Canada's largest sustainable community takes shape
Mar 19, 2025
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Tom Lumsden, the development manager for Blatchford, and architect Tom Young share insights into creating Edmonton's largest sustainable community on a former airport site. They discuss innovative urban solutions like a biomass energy system and pedestrian-friendly designs. The duo highlights the complexities of integrating sustainability with community affordability, ensuring the project is inclusive for all income levels. Challenges of implementing a district energy system and the fascinating evolution of Blatchford's urban landscape showcase the ambitious vision for a carbon-neutral future.
Blatchford aims to be a carbon-neutral community in Edmonton, featuring pedestrian-friendly streets, various housing forms, and a district energy system.
The development has faced challenges such as slower occupancy rates and complex infrastructure approvals, highlighting the difficulties of sustainable community-building.
With a commitment to inclusiveness, Blatchford plans to incorporate 16% affordable housing, ensuring diverse socio-economic representation in the community.
Deep dives
Blatchford's Vision for Sustainable Living
Blatchford is a planned sustainable community in Edmonton, Canada, designed to house 30,000 residents while aiming for net-zero emissions. Located on land previously occupied by a municipal airport, the project began following the airport's closure in 2014. The development incorporates principles of smart growth and urban planning, including high density and transit-oriented design, to create a walkable neighborhood. The ambitious plan includes green space, parks, and a sophisticated district energy system for sustainable heating and cooling.
Challenges and Progress in Development
Despite initial projections, the development of Blatchford has faced delays and challenges, with slower-than-anticipated occupancy rates since the first residents moved in 2020. The complexities of building a sustainable community from the ground up in a car-centric city have led to longer approval processes and necessary redesign of infrastructure to meet unique zoning requirements. As of now, the development includes 134 homes connected to the district energy system, with ongoing construction of additional units. The city aims to maintain its long-term vision despite market fluctuations and other challenges, underscoring the importance of sustainable community-building.
Innovative Energy Solutions
Blatchford features a cutting-edge district energy system that utilizes geo-exchange technology to provide heating and cooling to homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The system relies on deep boreholes to source consistent underground temperatures, allowing for energy efficiency in climate control. Although initial costs are high, the utility expects to break even as more residences are connected to the system, enhancing overall sustainability. This project sets a precedent for scalable district energy solutions in North America and showcases the potential for innovative energy management in urban settings.
Future Transit and Community Integration
Planned as a transit-oriented development, Blatchford is served by two light rail stations designed to enhance accessibility for residents and promote the use of public transport. The first station opened ahead of schedule, demonstrating increased ridership compared to the previous stop, illustrating the community's integration with the greater Edmonton transit network. The design encourages walkability and cycling, with dedicated paths and connecting routes that promote active transportation. Future plans include the development of a commercial area and amenities to support community life, contributing to a vibrant neighborhood.
Affordability and Inclusiveness Initiatives
To address concerns about affordability within Blatchford, the city has established a goal of including 16% affordable housing in the new community. Development plans include a mix of housing types, including low-rise apartments to diversify the market offering. While initial homes cater to a range of buyers, future developments aim to create more accessible options for lower-income residents. This commitment to inclusiveness is critical for ensuring that Blatchford remains a welcoming community for diverse socio-economic groups and not just an exclusive enclave.
In this episode, I'm joined by Toms Lumsden and Young (development manager and urban planner, respectively) to explore Blatchford, an ambitious sustainable community being built on the grounds of a former municipal airport in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada’s most conservative province). We dig into how this city-led, mixed-use development is creating a carbon-neutral community with pedestrian-first streets, a variety of housing forms, and a district energy system, right in the heart of oil country.
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