Standing on Mario Bevilacqua’s back porch reveals a juxtaposition of apple trees on one side and a bustling wall of houses and traffic on the other. Bevilacqua, an 87-year-old farmer who has owned a U-Pick farm just south of 41st Avenue Southwest since the 1970s, advises against starting a farm near Edmonton due to the high operational costs and challenges, including the need for hired help.
Due to these factors, Bevilacqua has decided to list his property for sale and has been approached by individuals interested in transforming the land into a new housing development. Concerned about witnessing this transformation, he expresses emotional attachment to the trees he nurtured from seeds, referring to them as his “babies.”
Alberta is currently experiencing a housing boom, with nearly 27,000 homes commencing construction in the province during the first half of the year, marking a 30% increase from the previous year and setting a new record. A significant portion of this growth is concentrated in Edmonton, with over 15,000 building permits issued in 2024, primarily in areas between 41st Avenue Southwest and Anthony Henday Drive, encompassing neighborhoods like The Orchards, Keswick, and Chappelle.
Edmonton’s population has surged by over 100,000 individuals in the last two years, reflecting the city’s ongoing expansion. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi views this construction boom as a positive development, creating employment opportunities and diversifying the city’s housing options. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a rapid pace of development under the new city council.
While new growth is predominantly occurring in the southern regions of Edmonton due to available land and proximity to the airport, infrastructure enhancements such as water and sewage systems, transportation facilities, and schools must accompany the housing developments. The appeal of south Edmonton lies in its modern amenities and family-friendly environment, attracting residents seeking convenience and quality of life.
As Edmonton continues to evolve, Bevilacqua dismantles his apple press and contemplates his future post-sale, acknowledging the inevitability of change and the need to adapt. He metaphorically likens the city’s expansion to a flowing river, emphasizing the futility of attempting to impede progress.
