Burnewood Community Calls for Rethink on Kiniski Gardens Affordable Housing Proposal

Members of the Burnewood community are calling for more discussion and options regarding the proposed affordable housing in Kiniski Gardens, as well as in the nearby Jackson Heights and surrounding areas.

While affordable housing is an essential right, the current proposal for the Kiniski Gardens site is poorly designed and inappropriately located. The city’s limited engagement with local residents suggests a neglect of the neighborhood’s needs, raising concerns about its ability to manage new projects in areas with aging infrastructure, including low transit service within the area.

The proposed development would replace a green space that provides open access and safety for the community. Its close proximity to Julia Kiniski Elementary and Jackson Heights Elementary raises concerns about overcrowding, as both schools have already exceeded capacity and rely on portables to accommodate students. Jackson Heights has had to extend unpleasantly in front to support its needs. At this time, the area cannot adequately support the “family” demographic targeted by the project.

The city’s own green space goals are not reflected in this proposal, which removes an area many residents have valued for years. Additionally, the development does not align with the aesthetics of surrounding homes and could create safety and social concerns by isolating the site with fencing and having backyards face the school instead of green grass or snow.

Given that the federal government has reduced immigration numbers, easing some population pressures, the Burnewood community believes this project should be paused. The Kiniski Gardens site still has potential for future development, particularly to support schools in the growing population of The Meadows and Mill Woods. Not all units in the current plan are truly affordable, further questioning the project’s immediate necessity. 

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Email: jo-anne.wright@edmonton.ca