City of Edmonton introduces online tool to drastically reduce housing permit approval times
Travis Pawlyk, a branch manager with the City of Edmonton, demonstrates the beta-version of Auto-Review, an online housing permit approval tool. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)
The City of Edmonton released a web application on Monday for approving permits for housing projects, reducing approval times from two weeks to a single day.
The program, Auto-Review, will approve housing permits for single and semi-detached homes, duplexes, row houses and backyard projects so long as the parameters are met.
Travis Pawlyk, a branch manager of development services for the City of Edmonton, told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday that the program, which was developed in-house, will make housing projects easier to start while freeing up city resources for more complex projects.
"It allows applicants to come to our website at any time of day, any time of night, input their project details and their drawings and submit it and they will automatically get a permit if they adhere to all of the zoning regulations," Pawlyk said.
"Basically, within one day, you can have your permit and start constructing the next day," he added.
Edmonton is the first city in Canada to implement a program of this nature.
According to Pawlyk, Auto-Review has been in beta-testing since January to ensure the system functions the way it's intended to, and it received "glowing reviews" from development planners.
"They can move their projects faster," said Pawlyk. "It tells them if there's errors right away instead of waiting for four or five days for the development planner to do it … then there's a back and forth so that further increases the time, so they get that instant feedback through the process as well."
Auto-Review users will need to create an account on the Edmonton Self Service website.
For more information on Auto-Review or applying for house permits, visit the city's application requirement website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE Video shows person break into Old Montreal building before fatal fire that killed mother, daughter
The two people who died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday were a mother and her seven-year-old daughter, sources told Noovo Info.
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf of Mexico, could intensify as a hurricane threatening Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. It is located 220 miles (355 kilometres) north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico.
'I screamed in shock and horror': Family faces deadly Vancouver hit-and-run driver during sentencing
The sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty in the deadly hit-and-run in Kitsilano two years ago began on Friday.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice are linked to an increased risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
Northwestern Ont. woman charged with arson with disregard for human life
A 30-year-old northwestern Ontario woman has been charged with arson following a structure fire Thursday night, police say.
OPP charge driver going 175 km/h on Highway 417 in Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Police have laid stunt charges against a driver caught speeding 75 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end.
Looking for cheap flights for the holidays? Here are some tips to remember
Travelling on a budget can be stressful, but there are ways you can ensure you're getting the best deal on flights as the holiday season approaches.
A French judge in a shocking rape case allows the public to see some of the video evidence
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
The Menendez brothers case is not the only one that's been affected by a true crime documentary
Being an armchair detective has turned into an American obsession, fueled by an abundance of true-crime content in podcasts and television series. But some of those projects have sparked actual legal developments.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Calgary
-
Investigation underway into Friday night fatal collision in southeast Calgary
An investigation is underway into a Friday night collision in southeast Calgary that left one person dead.
-
Turner Valley RCMP on scene at vehicle rollover near Plummers Road
An investigation is underway into what caused a vehicle rollover Saturday in the area of Plummers Road and Priddis Valley Road.
-
B.C. Lions snuff out Calgary Stampeders playoff hopes with 32-15 win
The loss that extinguished the Calgary Stampeders playoff dreams Friday provided some deja vu for head coach Dave Dickenson.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge police seize fentanyl, weapons, stolen vehicle in downtown enforcement project
Lethbridge police executed dozens of warrants and laid numerous charges in another targeted enforcement project in the downtown area.
-
Driver airlifted following serious crash in Taber, Alta.
A person was airlifted to hospital following a serious crash in Taber, Alta., on Friday morning. Taber RCMP responded to the scene on Highway 864 around 10:30 a.m., for a crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck.
-
'Equity for everyone': Lethbridge Polytechnic launches accessibility micro-credential
To enhance inclusivity at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the institution has launched a new accessibility micro-credential.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. community marks sod-turning for Humboldt Broncos memorial
A permanent memorial at the site of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash is about to be a step closer.
-
Private school funding draws attention during STF education forum
The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation hosted a virtual election forum on education Thursday evening, giving candidates in the provincial election a chance to share their thoughts and answer questions on issues teachers find most important.
-
Sask. man pleads guilty in U.S. after providing videos of men raping toddlers to FBI agent he thought was pedophile
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.
Regina
-
Wind warning in effect as strong gusts hammer Regina, southern Sask.
A wind warning has been issued for parts of southern Saskatchewan, with gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) possible in some areas on Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.
-
Regina police investigating after multiple homes shot at during overnight hours
Regina police are investigating after guns were fired at two homes last week, with one home being shot at on multiple occasions.
-
Sask. community marks sod-turning for Humboldt Broncos memorial
A permanent memorial at the site of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash is about to be a step closer.
Vancouver
-
Crews battle massive fire in Langley city Saturday
Fire crews battled a massive blaze in downtown Langley Saturday morning.
-
2nd-degree murder charge laid nearly 2 years after Kelowna stabbing
Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.
-
Murder suspect arrested in Mackenzie, B.C., RCMP say
The man suspected of murdering another man inside a Mackenzie, B.C., home last weekend has been arrested.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. campaign trail sees party leaders head to the Okanagan
The leaders of both British Columbia's provincial Conservatives and New Democrats are in the Okanagan campaigning today.
-
Teachers' union wants education focus in B.C.'s 2024 election
We haven't heard the candidates talk much about education during B.C.'s 2024 election campaign, but the teachers' union is trying to put the spotlight on that issue.
-
Missing B.C. climber died from fall on Mount Baker, medical examiner says
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.
Toronto
-
Officer arrested after allegedly stealing alcohol from store: TPS
A Toronto police officer has been arrested after allegedly stealing three bottles of alcohol from a store.
-
Two pedestrians taken to hospital after Vaughan crash, one person in custody
Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital with serious injuries after an early-morning collision in Vaughan.
-
Nuit Blanche takes over Toronto tonight. Here is what you need to know about road closures and TTC service
Toronto’s annual Nuit Blanche is back and with it come road closures.
Montreal
-
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE Video shows person break into Old Montreal building before fatal fire that killed mother, daughter
The two people who died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday were a mother and her seven-year-old daughter, sources told Noovo Info.
-
Police boosting presence in Montreal ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary of Israel-Hamas war
Montreal police say they are increasing their presence across the city ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 start of the Israel-Hamas war.
-
Montreal business hit with Molotov cocktail 2 nights in a row: police
Montreal police say a business in the city's Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood was hit with Molotov cocktails two nights in a row.
Atlantic
-
Battle between activist candidate and ex-Tory reflects schism in N.B. politics
A riding in southwest New Brunswick that for decades was a Progressive Conservative stronghold is shaping up to be a bellwether that could offer a window into the future of the Tory party, and maybe of the province.
-
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf of Mexico, could intensify as a hurricane threatening Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. It is located 220 miles (355 kilometres) north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico.
-
Latest book from Nova Scotia author Allison Maher is a surprising first entry into adult fiction
Nova Scotia author Allison Maher made the jump from young adult (YA) to adult fiction with her most recent novel, “The Last of the Firsts” and the response from readers has been a surprise for the writer.
Winnipeg
-
'Great fun in this': Giant roadside attractions across Manitoba highlighted online
It’s 1998. Google was just born, and dial-up was the primary way to connect to the Internet. New sites were being developed daily on any number of topics, from recipes to shopping. David Yanciw, however, was thinking big - big things, that is.
-
Glenwood house under construction set ablaze Saturday
A two-storey house that was under construction was the scene of a Saturday morning fire in Winnipeg’s Glenwood neighbourhood.
-
STARS, emergency crews dispatched to crash on Highway 12 in Brokenhead
Highway 12 has been reopened following a single motor vehicle collision Saturday morning in the RM of Brokenhead, Man.
Ottawa
-
This Ottawa photo radar camera issued 200 tickets a day over the summer
New data shows the automated speed enforcement camera on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 6,337 speeding tickets in August, the highest number of tickets issued by Ottawa's 40 photo radar cameras.
-
Frost advisory issued with temperatures expected to drop near freezing in Ottawa
Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory as temperatures across Ottawa and eastern Ontario are expected to dip near the freezing mark this evening.
-
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Oct. 4-6
Fair season continues in the Ottawa area, the Ottawa 67's and Senators play on home ice, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa meet in the Panda Game and a former Backstreet Boy is in town.
Northern Ontario
-
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
-
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE Video shows person break into Old Montreal building before fatal fire that killed mother, daughter
The two people who died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday were a mother and her seven-year-old daughter, sources told Noovo Info.
-
No injuries reporter in Greater Sudbury garage fire
Fire crews in Greater Sudbury battled a large garage fire on Friday.
Barrie
-
Drug trafficking investigation leads to seizure of weapons and stolen property: OPP
Three people from Simcoe County face charges in relation to a drug trafficking investigation that police say resulted in the seizure of several weapons, drugs and thousands of dollars worth of stolen property.
-
OPP investigating slew of drug busts, impaired driving incidents
The Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment is investigating several impaired driving incidents that occurred over the past week, including two that led to drug busts.
-
Man arrested for alleged assault, death threats at local business
A man is facing multiple charges after reportedly threatening to harm staff members at an Orillia business Friday afternoon.
Kitchener
-
One injured after small plane crash lands in Brussels
The Huron Ontario Provincial Police said they responded to a “downed airplane” just after 11 a.m. Saturday.
-
One person sprayed with 'noxious substance' in Cambridge
Police say they were called to the area of Simcoe Street and Market Street around 1:30 a.m. Saturday for a report of an assault.
-
Urgent call for volunteers for Oktoberfest parade
The Oktoberfest Parade is fast approaching and organizers are urgently seeking volunteers to fill the role of sign carriers.
London
-
'We've got to get them home'; Organization continues search for missing London Ont. women
An organization who has assisted in locating 40 missing people since 2018, has its sights set on the Thames River near Cavendish Park in London, Ont.
-
One injured in plane crash near Brussels
Huron OPP say they were on the scene of a plane crash this morning, with a pilot finding themselves unable to halt before the end of a runway in Brussels.
-
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.
Windsor
-
Leamington business and property owners fined $10,000 for fire code violations
The municipality issued a stern reminder for code violators, as both were fined following a warning issued by Leamington Fire Services.
-
Man wanted for vandalism in Windsor
According to police, the suspect entered and vandalized the property in the 700 block of Grand Marais Road Easton on September 28.
-
Looking for cheap flights for the holidays? Here are some tips to remember
Travelling on a budget can be stressful, but there are ways you can ensure you're getting the best deal on flights as the holiday season approaches.
