Proposed Zoning Amendment Changes to allow 4-Units in Residential Zones

Prince Albert City Council will consider a report from Administration on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, introducing a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to permit “4-Units as of Right” in all residential zones, excluding Country Residential. This proposed change is required to qualify for funding under the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The City is preparing an application for up to $36.7 million in funding to support the first phase of upgrades at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant, and a further $4-$6 million application for the planning stream of the funding. The total preliminary, high-level estimates have identified a project cost of $150-$250 million over the next 10 years for the three-phase upgrade.

Permitting 4-Units as of Right means that up to 4 units (such as townhouses, duplexes, three or fourplexes) will be allowed on any residential city lot without requiring a public hearing or Council vote as long as the development complies with all applicable zoning regulations and building code requirements.

“This change is essential if we want to access current and future federal funding initiatives,” said Mayor Powalinsky. “If we do not proceed, we will give up access to millions in funding that will eventually fall to our water utility rate payers. It is a decision that Council must weigh carefully.”  

Without this funding, the cost of these necessary upgrades would place a significant financial burden on residents and businesses. 

Should the City be successful in accessing federal and provincial funding, the City’s Water Utility will save an estimated $2.8 million in annual debt repayments, allowing the Utility to minimize rate increases to residents.

The zoning change is a condition required of municipalities with populations over 30,000 as an initiative to improve the supply, densification and affordability of housing in Canadian communities.  A Housing Needs Assessment  completed this year identified that Prince Albert does not have enough variety in the housing options available. 

Approximately 90 communities with populations greater than 30,000 (of approximately 140) have adopted four units as-of-right in anticipation of accessing funding.

If approved, changes are expected to be gradual, similar to the way newer residential uses gradually replaced older housing stock in some of the city’s older neighbourhoods over the last couple decades. 

To qualify for the fall intake of the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund the following dates are proposed:  

Monday October 27 

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 1ST Reading

Monday November 17 

• Public Hearing
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 2nd and 3rd Reading 

If approved, residents who want to share their feedback regarding this change are invited to submit correspondence or register to speak at the November 17, 2025, Public Hearing.

To learn more about the proposed 4-Unit as of Right Zoning change, visit www.citypa.ca/four-units 

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Media contact:

Mayor Bill Powalinsky
306.953.4300