1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan
CID What Is the GMP?
How the GMP Is Used
1992 Focus
Edmonton's General Municipal Plan (GMP) provides a vision for Edmonton's future and a strategy to achieve that future. It focuses on the most important issues for the city's growth and development. City Council adopted the GMP as Bylaw 9076 in November 1990. Its objectives and policies will help shape
The civic corporation and the private sector achieve the GMP objectives through a range of activities. The civic corporation draws upon civic capital and operating budgets to provide financial and staff resources. Day-to-day land use planning activities produce various area structure plans, area redevelopment
In 1992, the focus was on inner city initiatives, suburban issues, business and employment areas and the environment. In the inner city, the challenge was to work efficiently with other organizations and to focus on specific physical neighbourhood concerns and socio-economic problems. In the suburbs,
the future of Edmonton over the next five to eight years.
plans and topical studies
studies and design briefs focused on the changing social,
which support the GM? goal. The success of GMP policies relies on a coordinated corporate approach; departments working together on common goals. About this Report This report describes 40 initiatives undertaken in 1992 which achieve the objectives and policies of the GMP. Grouped by strategic issue areas, the initiatives describe how policies set in the 1990 GMP were translated to specific activities in 1992. This linking of policy to actions is necessary to maintain the vision as set out in the GMP. The report ends with a look forward to 1993.
Winton Printed on recyded paper
demographic and development trends. Many initiatives supported business and employment areas, through streetscape improvements, urban design projects, and support for business revitalization areas and home-based businesses. Environmental initiatives included innovative park planning and support for an inventory of natural and environmentally sensitive areas.
CI)
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT February 1993
SThe
C
Revitalizing the Inner City
Inner City Revitalization Program
Community Development Plan for
Riverdale Area Redevelopment Plan
Belgravla, McKernan
(ARP)
report, "Inner City Revitalization: Direction for the 1990s," is a strategy for addressing the needs of Edmonton's inner city. The Planning and Development Department will work with other civic departments, communities and agencies to lead the Citys activitiesinmaintaining,revital-
and Parkallen
city and enhancin izing communities. Four inner princ-
ties will develop a series of action strategies to resolve the
In August, City Council approved Terms of Reference for a Community Development Plan for Belgravia, McKernan and Parkallen. With the assistance of the Planning and Development and Transportation Departments, the communi-
ples of thestrate include (1) issues confronting them. Resineighbourhood ased plan- dents have formed a Commu-
A new Riverdale ARP was prepared in 1992 and a public hearing is scheduled for early 1993. The ARP recognizes the unique character of the historic river valley community and the potential for new development. There will be further review and discussion of the ARPinanticipation of a major
new development occurring in
Riverdale. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.2, 1.A.5, 1.C.1, 1.C.5)
ning; (2) community developapproach for The planning he planner cing approach forasizes ment; (3) a holistic view of community health; and (4) a the reinnewal of sempehizes needs areas, the responsive and responsible lanning service. The chalenhancement of inner city enhancement of inner city lenge for the City is to work coordination of civic action. efficiently with other organiza-
nity Development Planning
Committeeand a seriesofsubcommittees to address transportation, housing and landscaping issues. The project will continue into 1993. (Policies 1.A.2, 1.B.1, 7.A.2, 7.A.6,
AMPLE Initiatives and ntadsn Neghbourhood Infrastructure Program The Alberta Municipal Partnership in Local Improvement
Selected inner city
7.A.8)
(AMPLE) program was an
Queen Mary Park/ Central McDougall Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) (ARP)
grantinitiatedbytheprovince in 1986. Edmonton spent a majority of its share of the funds (over $100 million) to improve neigourhood infraimprove neighbourhood infra-
neighbourhoods require
tions and to focus on specific physical neighbourhood con-
cerns and socio-economic roblems. The strategy was efore Executive Committee in September. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.2,1.A.5,11A.7,1.B.1,1.C.2) which involves concerted, corporatecommitment. corporate commitment. Boyle Street/McCauley Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP)
priority attention because of their socio-economic and physical problems. The GMP proposes a strategy
In May, Council approved
unconditional $500 million
structure in Inglewood,Oliver,
A comprehensive review of the Boyle Street/McCauley ARP continued in 1992, addressing both socio-econonmic and physical neighbourhood concerns. The GMP identifies Boyle Street and McCauley as
Terms of Reference for the Queen Mary Park/Central McDougall ARP. A Planning Committee, comprised of interestgroups, will be involved in the planning process to ensure community involvement The plan will address both physical and socio-economic neighbourhood concerns, including housing, traffic, social,
Westmount and Britannia/ Youngstown. In 1992, construction began in McQueen and High Park. Abackground study was initiated for improvements to Boyle Street and McCauley.
special needs neighbourhoods. The Planning and Development Department, other civic
community economic development and transportation issues. In addition, there is cur-
tiondeveloped the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Program (NIP). NIP uses regular city
departments, community residents, interest groups and social agencies are working together to develop the new
rently a consultation process underway for the Prince of Wales Armoury site, a large vacant City-owned site in Cen-
funding for infrastructure improvements. Together, city departments agree on priority areas for inclusion in the capi-
community plan. A community development worker is located in the Boyle Street/ McCauley Community Office
tral McDougall which could be developed in the near future. The planning exercise will continue in 1993. (Policies
tal budget. For the next five years, City funding is targeted for Britannia/Youngstown, Mayfield, High Park,
to help obtain community input. The community's Plan-
1.A.1,1A.2,1.A.5,1.C.1,1.C.5)
ning Coordinating Committee will continue the planning exercise into 1993. (Policies 1.A.2, 1.A.3, 1.B.1, 1.C.5)
The AMPLE grant program terminated at the end of 1992. In response, the Administra-
McQueen, Boyle Street, McCauley, Ottewell and
Glenwood to resolve urgent infrastructure problems and continue inner city revitalization. The City's Capital Prior-
ity Planning process deter-
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 2
mines which projects will be funded based on overall cit priorities and city general financing limits set by the Debt Mana Mana ement Fiscal Policy. There ore, project timing can change from year to year. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.2, 1.A.5, 1.C.1,1.C.6)
Aging Infrastructure
Revitalizing the
Revitalizing the
City Inner(Continued from page 2)
(Continued from page 2)
Office of the
ommissioner of Housing A City Council recommendation of March 1992, stemmin from the Housing Report of the Mayor's Task Force on Safer Cities established the Office of the Commissioner of Housing in the Planning and Development Department. The Office is responsible for all
Recreational facilities man-
civic initiatives to hel
plygrounds, need to be repaired and upgraded to ensure they remain in a useable and safe condition. The Parks and Recreation Department prepared a Facility Review Procedure report to complement the existing facility life cycle monitoring system, to better anticipate and schedule major facility repair needs. Council adopted the report in July. The Public Works and Transportation Departments continue an emphasis on roadway rehabilitation, coordiplanned with nated streetscape improvements in the inner city and along older commercial strips. (Policies 1.A.1,1.A.5,1.A.6,1.C.1,1.C.6)
holds, includingensuring that substandard housin$ is upgraded and maintained to minimum health and safety standards. The intent is to achieve these objectives as much as possible in partnership with other levels of government, city departments, non-profit agencies and the private sector.
aged by the City, including pools, arenas, sports fields and
Affordable/Social Housing in Rossdale and Cloverdale A Strategy to Develop Affordable/Social Housing on CityOwned Properties in Rossdale
and loverdale was approved
by Council in March. Designated lands in these river valley communities will be reserved until December 31, 1994. The River Valley Development Group hosted community meetings on the proposed strategy. The Office of the Commissioner of Housing is responsible for implementing the strategy. (Policies 1.B.2,1.B.4, 1.B.6)
meet
the housing needs of ow-incomeand special needs house-
Two major reports were prepared by the Office and approved by Council in August. The firstincluded a review of surplus City-owned inner city properties potentially suitable for low-income housing development. The report recommended that properties be made available, at less than market value, for low-income housing development. The Department's proposed 1993 Capital Budget includes a fund for this purpose. the second report evaluated the work of afe Housing Comnmttee, an inter-departmental com-
mittee established to work to-
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 3
wards improving housing conditions,principally in the inner city. The report recommended that the Committee of a program continue with adjuinspections, coordinated adjuinspections, coordinated dication and enforcement of safety formultids of healthccumiand and safety for multile occup A dw .li 1.B.4, .. es 1.A.4,21.A.7,1.B.3,1.B.4,1.B.6,
Suburban Investment
Northeast Planning
The Planning and Development and Transportation Departments produced the Suburban Growth and Investment
The Northeast Planning Strategy, prepared by the Planning and Development Department in consultation with affected
Strategy
S
*
Managing
Suburban Growth
The planning approach for suburban areas includes managing growth, ensuring adequate neighbourhood services and maintaining a balanced mix and density of housing. The GMP allows for market forces, while pursuing the goal of heterogeneous communities and orderly and economic
development. The GMP
encourages flexibility in designing attractive and
functional neighbourhoods.
Strategy
have altered the role and
physical form of the centres, resulting in the need for changes in the land use regulatory approach. Workton possible improvements to planning for neighbourhood centres is expected in 1993. cy
Strategy for the Land Develop-
departments, was adopted b
ment Scenario report. The strategy ensures that future subur an residential growth can be served either by existng infrastructure or by new
City Council in April 1991. Since that time, detailed technical studies were undertaken to address the sanitary and storm systems for the north-
vides land servicing forecasts,
tinue to develop the required
rate analysis of its pools and
associated infrastructure requirements and an investment
infrastructure improvements, An agreement to provide ad-
arenas in 1992. The studies assessed the current supply of
frastru cture. The report pro- east. Civic departments con-
strategy for 1992 to 1997. In-
frastructure requirements are provided by the affected departments or utilities. The investment strategy is used by the Working Group of the Capital Priorities Plan in its budget considerations. (Policies 2.A.1, 2.A.2, 2.A3, 2.A.4,
ditional sanitary sewage ca-
pacity was approved in principleby the Capital Region Sewage Commission in 1992. A final agreement between the Sewage Commission and City Council is expected in 1993. (Policies 2.A.1, 2.A.3, 2.A.7, 2.A.8)
2.B.1, 7.A.9) Servicin Conce t Design riefs (SMDB)
Stormwater Management The Pd)
Recreation Facilities The Parks and Recreation De-
partment undertook a sepa-
services, projected service de-
mand levels for the future, and established future directions for the Department. The Aquatic Strategy was approved by Council in July. The draft Arena Strategy is currently under review by the public, arena user groups and the Department. (Policies 2.A.2,2A.3,2.A.4,2.B.1,2.B.2) Southwest District
The Planning and Develo
Needs Study
ments of an Area Structure Plan but is a departure from the traditional statutory planning process. A SCDB allows City departments to provide early input in the design of new areas by stating requirements for servicing infrastructure and municipal land use
nating acivic interdepartmental review of stormwater management issues in suburban areas. The review is in response to a number of issues, including revised municipal design and operating standards for stormwater lakes, the location of dry ponds and an-
The Parks and Recreation Department began a study of the recreation preferences and needs of residents of southwest Edmonton. The Area Council and Community Leagues have direct involvement in the study. (Policies 2.A.2, 2A.3, 2.A.4, 2.B.1, 2.B.2)
needs. A design brief also rec-
ticipated Provincial legislation
ognizes environmental issues and changing social, demographic and development trends. A SCDB was drafted for Terwillegar Heights in southwest Edmonton. Fol. lowing extensive discussions with landowners and developers, the SCDB was adopted by resolution of City Council in September. In September,
regarding the quality of stormwater discharged to the North Saskatchewan River. The public and the development industry are also interested in using stormwater u lakes for recreation. Upo completion of various tecnical studies, appropriate reports will be forwarded to Council. (Policies 2A.6,7.A.9)
A SCDB contains all the ele-
ment Department is coordi-
City Council also directed the
administration to prepare a SCDB for Plain in for Kinokamau SCDB KinokamauPlans in northwest Edmonton; work on the Terms of Reference will continue in 1993. (Policies 2A.1, 2.A.2, 2.B.1, 2.B3, 2.C.1, 2..2 5.A.8) 2.C.2, 5A.8)
Suburban Neighbourhood Commercial Centres The Planning and Development Department analyzed Department analyzed ment the characteristics and function of existing neighbourhood commercial centres as a basis for evaluating development proposals. Significant changes
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 4
Natural Parks and Playgrounds The Parks and Recreation Departmentcontinued toemphasize a more natural and envisize a more natural and environmentally sensitive a proach to the design of par and playgrounds. Jackie Parker Park, the Garneau School site and Wedgewood Park are Heights examrecent examare recent Heights Park ples. Whenever possible, the Department incorporates natural tree stands in neighbourhood parks. (Policies 2.A.6,2A.7,2.B.1,2.B.2,2.B.3)
sociations and several city deAvenueof rments. is Edmonton's BRZThe
Conversion of Industrial Land
fifth BRZ and extends primarily along 97 Street, 101 Street and 107 Avenue and includes an area around 95 Street. 1.A.4, 1A7, .D1, ie 3.D.2, 3.D.3, 3.D.4, 4.B.2, 5.C.4)
Edmonton's large supply of industrial land has prompted landowners and developers to consider alternative uses for undeveloped industrial properties. In1992, a Terms of Reference was drafted to conduct a study on the need for a policy
Review of Home-based Businesses
that would guideCity Council, administrators and developers in the conversion of industrial
prepared amendments to the
Home-based businesses have
land to other uses. Issues in-
City Policy on Roadway Re-
greatpotentialforcontributing
clude the need for adequate
The strategy and policy amendments were approved by Council in 1991.
Streetscape
0 0Improvements 0Nations SStreetscape
0 O Sand
Supporting
Business and Employment Areas The planning approach for business and employment areas provides for new types of commercial and industrial land uses to
reflect employment growth
improvements enhance older retail strips, particularly in the inner city. Objectives in the approved strategy for Planning and Financing SStreetscape Improvements in commercial districts were implemented through the five
year Capital Priorities Planning process. The Planning Development Department lated Local Improvements to accommodate the strategy.
Stony Plain Road streetscape improvements were completed in July. Preliminary design work was prepared for
the Whyte Avenue and
Chinatown Streetscape Imin the service and trade sectors. Other policy provementsand for an area of approaches encourage town 124 Street along 102 Avenue. Projects are coordinated by the centres, provide for major Planning and Development commercial corridors, rcreation established reinforce reinfomrciale estbrips, promotehedDepartment to coincide with mmthe renewal of promote the Public Works and Transportation Department's roadindustrial areas and way rehabilitation projects. recognize major activity Shifts in funding priorities will centres. delay implementation of these
projects beyond 1992. (Policies 3.D.1, 3.D.2, 3.D.3)
Revitalization Business ZoBusiness Revitalization
to the economic development of Edmonton. As well, the
separation distances rom heavyindustrialareas,therole
combination of work and home functions in the same location broadens the neigh-
of environmental impact assessments, financial costs to the City and planning and de-
bourhood's role. Traffic patterns may be affected as the need for peak hour travel to work destinations is reduced. Land use issues largely con-
sign standards. The study will continue in 1993. (Policies 1.B.2,2.A.7,3.A.2,3.A3,3.A.4) Business Growth in
cern the potential for land use
Edmonton
conflictsarisingwhenemployment activities are in a residential area. The full extent of home-based businesses in Edmonton is not known; they are difficult to regulate or assist because many are operating without a development permit. In November 1990, the HomeBased Business Project Committee was formed by Industry, Science and Technology
Canada, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Em-
The City encourages and facili-
ployment and Immigration Canada and interested provin-
tion Zone (BRZ). A BRZ allows businesses to tax themselves in order to generate
on the committee's.1992report, He omEnHomeEnreport,and1992 mitterprise, Canadians and Home-ut Baterprised Work, ouCanadians
taes the efforts of a business community to improve its ecommunitytoimpveitseconomic and physical well-being through a Business Revitaliza-
funding. In July, City Council
approved the Terms of Refer-
ence for the Establishment and Operation of Business RevitalizationZoesinEd vto zation Zones in Edmonton,
cial and municipal governments. The City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department was represented wasieeented Dete
of working Canadiansaoure Based23% are involved 23% workinhome based busi-ans involved in home based business (including employees who work elsewhere and bring work home). In August,
which clearly defines and City Council authorized a reregulates the BRZ development process. The Department Planning and Development andDevelopmentDepartment prepared the report, with inptfrom put from established estabished BRZ BRZ AsAs-
The Planning and Development Department monitors and regularlytreports business creation and retirements in and retirements in Edmonton. Information on business change helps to identify growth areas, structural changes in the local economy and economic performance. (Policies 3.A.1, 3.C.2)
view of Edmonton's Land Use Bylaw Bylaw regulations lations to to address address otential impacts of home usinesses on the community -Duinesses on the community
and adjacent residents. The review will continue in 1993. (Policies 1.A.4, 3.A.2)
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 5
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) Planning and Duringthe1992, During 1992, the Planning and SDevelopmentDepartmentbegan an evaluation of the accomplishments and effectiveness of the Downtown ARP. It has been determined that the
Strengthening the Downtown for approach The planning Dwntwn E o o Downtown Edmonton which f ouses on initiatives which promote housing in the downtown, improve the downtown environment and encourage safe and efficient pedestrian travel. The downtown is the multifunctional centre of Edmonton and its region, Joint public/private partnerships are vital to the implementation of these GMP policies,
ration of the Goodridge Block (W.W. Arcade Building) with the assistance of Provincial andFederalgovernmentfunding. This historic City-owned property will include commercial space and housing when it is completed in 1993. (Policies 4.A.6, 4.B.1, 4.B.2)
current ARP, developed dur-
CP Downtown Lands
ing the economic boom of the late l970s and adopted in l981,
The Master Plan for the CP
Manulife Place and CityCentre is planned for 1993. The Planning and Development Department worked with the managers of pedway-linked buildings to coordinate the hours of operation of the pedway system. (Policies 4.D.4, 4,D,5)
Major Development Activity
Downtown Lands was prerequires major review to ad- pared jointly by the Planning The expansion of two major
dress the economic and social challenges of the 1990s. The Department will initiate a comprehensive Downtown ARP review process in 1993. In recognition of the role of the Downtown as Edmonton's centre of commerce, culture, entertainment, and education, as well as its role as a residential area, the ARP review will include extensive public consultation. The goal of the ARP will be to establish a renewed framework for theimproveent of the Downtown, to make it a place that all Edmontonians will use and of which they will be proud. (Policies 1.C.5, 4.A.6,4.B.1,4.B.2,4.C.3,4.C.4)
and Development Department and CP Rail. During the plan preparation process, public input was obtained from the Oliver community and the Downtown Business Association. The Plan provides for a major portion of the lands to be developed as medium to high density housing with commercial development along 109 Street, Jasper Avenue and 104 Avenue. As the Master Plan is not a statutory plan, an amendment to the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan will be prepared in 1993 to formalize the redevelopment concept. (Policies 3.E.1, 3.E.2, 3.F.1, 3.F.2, 4.C.3)
Partnerships Downtown Housing The Downtown Business As- Strategy the Edand theEd-population. sociation (DBA)socition(DB) an monton Downtown Develop- Building on the Downtown ment Corporation(EDDC) are Housing Strategy Terms of the City's two major partners Reference prepared in 1991, a in improving and promoting draft of the Downtown Housthe Downtown. In 1992 the ing Strategy Report was comDBA sponsored a number of pleted in 1992. The report special events such as the Fam- identifies recommended poliily Festival, the WORKS, the cies and actions to stimulate Santa Claus Parade and residential development in the What's Up Downtown. It also Downtown. The report will be undertook a major multi-me- presented to City Council for dia advertising campaign to approval early in 1993. (Policy promote the Downtown. The 4.C.1) DBA's Urban Design Review Panel was instrumental in promoting quality urban design Pedway Network by providing advice on key Downtown developments. In In 1992, the Downtown 1992,theEDDCinitiatedresto- Pedway Network was extended to Edmonton's City Hall with additional links to the Sunlife Building and the Royal Bank Building. The opening of the link between
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 6
downtown educational institutions supports theGMP goal of revitalizingand strengtheningtheDowntown. Construction of the Downtow Campus of Grant MacEwan Community College proceeded throughout 1992. A major expansion of Alberta College was started in 1992. The Planning and Development Department was involved with design guidelines for both projects.
The two major civic initiatives completed in 1992 were extension of the LRT to the University of Alberta Campus and the opening of Edmonton's new CityHall. LRTexpansion improves access to the Downtown, especially for the large and staff university student City Hall's architectpopulation. City Hall's architheaintectural design symbolizes mainCaining a high quality Dow tiown environment.The ParksDown and Recreation Department worked with the Edmonton Trappers on plans for a new will plansroject Trballpark. Theon vide many ec nomic and oism benefits. The riverboat project also moved closer to completion in 1992; the boat is scheduled to be launched in 1993. (Policies 3.F.1, 4A.2)
Suppor
g
ood
Supporting Good
Urban Design and Heritage
objectives include GMP Key GMP objectives include promoting urban beautification, design andgood beautifying roadway beautifying pp roa to the approaches to dwaches the city city and and downtown and preserving heritage. To create a
positive image of Edmonton, the Plan
Heritage Buildings
Policy on Accessible
Using the Terms of Reference prepared in 1991, the Planning and Development Department and a consultant are developing a comprehensive inventory of all historically and/or architecturally significant buildings in Edmonton. As well, the Department, through the Heritage Conservation
A comprehensive accessibility policy was approved by City Council in August. The policy ensures that, over time, civic buildings are safe, usable and provide reasonable access to everyone. The Public Works and Planning and Development Departments and the
buildings and areas is also an important contribution to the city's character.
Urban Design The Planning and Development Department provides urban design services for various civic departments. In 1992, urban designopportunities were identified in the AvenueofNationsBusinessRevitalization Zone, Mayfield neighbourhood and the Riverdale Area Redevelop-
Program, is continuing efforts
City's Advisory Board on
ment Plan. Design work was
to designate Edmonton buildings as Municipal Historical Resources. The most prominent building is the Gibson
Services for Persons with Disabilities began discussions in 1991 to establish the policy. Public Works then assumed a
completed for public improvements in the Rossdale and Cloverdale communities; implementation will take place in
Block. This initiative imple-
lead role and worked with the
1993. Design work was also
ments the City's heritage tax olicy (Policy to Encourage the besignation and Rehabilitation of Municipal Historic Resources). (Policies 1.A.4,5.C.1, 5.C.2, 5.C.3, 5.C.4). Public A Public Art
Advisory Board, in consultation with all City departments, to develop the policy. Implementation of the policy will occur over the long term as municipal facilities are built or renovated. It is hoped that other organizations will follow the City's lead.
The Percent for Art Policy was amended to clarify implemen-
SAP) Since 1989, the Parks and Rec-
tation procedures. erms of Reference were drafted for a pubic art donations policy and for the establishment of a Public Art Advisory Commission. Over 50 piecesof art, including n pe
reation Department has spent to appmximately $400,000 improve accessi ility to its facili-
Naturalizing Open Spaces
ties and parks. In 1992, washrooms at the Zoo and Fort Edmonton were modified to imrv prove access and ramps and
The pilot projects put in place in 1991 to naturalize parks, areas adjacent to roadways and other public outdoor areas
graphs and textiles were pur- power doors were installed at
were evaluated in 1992 by the
several facilitito tes. Plans wereaulic lift in swimming pools. (Policy 5.D.1, 5.D.2)
Parks and Recreation Department and found successful. Over 21,000 seedlings and trees were planted last year, primarily along roadways. Many areas will be naturalized in the future. A major benefit to naturalization is lowered maintenance costs, slope
considers the aesthetics and visual Impact of growth and redevelopment. The Plan proposes both public to initiatives and private andimprovate inity'iatives toimage sculpture, paintings, photo-
Preserving heritage
Municipal Facilities
chased and placed in public areas of the new City Hall. Inaddition to the $380,000 provided by the City, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts provided a $112,500 grant for this artwork. (Policy 5.A.7).
cy
completed for downtown street enhancements along 99 Street, 101 Street and 104 Avenue. These street enhancements will be implemented in 1993 in conjunction with the Transportation and Public Works Departments' roadway rehabilitation projects. (Policy 5.A.1)
stabilization and natural landscapes for education and recreation. Naturalization also establishes a larger urban forest cover and provides more natural habitats for wildlife. (Policies 5.A.3, 5.A.4, 5.B.1, 6.C.1)
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 7
Environmental Planning
The background study on protecting natural areas on Edmonton's table lands was completed and a supporting action report was approved by City Council in July. Edmonton's table lands include suburban and agriculturallands, outside the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which were annexed to the City in 1982. The study proposed the identification of
Ribbon of Green City Council approved the Concept Plan for the River Valley and Ravine System in 1990. In 1992, the Parks and Recreation Department completed the Master Plan, approved as amended by Council. These companion documents establish strong policies for the long term protection of the entire Valley. Approximately $13 million in the provincial government's Urban
posal may not only impact
Edmonton's table lands that are worthy of protection. The study reflected the input of several civic departments, led
ParksProgram will be used to land, but also air and water develop trails, rehabilitate quality. For example, the denatural areas, build amenity velopment site may contain buildings and construct decks, soil contaminants, or the de-
by the Planning and Develop-
stairs and viewing areas.
velopment may negatively af-
ment Department. A consultant began surveying the undeveloped lands, searching for natural or environmentally sensitive areas worthy of protection. Input from landown-
(Policies 6.B.1, 6.C.1, 6.C.2)
Natural Areas
Potein
Agriculture and
the Natural
Environment The planning approach for agriculture and the natural environment includes designating agricultural areas, protecting the natural
environment of the North
Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System, providing recreational and open space opportunities in
the River Valley and
retaining environmentally sensitive areas.
unique or sensitive areas on
ers and others concerned with
the natural areas inventory will be included. The inventory will continue to 1993. A
draft policy to protect natural
Environmental issues are an important concern in the planning process. Development proposals have a variety of effects on the way land is used. Traditionally, these proposals were reviewed strictly from a land use perspective. However, environmental issues cover a muchbmraderrangeof impacts. A development pro-
fect the water table or pollute the air. New development review standards are now being created by the provincial govern-
ment through the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Partly as a result of this new Act, a more
"holistic" approach to review-
and environmentally sensitive
ing development proposals is
areas on Edmonton's table
becoming apparent, particu-
lands will be started in 1993.
(Policies 2.A.6, 5.A.4, 6.D.1, 6.D.2, 6.D.3)
larly at the municipal level.
The Planning and Development Department is investigating many issues to determine how current Department
practices can be adjusted to include pertinent environmental information. (Policy 6.D.2)
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 8
Transportation Plan
Bicycle Transportation Plan
There is a need to develop a comprehensive transportation plan which responds to current and future transportation issues and needs over a 10 to 20 yearperiod. TheTransportationDepartmentpresenteda Proposal for a Transportation PlanReview to City Council in
The City of Edmonton Bicycle Transportation Plan, prepared by the Transportation Department, was approved in May. The policy was developed with input from the Cyclists Education Committee, City departments and other gov-
July. Council authorized the Transportation Department to develop a detailed Terms of
ernment agencies. The policy encourages and promotes the safe use of bicycles for utilitar-
Efficient Transportation Utility and Utiity Systems
include significant public involvement. The Terms of Reference willbe completed in the spring of 1993. Development
A major recommendation of the bike plan is to integrate cyclists into traffic by im rovingcycling educationan wid-
of the plan will follow. (Poli-
ening curb lanes on major city
cies 7.A.1, 7.A.6, 7.A.8)
streets. The plan also provides
The Plan recognizes the need for an efficient, safe transportation system which supports the City's socioeconomic and land use
Neighbourhood Traffic issues
for the extension of river valley bike paths and the considerafor rail-right-of-ways tion new of bike paths.
The Transportation Department continued to work with
Several of the Plan's recommendationshavealreadybeen
inIn192initiatives dressissesneighbourhood traffic
amendments to the the Land Land Use Use
ri Providi ng
development needs,
Reference. The process will
several communities to ad-
issues. In 1992, tiatives in*Expansion of the McKernan Traffic Plan. Review of traffic and parking Review of traffic and parking issues in Boyle and McCauley. eRestriction of Keillor Road to
bicycles and pedestrians. Use requiring Bylaw amend*Land ments new ments requiring new
schools to provide passenger drop-offs and better parking facilities. (Policies 1.C.1, 7.A.1, 7.A.2)
ian and recreational purposes.
implemented,
including
Bylaw requiring all new developments to provide bicycle parking facilities. Additional
amendments to the Traffic Bylaw and the Parks Bylaw were also made in response to some of the Plan's recommendae co o he Plan tions. The Plan will continue to be implemented in 1993 and subsequent years as resources
permit. (Policy 7.A.7) (Policy 7A.7)
1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 9
University LRT Station The University LRT Station was officially opened in August. The University of Alberta is now connected to Grandin LRT Station on the north side via the Dudley B. Menzies Bridge. (Policies 7.A.1, 7.A.4, 7.A.5)
A."
Inner City The renewal of inner city neighbourhoods is the top civic prioriy identified by Edmonton's General Municipal Plan. In 1993, City departments will continue to work with residents and special interest groups to revitalize neighbourhoods. Departments will focus on both specific physical neighbourhood
cant mandate for the next few Transportation years. The Office will be bringig forward its first Annual Housing Strategy Report aEdmonton'scurrenttranspor(1993-1995) to outline the ac- tation plan, TRANSPLAN, tivities it proposes to underevolved during the However mid 1970s1980s take to achieve its mission, to theearly 1980s. However,conomic Together with the Safe Hous- over thelastdecadeeconomic ing Committee, the Office will changed dramatically. Provinimplement initiatives identi- changed dramatically. Provinrtationgrantshave ta fi in the Housing Report of from significantly, droppe on the Mayor's Task Force Safer Cities, including the de- $75 per capita before 1991 to velopment of a guideline for $25 per ca ita in 1993 and be-
concerns and socio-econonuic
upgrading multiple-occu-
yond.
In 1993, the Planning and De-
health and mum safety standards and the of
need to re-examine the City's
velopment Department will bring forward a proposal to a priorities of the Many outlined in this summary establish an advisory panel on report While the GMP provides 1993. then inner city issues. Comprised While the GMP provides the of representatives from comother plans frand activitiearis munity leagues, other commusupport GMP objectives and ty groups and agencies and civic planning stat, the panel policies, often through the will provide a mechanism to City's day-to-day business, discuss innercity revitalization The focus for 1993 will be with inner city neighbouron inner city initiatives, the hoods on an ongoing sis. A environment and transportation planning. The monitoring program will also be developed as a strong, corsuccessful achievement of porate policy planning tool. It GMP goals will continue to rely on a coordinated will help the Corporation obcorporate approach. This jectively assess the health of document provides many Edmonton's inner city neighexamples of civic bourhoods and monitor the departments working benefits resulting from inner collectively on priority city revitalization initiatives. initiatives, The Office of the CommissionerofHousinghas a signifi-
assistance to tenants displaced by an Order to Vacate. The Office will also work with the federal and provincial government, the community and the private sector to develop proposals for the use of surplus city-owned land identified as suitable for housing for lowincome and special need households.
develop a new plan which reflects current realities and anticipated future trends.
Looking to 1993 Forward
ssues.
pancy dwellings to meet minicoordination of
Environment Environmental issues will likely become more dominant and maintain high public interest. Issues such as the need for a new regional landfill, River Valle conservation and park development will keep environmental topics high on the public agenda. The City's inventory of natural areas on Edmonton's table lands will be completed in 1993. A draft policy to protect natural and environmentally sensitive areas on Edmonton's table lands will be started in 1993. As well, the Planning and Development Department will implement new review procedures for development proposals which will include pertinent environmental information.
ther significant
changes point to a compelling
Transportation Plan and to
The Transportation Department's Terms of Reference for the Transportation Plan willgo to City Council early in 1993. The Plan review will follow. The process will provide for a review and analysis of transportation issues facing the City, coupled with an open and broad based process for public involvement. As development of a new Transportation Plan is expected to take two to three years to complete, progress reports will keep City Council updated on the Plan review.
For further information or additional copies contact: Ann Dafoe Policy and Information Branch Planning and Development Department (403) 496-6062 1992 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan page 10