THE PROJECT
In 2008 the Edmonton Arts Council published "The Art of Living" - a 10 Year Plan for Securing the Future of Arts and Heritage in the City of Edmonton", in response to the need recognized in 2005 by Council for a cultural plan for the City.

Download Arts Habitat's full Report:

Download Arts Habitat's Report Brief:

Arts Space is identified in the plan as being the most urgent need. Recommendation #2 is to redraw zoning bylaws and other city practices to stimulate arts activities.

Edmonton glass artist Keith Walker, creates new glass works in his garage studio after successfully jumping through hoops to get the development permit approved.

Arts Habitat Association was asked to work with the City of Edmonton to conduct research addressing the recommendation and need. The working team included City departments Community Services, Bylaw Unit, Licensing and Permits with Arts Habitat Association acting as community partner.

The ultimate project goal is to find and implement solutions toward a more sympathetic regulatory environment that will catalyze, improve and increase opportunities for a broad range of arts activities and space uses in the City.

A review of zoning bylaws, definitions, licenses, permits and other civic regulations was the basis of the research into what regulatory inhibitors are impeding artists and arts organizations from thriving in Edmonton. The complete scope of work included:

• Investigations of current bylaws and regulations to identify gaps and opportunities;
• Research of best practices of other municipalities;
• Community stakeholder consultations and citywide survey hosted by Arts Habitat Association to understand actual impediments ;
• Investigation into comparative information relevant to the objectives;
• A summary of relevant findings, along with any perspectives to represent the issues;
• Team working meetings to respond to the information;
• And a defined set of actions and solutions to be vetted through City hosted stakeholder consultation.

THE REPORT
"Review of Art Space Issues in Edmonton, A Summary Report Prepared by Arts Habitat Association" is a summary of Arts Habitat Association's research undertaken from the beginning of the project. The findings and recommendations made within will form part of the Bylaws Unit and the Licensing Departments internal review of civic regulations.

Many of the issues raised by the arts community do not fall under the portfolio of the Bylaw Unit or Licensing Department. The central issues of affordability and sustainability indicate an in-depth review of development incentives and initiatives is needed to retain and encourage more affordable and appropriate arts spaces. It is our hope that further action will be taken within the City to address and integrate those in plans moving forward. These issues and suggestions for improvement are referred to in the report as "Other Issues" and as "Ideas for Planning and Development Incentives/Initiatives".

CITY PROGRESS
For the City's progress on the project, including Draft Regulations, executive reports to council, and for further plans for Community consultation follow this link: Arts-Related Uses :: City of Edmonton

Download Arts Habitat's full Report:

Download Arts Habitat's Report Brief:

SPACE DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
For information on requirements and processes you'll need to go through at the City for your space development see "City of Edmonton Resources" on our LINKS page: Arts Habitat Links