Alberta Premier Smith calls out federal interference in Edmonton housing rules

Edmonton - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith devoted much of her time on a call-in radio show today to defending her government's decision to reverse some Edmonton housing rules.

Smith claimed the province overturned zoning bylaw changes made by Edmonton in 2024 due to interference from Ottawa. She alleged that the federal government offered Edmonton substantial funding in return for the zoning alterations that facilitated the construction of multi-unit complexes in older neighborhoods.

According to Smith, this federal funding constituted a bribe and disrupted the legitimacy of the housing development process in Edmonton. She contended that the sudden demolitions of homes on various streets, coupled with the decline in property values and parking problems, were direct consequences of the federal government's influence.

Both mayors of Alberta's largest cities, Edmonton's and Calgary's, have dismissed the government's reversal. Calgary's Jeromy Farkas criticized the province for threatening local democracy.