Over the past year, infill has been top of mind for many — from where and how we build, who is informed, and why. Just weeks ago, BILD Edmonton Metro launched its Infill Priority Actions Plan, recognizing that this conversation has both practical as well as political realities.
Infill and redevelopment at a wide variety of scales has been happening for decades in our community. While the forms and locations may vary, one thing is constant – these projects are all active work sites that take thousands of professionals and a wide variety of trades to deliver city-wide. Construction is an essential part of Edmonton’s infill evolution. Rather than shying away from the discussion, we are leaning in — focusing on how to do it well. And we are putting a commitment to safety for workers at its heart.
Construction brings visible impacts to our neighbourhoods. Heavy equipment arrives, crews start early, and sites must be secured and managed carefully in all types of weather and site conditions. These are the realities of building the homes people rely on.
While we often focus on the importance of housing itself, we talk less about what it takes to deliver it responsibly — ensuring that the right safeguards, standards, and people are in place every step of the way. Strong policies matter, but they must be matched with practical tools, clear processes, and skilled professionals if we’re going to continue advancing infill and housing in a thoughtful, responsible way.
That’s why we were proud to support the City of Edmonton’s Construction Accountability Program. Our members play an active role in maintaining safe, secure, clean, and respectful worksites, and many go further by proactively communicating with neighbours throughout the construction process. While many builders already uphold high standards, we welcome measures that address bad actors and provide opportunities for greater learning for everyone. At the same time, it’s important that these efforts recognize and reinforce the strong performance of the many who are doing things right, without creating unintended barriers. Most work sites are well managed, and this needs to be encouraged.
At the core of this conversation is a commitment to continuous improvement and shared responsibility. That’s why our industry association has created the Construction Safety Week — an opportunity to bring together trades, builders, and industry professionals to share best practices, learn from one another, and strengthen a culture where safety and accountability are front and centre.
From May 4 to May 8, Construction Safety Week will feature stories of those who build homes, on-site safety acknowledgements, a mixer, a safety bootcamp with trench rescues, fire prevention demonstrations, and a variety of educational booths.
In Alberta, construction site accidents account for 12 per cent of workplace injuries — a clear reminder of the risks faced by the people who build our communities every day. While many of us are enjoying our morning coffees or commuting to work, most construction workers and crews have already been on site for hours — preparing, planning, and getting the job done. Our Construction Safety Week is a chance to honour these efforts.
In Edmonton, infill complaints dropped by 58.7 per cent and Safety Codes Orders declined by 53.5 per cent between 2022 and 2023 — clear evidence of progress. But maintaining that momentum means continuing to raise the bar through stronger accountability, better education, and proactive practices that define a gold standard for construction.
The need for continuous improvement in this space does not end. As construction practices evolve, industry safety standards must continue to innovate and grow with its workers. With stronger site management, clearer communication with communities, and ongoing training and education, we can work to ensure safe and efficient building practices for everyone in the region.
As we continue building safe and sustainable communities, there is a growing need for care, pride, and attention. The message is now clearer than ever: there is no construction without safety, and no success without commitment.
Written by Kalen Anderson, CEO