and leagues would like to see these well used.
While leagues in mature neighbourhoods are working hard to provide services for families, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable family friendly housing in these neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, the single detached home in central Edmonton is out of financial reach for many families and the more affordable multi-unit housing is not family friendly.
Nowhere in the city is the lack of family friendly housing more pronounced than in the Downtown neighbourhood. But that may soon change, says Ian O’Donnell of the Downtown Edmonton Community League. The League supports the recommendation of the new Downtown Plan which calls for incentives to stimulate construction of more family-oriented housing, as well as child oriented neighbourhood amenities.
Some city policies recognize the importance of creating family housing in mature neighborhoods. For example, the new Municipal Development Plan states that large infill sites must have at least 25% family-oriented housing.
But what makes an apartment, or other forms of multi-unit housing, family friendly? How can Leagues promote more family friendly multi-unit housing in their neighborhoods?
Community league representatives are welcome to attend the workshop and contribute their suggestions.