Building Better Together: The Opportunity for Gentle Density & the Missing Middle in Central Alberta

As communities across Alberta wrestle with housing shortages and rising costs, a quiet but powerful shift is starting to take hold—especially here in Central Alberta. It’s called gentle densification, and it represents one of the most promising ways to add housing while preserving the integrity and character of our neighbourhoods. 

At the heart of this movement is the missing middle—housing options like duplexes, four-plexes, courtyard homes, and low-rise walk-ups that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment blocks. These forms were once common, but over time they’ve been zoned out, overlooked, or simply forgotten. Today, they offer a practical, beautiful, and community-minded solution to a growing problem. 

Central Alberta: A Region Ready for Thoughtful Growth 

Central Alberta may not always be in the headlines, but it’s a region with real potential. In cities like Red Deer, and in smaller communities like Innisfail, Lacombe, and Olds, the ingredients are all there: 

• Reasonable land costs
• Supportive municipal administrations
• Pressing demand for rentals and attainable housing
• Room for well-designed infill and redevelopment.

 We’re currently building an 8-plex in Red Deer—The Eastwood–a modest but meaningful project that fits into the scale of the neighbourhood. We’re also exploring other multi-unit infill opportunities in Innisfail and Lacombe. 

That said, not everyone is thrilled about this kind of change—and we understand that. Many residents, especially in established neighbourhoods, have valid concerns. They’ve seen hasty development in the past. They’ve seen “density” become a byword for boxy, cheap-looking buildings that clash with the homes and streets they love. 

That’s why thoughtful design matters so much. 

Design with Intention: Beauty and Belonging 

Gentle density does not mean compromising on beauty or character. In fact, it can do the opposite—enhancing a neighbourhood when done with care. 

We believe multi-unit homes should look and feel like they belong. That might mean peaked roofs, traditional materials like brick or wood, covered porches, gables, and landscaping that frames—not dominates—the lot. It means designing buildings people are proud to live in and happy to live near. 

Groups like MDDL Calgary are leading the charge in showing how missing middle housing can be attractive, liveable, and cohesive with existing neighbourhoods. We aim to do the same here. 

Why This Makes Sense Now 

Beyond aesthetics, there are powerful practical reasons to build this way—especially in today’s market. 

1. Affordability and Feasibility 

In many large Canadian cities, the math simply doesn’t work for small-scale infill. But in Central Alberta, the land is more affordable, construction costs are manageable, and the numbers make sense for investors, builders, and families alike. 

2. Rental Demand 

There’s a very real—and often overlooked—need for long-term rentals in smaller cities and towns. Nurses, tradespeople, young families, seniors, and newcomers are looking for quality rentals they can actually afford. Gentle density can meet this need without overwhelming communities. 

3. Multiple Use Cases 

Investors can build or purchase units that generate steady, long-term cash flow. 
Families can create multi-generational homes or build with a rental suite to offset their mortgage.
Municipalities benefit from increased housing supply, a stronger tax base, and revitalised neighbourhoods—all without the costs of sprawling greenfield expansion. 
 

Infill > Sprawl: Building Smart Within Our Cities 

One of the most sustainable things we can do is build within our existing neighbourhoods—on corner lots, oversized yards, or aging homesites. 

Unlike suburban sprawl, infill development: 

• Uses existing water, sewer, and road infrastructure
• Supports walkability and local businesses
• Keeps communities more compact and connected
• Reduces car dependence and environmental impact 

While greenfield developments will always play a role, infill is where some of the most meaningful, community-enriching housing can happen—especially when guided by design, not just density.