'I ❤️ SG' Conversation Series Topic #2- Explosive Residential Growth

Spruce Grove Councillor Erin Stevenson is proud to launch her campaign for a third term under the banner “I ❤️ SG”—a positive, community-focused message reflecting her deep commitment to the people, places, and possibilities that make Spruce Grove special.

Spruce Grove's Growth is No Accident: Councillor Erin Stevenson on Housing, Planning, and What’s Next

Spruce Grove is one of Alberta’s fastest-growing cities, and if you’ve driven around recently, you’ve likely noticed entire new neighbourhoods that didn’t even exist four years ago. For two-term Councillor Erin Stevenson, who is seeking her third mandate on council, this rapid growth is more than a statistic—it’s a reflection of thoughtful planning, community feedback, and a vision for a livable, inclusive city.

As part of her 'I ❤️ SG' campaign, Stevenson is highlighting the ways Council is shaping Spruce Grove’s future—and where more work needs to be done.

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LOVE: A City That’s Growing by Design

With at least 14 neighbourhoods currently under development, Spruce Grove has seen stalled growth areas like Deer Park and Legacy Park finally come to life with new residential builds. Neighbourhoods on the edges of the city such as Harvest Ridge and Fenwyck are now nearing completion, offering diverse housing options for families, first-time buyers, and seniors alike.

“We’ve consistently had the highest housing starts in the Edmonton metro region, outside of Edmonton itself,” says Councillor Stevenson, referencing comments made by Councillor Stuart Houston earlier this year. “That speaks volumes about the kind of community we’ve built—and are continuing to build.”

A big part of that momentum was the creation of Spruce Grove’s first-ever Housing Strategy, which clearly defines the municipality’s role in supporting housing affordability, diversity, and partnerships with developers and community organizations.

That vision was further solidified with the approval of the Municipal Development Plan (MDP)—a roadmap for growth over the next 20 to 30 years. The plan reflects community values, and was shaped by a three-year collaborative process involving Council, administration, and extensive public consultation.

“When developers come to the City now, they’re required to show how their proposals align with the MDP,” Stevenson says. “That means more clarity and transparency for everyone.”

Housing diversity is already evident, with a healthy mix of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and secondary suites, including zero-lot-line options and medium-density developments.

Single family housing in Harvest Ridge, July 2025

IMPROVE: Making Residential Growth More Transparent

As Spruce Grove grows, so do resident expectations—and Stevenson believes there are a few key areas for improvement. “We need to ensure developers are providing complete Neighbourhood Structure Plans,” she explains. “These plans give residents a clear understanding of how their future community will look and function.”

Another opportunity? Better signage. Stevenson wants to see visual concept plans posted at the entrances to developing neighbourhoods so prospective buyers and nearby residents can understand what’s coming. “We’re not just building houses—we’re building communities,” she adds.

There’s also a broader question around density. With the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board’s (EMRB) density targets no longer in effect, Stevenson believes it’s time to revisit local standards and ensure the city is still doing its part in supporting responsible regional growth.

Unique housing on McLeod Avenue, Lakewood neighbourhood, July 2025

NEXT: Building the Future

Looking ahead, Stevenson is focused on capturing the full spectrum of housing needs, from affordable tiny homes to upscale estate properties.

There’s also a looming question about annexation. While Spruce Grove owns land south of Highway 16A, its development would require significant underground infrastructure. “We need to evaluate whether this is the best path forward, or if there are more strategic ways for our city to grow,” she says.

Finally, Stevenson is encouraging a proactive discussion on infill as one of the many ways to tackle explosive residential growth. “We’re not there yet—but that’s exactly why now is the right time to start the conversation.”

Tall row homes, Copperhaven, July 2025

Share your thoughts with Erin and connect with her on social media and don't forget to use the hashtag #IHeartSG. Show Erin support in her re-election campaign by requesting a lawn sign (request form is at the bottom of every webpage).