BLATCHFORD, EDMONTON
ALBERTA
Canada
Blatchford represents Edmonton’s vision for future urban living, approved in area redevelopment plans since 2012, and is a community being developed on the site of the decommissioned City Centre Airport in Edmonton, Alberta, with an area of 2.17 km². Blatchford is approximately the size of Edmonton’s downtown core. Transforming it into a mixed-use neighbourhood emphasizing carbon neutrality and ecological footprint reduction. Managed by the City of Edmonton, it leverages federal funding, like $23.7 million from Natural Resources Canada, for clean energy infrastructure.
Blatchford in Edmonton, Canada, is a pioneering carbon-neutral district developed on the site of the former City Centre Airport, designed to house up to 30,000 residents in a sustainable urban community powered by 100% renewable energy. It integrates advanced district energy systems, green infrastructure, and community-focused amenities to achieve net-zero emissions and resilience. The district features high-efficiency homes, businesses, schools, parks, plazas, bike lanes, and pathways, all connected by a District Energy Sharing System (DESS) that provides heating, cooling, and hot water using geothermal, solar, sewer heat recovery, and heat pumps. Buildings emit about 75% fewer greenhouse gases than typical Edmonton structures, supported by rebates for multi-unit housing integration.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
The community targets 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality through passive design, waste heat recovery, and reduced emissions, significantly lowering its environmental impact. It promotes resilience via green infrastructure, ecological buffers, and sustainable lifestyles, serving as a model for Canadian net-zero developments.
Smart City
Blatchford employs cutting-edge renewable technologies, including geo-exchange, solar panels, sewer heat exchange energy centres, and an ambient district energy loop for efficient, shared resource distribution. IoT-enabled systems optimise energy use, peak demand reduction, and grid reliability, with expansions like additional heat pumps enhancing capacity for growth.
Human-Centric
Blatchford prioritises walkable streets, lively public spaces, and proximity to amenities like parks and transit, fostering social connections and active living. It empowers residents with sustainable choices, affordable green utilities, and inclusive housing, creating a resilient, amenity-rich neighbourhood for diverse urban dwellers.
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