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Edmonton made a historic move on housing the other day when it allowed duplexes to be built anywhere in the last remaining neighbourhoods.

The change effectively eliminates single-family only zoning. But it slipped quietly under the radar.

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Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, council voted for pretty much the same thing, allowing up to a triplex on low-density lots across the city. But it blew up because of national coverage. It was a huge debate, supported by a “Neighbours for more neighbours” campaign that had pundits wondering if it will blaze a path for housing reform across the United States.

Why? Probably because Minneapolis did the equivalent of pulling the band-aid off quickly, jumping on infill and towers near transit to create affordable housing and reduce the city’s environmental footprint.

So it’s worth pausing a moment to realize Edmonton is slowly doing the same thing.

But in Edmonton it’s evolution, not revolution. I’ve heard that so often I roll my eyes, but it’s true. Small steps toward density and affordability over the last decade are, in hindsight, taking this city a long way.