June 18, 2025
The City of Edmonton launched its Guaranteed Timelines program today. The program provides qualifying industrial developments with a more streamlined and predictable permitting process to help businesses start and grow faster than ever before. It is the next step in the work the City continues to do to make it faster and easier to develop and do business in Edmonton.
“The Guaranteed Timelines program gives our development community the predictability they need to confidently move projects forward,” said Travis Pawlyk, Branch Manager, Development Services. “Whether it’s a development permit or a partial building permit, we’re committing to clear timelines and better service.”
To create a more business-friendly environment, the City partners applicants with its Client Liaison Unit (CLU). This partnership supports the submission of a complete application and guarantees that a development permit and partial building permit (for footing and foundation or excavation) will be issued within 40 calendar days. The program is available to eligible new industrial developments on fully serviced land that meet all zoning and design criteria.
Key features of the Guaranteed Timelines program:
- Guaranteed processing timelines of 40 calendar days for development and partial building permits on qualified projects.
- A streamlined review process for quicker turnaround times.
- Access to a dedicated CLU to support applicants through the process.
“This program is one of many steps we’ve taken to make Edmonton more investment-ready,” said Alisa Laliberte, Branch Manager, Economy. “By reducing approval times and improving certainty, we’re helping position Edmonton as a competitive, attractive destination for industrial investment and job creation.”
“Timely approvals are critical to the success of industrial development projects,” said Robynn Holstein, Executive Director, NAIOP Edmonton. “The Guaranteed Timelines program is a strong step forward in creating the kind of efficient and predictable processes that industry has long been asking for. We applaud the City’s leadership and collaboration in making this a reality.”
The City’s dedication to streamlining processes and reducing delays is already having a significant positive impact. These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of our continuous efforts to improve services:
- Since 2019, red tape reductions and service improvements have saved planning and development customers an estimated 167,000 days and $9.2 million annually.
- Edmonton's Permit and Licence Improvement Initiative was the 2022 winner of the Government of Alberta's Municipal Excellence Awards in the Red Tape Reduction category.
