The City of Yellowknife has amended its Zoning By-law No. 5045, to introduce two new zones, RI (Residential Intensification) and RI-1 Zone. 

New zones will facilitate new or infill residential intensification development in an effort to bring more housing options for residents.

Infographic about the new RI and RI-1 Zones

Planning Context

The Community Planning and Development Act and the Cities, Towns and Villages Act provide Council the authority to create new zones and amend a Zoning By-law.

Zoning By-law amendments must conform to policies in the Community Plan.

The Community Plan By-law No. 5007 supports the proposed amendment through policies of land use designations, environment and climate change, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and subdivision and land development sequencing.

Project History

  • Public consultation (June 14 – July 5, 2024)
  • Developing the Zoning By-law amendment (July – September, 2024)
  • Writing the Zoning By-law amendment (July – September, 2024)
  • Governance and Priorities Committee meeting (September 23, 2024 and October 7, 2024)
  • Council’s decision-making process (September onward):
     
    • 1st reading (October 15, 2024)
    • Public hearing (October 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.)
    • 2nd reading (October 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.)
    • 3rd reading (October 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.)

Introductory FAQ

A zone is a set of development requirements for an area. Each zone has a specific purpose and a list of permitted land uses (some with more restrictions than others). Regulations of a zone also outline minimum setbacks, maximum building heights, and other development requirements. The Zoning By-law divides land within the city into a number of zones.

You can find out what your property is zoned for using the City’s interactive map.

Background

The City of Yellowknife residents need more housing options. Housing supports community and economic growth.

Council understands the need to increase housing options. Under the Strategic Direction of “People First”, one key initiative is to set the context and foundation for a fulsome continuum of housing options. Under the strategic Direction of "Sustainable Future", one key initiative is to complete land development tools and strategies that support growth readiness.

The Planning and Development Department drafted the Zoning By-law amendment (By-law No. 5095) that introduces two new residential zones, RI and RI-1 Zone. These zones will support new and infill residential development throughout the city, create more house options and encourage efficient use of existing infrastructure.

Why new Zones?

New zones will facilitate residential intensification development. No single detached dwellings will be permitted in the two new zones. Residential intensification is a good planning practice for efficient use of infrastructure and services. The City’s Community Plan strongly supports such initiative.

Where will the new zones by applied?

The new zones are intended for properties that are ideal for new or infill residential intensification development. The new zones will not be applied to neighbourhood for re-development.

No property will be put under the new RI or RI-1 Zone through this amendment. In other words, this amendment will not affect any existing properties. Another amendment and public process will be required to rezone any property.

Proposed Amendment

The By-law amendment (No. 5095) adds two new zones (RI and RI-1 Zone) and some associated changes to the Zoning By-law. The purpose of RI Zone is to provide areas for new or infill residential intensification developments that supply a mix of housing options. The new RI-1 Zone is a “lite” version of RI Zone – RI-1 Zone supports residential intensification of a smaller scale within established neighbourhoods or where properties have limitations, such as topographic challenges. RI and RI-1 Zone contain tailored permitted uses and zoning requirements. No single detached dwelling is permitted. Associated changes to the Zoning By-law ensure consistency and precision in by-law language that is in support of the new zones and the intent to bring more housing to Yellowknife.

The Planning and Development Department originally proposed two new zones with a minimum floor area ratio (FAR) requirement. On October 7, 2024, the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) gave directions to remove Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from the draft amendment. Hence, By-law No. 5095 is passed without the FAR requirements. Below you can find additional information about FAR and the original proposal.

Associated changes include updating definitions, eliminating minimum parking requirements in a certain area, and providing additional clarity to general regulations. You can find all changes in By-law 5095.

What's next?

The City has adopted the amendment, and By-law No. 5095 has been enacted on October 28, 2024. In the future, when land becomes available, rezoning will take place. The City will assess and apply the most appropriate zone to the new land. New land may not all be zoned RI or RI-1.

Rezoning is a separate Zoning By-law amendment process. The public will be notified and invited to provide input as part of the amendment process.