Jacob Loo Dawang
@jacobdawang.com
your local data scientist and housing advocate @growtogetheryeg.bsky.social
📍 Edmonton, AB
https://www.jacobdawang.com
📍 Edmonton, AB
https://www.jacobdawang.com
Pinned
2025: The year Edmonton built the missing middle – Jacob Dawang
Edmonton’s zoning reform is working. In 2025, newly legalized eight-home rowhomes drove a record increase in homebuilding, achieved by redeveloping only 0.39% of properties in mature neighbourhoods.
www.jacobdawang.com
NEW POST
While cities across North America struggle with housing shortages, Edmonton is proving that zoning reform works.
In 2025, for the first time in history, the number of homes permitted in 5-8 unit rowhomes surpassed detached homes. 🧵
#yeg #yegcc #yimby
www.jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/zb...
While cities across North America struggle with housing shortages, Edmonton is proving that zoning reform works.
In 2025, for the first time in history, the number of homes permitted in 5-8 unit rowhomes surpassed detached homes. 🧵
#yeg #yegcc #yimby
www.jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/zb...
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Well said. I support this editorial and think the new vision should incorporate a new Official Plan, since we're operating within a framework that is over 30 years old and no longer benefits all Toronto residents.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Globe editorial: The cost of Toronto’s free riders
The federal government revoking part of the city’s housing money highlights a split between suburbs and old city
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Well said. I support this editorial and think the new vision should incorporate a new Official Plan, since we're operating within a framework that is over 30 years old and no longer benefits all Toronto residents.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
"In economics terms, areas that refuse new housing are urban free riders."
G&M editorial board launching a broadside.
G&M editorial board launching a broadside.
Well said. I support this editorial and think the new vision should incorporate a new Official Plan, since we're operating within a framework that is over 30 years old and no longer benefits all Toronto residents.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Globe editorial: The cost of Toronto’s free riders
The federal government revoking part of the city’s housing money highlights a split between suburbs and old city
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:23 PM
"In economics terms, areas that refuse new housing are urban free riders."
G&M editorial board launching a broadside.
G&M editorial board launching a broadside.
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
🚨 EXPLORATORY ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Ontario can be so much more than it is today.
I am exploring a run for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party because I believe in growth, opportunity, and institutions that actually deliver.
Let’s talk about Ontario’s future. 👇
Ontario can be so much more than it is today.
I am exploring a run for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party because I believe in growth, opportunity, and institutions that actually deliver.
Let’s talk about Ontario’s future. 👇
January 28, 2026 at 6:08 PM
🚨 EXPLORATORY ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Ontario can be so much more than it is today.
I am exploring a run for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party because I believe in growth, opportunity, and institutions that actually deliver.
Let’s talk about Ontario’s future. 👇
Ontario can be so much more than it is today.
I am exploring a run for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party because I believe in growth, opportunity, and institutions that actually deliver.
Let’s talk about Ontario’s future. 👇
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
The nodes and corridors approach segregates our city.
Those who can afford to buy a single-detached home get to live on quiet, tree-lined streets. Renters and apartment-dwellers get busy, polluted arterials.
More housing options everywhere is not just about affordability. It's also about equity.
Those who can afford to buy a single-detached home get to live on quiet, tree-lined streets. Renters and apartment-dwellers get busy, polluted arterials.
More housing options everywhere is not just about affordability. It's also about equity.
Inspired by @ericlombardi.ca
Them: the generational divide doesn’t exist and can’t hurt you
The generational divide:
Them: the generational divide doesn’t exist and can’t hurt you
The generational divide:
January 28, 2026 at 5:21 PM
The nodes and corridors approach segregates our city.
Those who can afford to buy a single-detached home get to live on quiet, tree-lined streets. Renters and apartment-dwellers get busy, polluted arterials.
More housing options everywhere is not just about affordability. It's also about equity.
Those who can afford to buy a single-detached home get to live on quiet, tree-lined streets. Renters and apartment-dwellers get busy, polluted arterials.
More housing options everywhere is not just about affordability. It's also about equity.
I can't say enough good things about @ericlombardi.ca. Joining @moreneighboursto.bsky.social was one of the best things I had going for me starting in the pandemic and after. It's truly amazing what we have achieved.
Best of luck to Eric, and I'm keeping my eyes peeled for what's to come. 🫡
Best of luck to Eric, and I'm keeping my eyes peeled for what's to come. 🫡
I’m stepping down as President and Board Member of More Neighbours Toronto, and as Chair of Build Toronto.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped build these communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead. (1/3)
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped build these communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead. (1/3)
January 28, 2026 at 1:11 AM
I can't say enough good things about @ericlombardi.ca. Joining @moreneighboursto.bsky.social was one of the best things I had going for me starting in the pandemic and after. It's truly amazing what we have achieved.
Best of luck to Eric, and I'm keeping my eyes peeled for what's to come. 🫡
Best of luck to Eric, and I'm keeping my eyes peeled for what's to come. 🫡
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Stop letting these Nimbys who have excessive free time and go to these town halls set our direction as a city.
Avg age of the community engagement is 65 🙄🙄🙄
#yeg #ableg
Avg age of the community engagement is 65 🙄🙄🙄
#yeg #ableg
City Administration is proposing scaling back housing density to satisfy "the community."
Make YOUR voice heard. Let them know what you think here 👇
bsky.app/profile/grow...
Make YOUR voice heard. Let them know what you think here 👇
bsky.app/profile/grow...
🚨 Action Alert 🚨
Don’t let Edmonton backslide on housing! 🏘️
A new Administration report proposes cutting the maximum number of homes per lot from 8 to 6, and adding punitive lot size requirements. We need more homes, not less!
Take 2 mins to say NO to these cuts 👇
www.edmonton.ca/residential_...
Don’t let Edmonton backslide on housing! 🏘️
A new Administration report proposes cutting the maximum number of homes per lot from 8 to 6, and adding punitive lot size requirements. We need more homes, not less!
Take 2 mins to say NO to these cuts 👇
www.edmonton.ca/residential_...
January 27, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
I’m stepping down as President and Board Member of More Neighbours Toronto, and as Chair of Build Toronto.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped build these communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead. (1/3)
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped build these communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead. (1/3)
January 27, 2026 at 6:12 PM
I’m stepping down as President and Board Member of More Neighbours Toronto, and as Chair of Build Toronto.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped build these communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead. (1/3)
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped build these communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and excited for what lies ahead. (1/3)
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
This Saturday, Councillor @michaeljanz.bsky.social is hosting Calgary vs Edmonton, the fight for more housing, featuring former Calgary Councillor Courtney Walcott.
We'll be there, hope you can join us!
RSVP 🔗
www.michaeljanz.ca/walcottjan31
We'll be there, hope you can join us!
RSVP 🔗
www.michaeljanz.ca/walcottjan31
January 27, 2026 at 3:48 PM
This Saturday, Councillor @michaeljanz.bsky.social is hosting Calgary vs Edmonton, the fight for more housing, featuring former Calgary Councillor Courtney Walcott.
We'll be there, hope you can join us!
RSVP 🔗
www.michaeljanz.ca/walcottjan31
We'll be there, hope you can join us!
RSVP 🔗
www.michaeljanz.ca/walcottjan31
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
This is pretty deep into the zoning weeds but it's a super important and super frustrating detail and I feel the need to explain in depth so people understand what's being currently proposed. A🧵1/
The new density maximums were intended to increase permissions but height limits will restrict that to what's already on the site (because of Toronto's current site-specific zoning approach). This means no additional housing without a Zoning Bylaw Amendment.
January 27, 2026 at 2:36 PM
This is pretty deep into the zoning weeds but it's a super important and super frustrating detail and I feel the need to explain in depth so people understand what's being currently proposed. A🧵1/
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Downtown Open House is tonight, Jan 27, drop in between 6-7:30 pm at the Bickford Centre/West End Alternative School (777 Bloor St W). At the virtual townhall, staff stated that although the MTSA policy prevails over Secondary Plans for density, they plan to use Secondary Plan heights to restrict.
January 27, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Downtown Open House is tonight, Jan 27, drop in between 6-7:30 pm at the Bickford Centre/West End Alternative School (777 Bloor St W). At the virtual townhall, staff stated that although the MTSA policy prevails over Secondary Plans for density, they plan to use Secondary Plan heights to restrict.
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
it's actually incredible to see what is going on in edmonton.
This brand new 3 bedroom home in an 8-unit townhouse is going for less than average market rent at $1,650.
That's rezoning for housing choice in action!
That's rezoning for housing choice in action!
January 26, 2026 at 4:41 PM
it's actually incredible to see what is going on in edmonton.
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Moving to 90 sgm would be throwing away the valley line investment.
It’s a vicious cycle. No density, low ridership, less demand for safe infrastructure, more sprawl, more congestion.
It’s a vicious cycle. No density, low ridership, less demand for safe infrastructure, more sprawl, more congestion.
This animation of the zoned capacity of each lot in the RS zone tells it all: 80 sqm might be fine, but 90 sqm is very bad.
January 26, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Moving to 90 sgm would be throwing away the valley line investment.
It’s a vicious cycle. No density, low ridership, less demand for safe infrastructure, more sprawl, more congestion.
It’s a vicious cycle. No density, low ridership, less demand for safe infrastructure, more sprawl, more congestion.
NEW POST
Mayor @andrewknack.bsky.social has mused about transitioning from a hard cap on homes in the RS zone to purely using lot area per unit.
While this would be ok at 80 sqm, it would be real bad at 90 sqm. A huge downzoning.
Read more 👇
jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/lo...
#yeg #yegcc
Mayor @andrewknack.bsky.social has mused about transitioning from a hard cap on homes in the RS zone to purely using lot area per unit.
While this would be ok at 80 sqm, it would be real bad at 90 sqm. A huge downzoning.
Read more 👇
jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/lo...
#yeg #yegcc
Lot size per unit: a potentially dangerous regulation – Jacob Dawang
Lot area per home has been suggested as a potential replacement for the eight-home hardcap in the RS zone. Looking at the data suggests this comes with some danger if tinkered with too much.
jacobdawang.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:53 PM
NEW POST
Mayor @andrewknack.bsky.social has mused about transitioning from a hard cap on homes in the RS zone to purely using lot area per unit.
While this would be ok at 80 sqm, it would be real bad at 90 sqm. A huge downzoning.
Read more 👇
jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/lo...
#yeg #yegcc
Mayor @andrewknack.bsky.social has mused about transitioning from a hard cap on homes in the RS zone to purely using lot area per unit.
While this would be ok at 80 sqm, it would be real bad at 90 sqm. A huge downzoning.
Read more 👇
jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/lo...
#yeg #yegcc
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
This brand new 3 bedroom home in an 8-unit townhouse is going for less than average market rent at $1,650.
That's rezoning for housing choice in action!
That's rezoning for housing choice in action!
January 26, 2026 at 4:35 PM
This brand new 3 bedroom home in an 8-unit townhouse is going for less than average market rent at $1,650.
That's rezoning for housing choice in action!
That's rezoning for housing choice in action!
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Considering how long Avenues policies have been with us, it's really remarkable how ineffective they've been at achieving midrise on the Avenues.
A colourful and interesting new map of building heights in Toronto, featuring 8 height ranges and using 2025 data from the City of Toronto. https://schoolofcities.github.io/toronto-buildings/heights-2025
January 25, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Considering how long Avenues policies have been with us, it's really remarkable how ineffective they've been at achieving midrise on the Avenues.
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
This looks like a very representative sample of Edmonton. Definitely we should listen to them, I'm sure they have no alterior motives or perverse incentives.
#yeg #yegcc
#yeg #yegcc
Edmonton's community feedback wrapped is here! 📊
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
January 25, 2026 at 2:06 AM
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
The $113-million mess of a community centre I wrote about this week is 100% funded from “development charges.” It is going in a neighbourhood with zero population growth.
In part, these charges are a tax on newcomers to subsidize existing wealthy homeowners.
globalnews.ca/news/1163476...
In part, these charges are a tax on newcomers to subsidize existing wealthy homeowners.
globalnews.ca/news/1163476...
Toronto may cancel new community centres, libraries if development funding dries up - Toronto | Globalnews.ca
The city's chief financial officer reiterated that roughly $300 million had been deferred as revenue from development charges dries up, adding that some projects may be cancelled.
globalnews.ca
January 25, 2026 at 12:16 AM
The $113-million mess of a community centre I wrote about this week is 100% funded from “development charges.” It is going in a neighbourhood with zero population growth.
In part, these charges are a tax on newcomers to subsidize existing wealthy homeowners.
globalnews.ca/news/1163476...
In part, these charges are a tax on newcomers to subsidize existing wealthy homeowners.
globalnews.ca/news/1163476...
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
The frustrating thing in the rebuttal to Alex's piece is the apparent presumption that the current way we structure public consultations is equitable, or even noble. Municipal engagement forums in Canada are routinely hijacked by privileged people who aren't interested in good faith discussions!
Toronto Parks’s consultation manager: “resilient decisions“ must get buy-in from a handful of loud neighbours. If that takes 20x as long and the project costs 3x as much, no problem.
Not the slightest worry that a project might get cancelled for being very late or way over budget.
Not the slightest worry that a project might get cancelled for being very late or way over budget.
January 24, 2026 at 2:41 PM
The frustrating thing in the rebuttal to Alex's piece is the apparent presumption that the current way we structure public consultations is equitable, or even noble. Municipal engagement forums in Canada are routinely hijacked by privileged people who aren't interested in good faith discussions!
Traditional urban planning receives feedback from the "community" as if it's representative of what people think. This could not be more wrong.
Edmonton's community feedback wrapped is here! 📊
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Traditional urban planning receives feedback from the "community" as if it's representative of what people think. This could not be more wrong.
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Edmonton's community feedback wrapped is here! 📊
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
January 23, 2026 at 11:35 PM
Edmonton's community feedback wrapped is here! 📊
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
- Average Age: 65
- Top Genre: Not In My Backyard (Remix)
- Vibe: "I support building more homes, but..."
- Renters Present: Error 404 Not Found.
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
"Do we really need to ruin mature neighbourhoods with eight-plex monstrosities when Blatchford has room for at least 29,000 people?"
I'm again planting my flag as a mature neighbourhood resident who appreciates intensified infill. Anyone want to quote me?
🦗🦗🦗
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
I'm again planting my flag as a mature neighbourhood resident who appreciates intensified infill. Anyone want to quote me?
🦗🦗🦗
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
Lorne Gunter: City needs to sell off Blatchford white elephant
Do we really need to ruin mature neighbourhoods with eight-plex monstrosities when Blatchford has room for at least 29,000 people?
edmontonjournal.com
January 23, 2026 at 10:11 PM
"Do we really need to ruin mature neighbourhoods with eight-plex monstrosities when Blatchford has room for at least 29,000 people?"
I'm again planting my flag as a mature neighbourhood resident who appreciates intensified infill. Anyone want to quote me?
🦗🦗🦗
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
I'm again planting my flag as a mature neighbourhood resident who appreciates intensified infill. Anyone want to quote me?
🦗🦗🦗
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
"The government was warned by the people it charged with studying the issue both what was needed to turn the province’s housing sector around and what the risks of inaction were. Four years later, and the government has largely chosen inaction, when it hasn’t opted for outright bad actions."
January 23, 2026 at 12:39 PM
"The government was warned by the people it charged with studying the issue both what was needed to turn the province’s housing sector around and what the risks of inaction were. Four years later, and the government has largely chosen inaction, when it hasn’t opted for outright bad actions."
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
Edmonton, Calgary, and Halifax doubled starts over the past 20 years. More than doubled in some cases, depending how close you want to read the data. Really quite impressive, but also a result of clear policy decisions. Maybe something other cities want to take a look at...
January 23, 2026 at 12:33 AM
Edmonton, Calgary, and Halifax doubled starts over the past 20 years. More than doubled in some cases, depending how close you want to read the data. Really quite impressive, but also a result of clear policy decisions. Maybe something other cities want to take a look at...
Reposted by Jacob Loo Dawang
This month at the Planning Housing Committee, @cbailey6.bsky.social and I wrote in to support two Housing Now sites in York and the Beaches and @stoneape314.bsky.social gave a cheer for the end of the Scarborough Centre plan after 8 years.
January 22, 2026 at 3:23 PM
This month at the Planning Housing Committee, @cbailey6.bsky.social and I wrote in to support two Housing Now sites in York and the Beaches and @stoneape314.bsky.social gave a cheer for the end of the Scarborough Centre plan after 8 years.
We stopped building the luxury condos that "no one could afford". Is the housing crisis solved yet?
storeys.com/condo-comple...
storeys.com/condo-comple...
“No New Condo Completions” In GTHA By Decade’s End: Urbanation
Following a fourth consecutive year of dropping sales, completions are expected to fall to 22,066 units in 2026 and 14,366 units in 2027. By 2029, Urbanation says virtually no new condos are expected ...
storeys.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:40 AM
We stopped building the luxury condos that "no one could afford". Is the housing crisis solved yet?
storeys.com/condo-comple...
storeys.com/condo-comple...