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


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
