How Best To Encourage Good Design?

Edmonton has no lack of city planning documents "full of good intentions about how to design attractive buildings, create lively, pedestrian-friendly streets, preserve the character of neighbourhoods and combine residential and retail uses downtown." According to a new report by the city planning department, these guidelines have failed to "uphold standards of design that promote healthy communities, preserve unique neighbourhoods and build a vibrant downtown." Planning guidelines have already been worked out, yet it is clear that building standards alone are not enough. The question now is "how far the city should go in requiring developers to meet improved architectural standards?"