Luxury Condos on River Valley Approved by City

Hotly debated and strongly contested, a 46-unit luxury condo development has been approved for Brander Gardens on the edge of Edmonton's River Valley. Once completed it will be one of the city's most highly sought-after luxury condo developments.

The project will be built on a 3.2-hectare top-of-the-bank site valued at $6.6 million and despite the concerns of local residents, Edmonton City Council approved it by a vote of 12 to one. The land is owned by Dennis Modry, an Edmonton cardiologist who submitted the proposal for six buildings on the site, each four-storeys high.

The homes surrounding the proposed development are single-family homes valued in the millions. Residents say they are worried that property values will fall, their privacy will be compromised and that there will be increased and unwanted traffic on Whitemud Road. Most were surprised that a development of its size would be permitted in the area.

The architect of the luxury condo project stated, in response to resident concerns, that there was provision in the proposal to save the large trees on the lot and actually move them to create a wall of trees about 16-metres high so that the development would be blocked from view to maintain the privacy currently enjoyed. Council heard that the technology required to move these older trees is new and unproven in Edmonton.

The proposal included a caveat stating that no development would be able to occur below the crest of the bank. That includes public park space because of an offbeat bylaw which says the City could provide park space if that 3.2-hectare piece of land had been subdivided. Instead, it has just been rezoned and remains in private hands.

Because of this, the developer in good faith will provide $50,000 to the community league as a gift and will provide a further $50,000 to the City of Edmonton for the sole purpose of constructing a path and a new set of stairs leading from the footbridge path by Fort Edmonton to Whitemud Road. There is an old cabin on the site used historically by a trapper which the owner will donate to Fort Edmonton.

Slope Concerns

Long-time Edmonton residents will recall a time in 1999 when the slope of the river bank gave way and three homes slide down towards the river. Some expressed concern that this large project will destabilize the slope. Even putting in underground sprinklers have been forbidden in the neighbourhood. However, the architect said the property lies on an outside edge and is safe. Geotechnical officials with the City of Edmonton say that a building setback of 10 metres is in the acceptable range. The City must accept liability if the slope defies the analysis.

About Brander Gardens

Most of this beautiful community in South West Edmonton was constructed in the 1970's with a few homes built in the 60's. Some of the city's most expensive estate property is located here; however, there is also a selection of moderately priced townhomes and condos in Brander Gardens. The location is the primary attraction as the community is tucked away between Fort Edmonton Park, the River Valley and Whitemud Drive.