Advancing Federal Advocacy to Reduce Barriers and Support Development Across Canada

NAIOP Edmonton, together with all Canadian NAIOP Chapters, continues to work collaboratively at the national level to advance key advocacy priorities that support a more competitive, stable, and investment-ready development environment. This collective work ensures federal policymakers understand the unique challenges facing large scale multi family real estate markets across the country and the solutions needed to move projects forward.

Keleher Planning & Economic Consulting Inc. (KPEC) was retained by the Canadian Chapters of NAIOP to undertake research into the government charges and fees imposed on new housing development in four major Canadian housing markets – Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

Their findings, summarized in this report and media release, show that municipal costs associated with purpose-built rental projects have increased dramatically, rising between 290% and 628% since 2010.

What the Report Signals for Alberta

The findings reinforce what our industry has long recognized: Alberta does not face the same development charges landscape seen in Toronto or Vancouver. Instead, the pressures here show up differently.

As NAIOP Edmonton Federal Advocacy Chair and Board Member Stewart Fraser explains:

“In Edmonton, fees are still low compared to other cities, but the overall cost burden isn’t. Instead of relying on high development charges, we’re seeing the pressure show up through elevated taxes (both residential and non-residential). Both ultimately make it harder to get new rental housing built.”

This distinction matters. The challenge in Alberta is not a development cost charge (DCC) issue, it’s the broader fiscal environment shaped by municipal tax rates and how they affect project feasibility.

Positioning Alberta in the National Landscape

Our goal is to ensure policymakers recognize that a one-size-fits-all national approach to development cost reform doesn’t reflect Alberta’s reality. Continued collaboration through NAIOP’s national advocacy committee allows us to highlight the distinct cost structures in Edmonton and Calgary, ensuring federal policy supports, not hinders, Alberta’s economic growth and development competitiveness.

Media Contact

For any media enquiries or follow-up questions related to this topic, please contact:

Stewart Fraser
NAIOP Edmonton Federal Advocacy Chair & Board Member
SFraser@cantiro.ca