Infill Development
Learn about infill development in Canadian real estate — what it is, its benefits, and how it supports sustainable urban growth.

July 29, 2025
What is Infill Development?
Infill development is the process of building new housing, commercial buildings, or amenities on vacant or underutilized land within existing urban areas.
Why Infill Development Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian urban planning, infill development supports smart growth by making efficient use of existing infrastructure and reducing urban sprawl.
Key benefits:
- Revitalizes older neighbourhoods
- Supports transit-oriented communities
- Reduces pressure on agricultural or natural lands
Understanding infill development helps municipalities, developers, and residents balance growth and community character.
Example of Infill Development in Action
The city encouraged infill development by offering incentives for building new townhouses on a former industrial site.
Key Takeaways
- Builds on vacant or underused urban land
- Promotes efficient infrastructure use
- Helps revitalize established areas
- Reduces urban sprawl
- Requires careful community consultation
Related Terms
- Urban Planning
- Zoning
- Density Bonus
- Mixed-Use Development
- Official Plan

A rendering of Frame in East Vancouver. (Peterson)
The Tesla facility set for 908 Raymur Avenue in Vancouver. (Beedie)
Phase One of Sen̓áḵw in Summer 2025. (OPTrust, Nch’ḵay̓)
(QuadReal Property Group, Westbank)
The two-tower Cascades project under construction in mid-2025. (Ledcor)
A rendering of Perla near Central Park. (Polygon Homes)
Phase One of Concord Metrotown is located at the corner of Kingsway and Nelson Avenue in Burnaby. (Concord Pacific)
Myriad will complete Concert Properties’ Heart of Burquitlam community. (Concert Properties)
SOCO 2 (left) in Coquitlam. (Drew Powell, LinkedIn)
King George Hub in Surrey. (Submitted by PCI Developments)







The Yonge Corporate Centre at 4100-4150 Yonge Street. (Europro)
Jon Sailer













Pennyfarthing's The Capstone, Langley (pennyfarthinghomes.ca)
Rendering for MAKE Projects' Smith Campus Middle and Secondary School (makeprojects.ca)
Rendering for STRYKE's Innovation District 