Edmonton (Alta.) - 1992-1995 - 1994 initiatives supporting the Edmonton general municipal plan

1994 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton

General Muniii What is the GMP? 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.

:lir! the GE.77 T3 Used 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 sta ff resources. Day-to-day land use planning activities produce various area structure plans, area redevelopment plans and topical studies which support the GMP goals. The success of GMP policies relies on a coordinated corporate approach; departments working together on common goals.

About thia aewirt This report describes 53 initiatives undertaken in 1994 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 into specific activities in 1994. 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 1995.

1994 Focus In 1994, the focus was on inner city initiatives, historic resource preservation, the environment and transportation issues. In the inner city, the emphasis was on the renewal of special needs areas, replacement of aging infrastructure and on projects which upgrade substandard housing and increase housing options. Heritage preservation projects include the completion of the Historic Resource Inventory and Management Plan and designation of several buildings as Municipal Historic Resource. Environmental initiatives involve the preparation of a draft policy to conserve natural sites in Edmonton's table lands and the development of guidelines for dealing with contaminated sites. Transportation issues include the start of public involvement programs and technical projects under the Transportation Master Plan and the development of various neighbourhood traffic plans.

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Ma 'eldilligh Park/McQueen AMPLE In Mayfi.e.ld the construction of the 110 Avenue "community main street" was started, along with street landscaping and traffic reduction measures on avenues and streets in south Mayfield. Road narrowing and installation of neighbourhood gateways in north High Park was completed. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.2, 1.A.4, 1.A.6, 1.A.7)

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The planning approach for the inner city emphasizes the renewal of special needs areas, the enhancement of inner city communities and the coordination of civic action. Selected inner city neighbourhoods require priority attention because of their socio-economic and physical problems. The GMP proposes a strategy which involves a concerted, corporate commitment.

Boyle/McCauley Area Redevelopment ?: (ARP) The Boyle/McCauley ARP was approved by City Council on July 18, 1994, with a number of redistricting bylaws to follow. The Community Planning Office continues to function now that the ARP has been approved, and is operating with private funding. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.2, 1.A.3, 1.A.5, 1.A.6, LA.?)

Neighbourhood Improvement :Throgra;,A PP) Boyle Street/McCauley The report identifying the infrastructure deficiencies of these two neighbourhoods was completed this year. It proposed a $ 27 million rehabilitation program to bring the infrastructure up to acceptable standards. The City set aside $6 million for the project, along with $12 million from the federal and provincial governments. Construction has begun on minor sewer, watermain and lane repair work in the South Boyle Street area.

Riverdale In 1994 the NIP program entered the community of Riverdale. Throughout the Fall, civic staff have been evaluating the water, sewer, road, traffic, parks and public space systems in the neighbourhood. Priorities will be formalized in a final report during the spring of 1995 with construction to begin in the spring of 1996.

The Planning and Development Department prepared a report containing the results of the Affordable Homeownership Workshop. The report details the findings of four task groups, each working with a different land use scenario. After the workshop, the Innovative Housing Committee was formed to advise the department on a follow-up demonstration project.

Demonstration Project Increasing the amount and quality of affordable housing is one way to encourage families to purchase homes in the inner city. The Planning and Development Department and the Innovative Housing Committee invited local architects and home builders to submit housing designs for a 35' by 120' city-owned lot in Balwin.

The winning design features a single detached home near the front of the lot and a duplex towards the rear of the lot, with a shared courtyard between the two buildings. Council annoyed a redistricting of the site in December to allow the project to be built. The winning team will purchase the lot and build the design in 1995. (Policies 1.A.4, 1.B.2, 1.B.4.)

Snbstandard Rental Eusing The Safe Housing Committee, under the direction of the Commissioner of Ho-using, developed Safe Housing Standards which outline minimum standards of health and safety for existingrental multiple occupancy dwellings. The Standards have been adopted by the Edmonton Board of Health. Compliance with the Standards will be considered when a landlord wishes to obtain or renew a licence to operate a multiple occupancy dwelling. In 1994, a demonstration project to test and finetune the Standards was completed. The demonstration project final report concluded that "practical and costeffective safety and health upgrading can be achieved in a residential property by carefully applying the Safe Housing Standards." Funding became available when the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced that the federal government will be spending $16 million to assist landlords upgrade rooming houses and rental properties in Canada through a new rental and rooming house R.RA.P. program. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.3, 1.B.1, 1.B.3)

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Provision of City-Owned Land for Social Housing Four new social housing projects were constructed in 1994 in Boyle/McCauley on City-owned lands provided by the Office of the Commissioner of Housing.

These projects will provide housing for low-income families (20 units); hard to house singles (33 units); and women in need of emergency accommodation (50 units). The Office of the Commissioner of Housing provided land and was a key member of 'HomeWorIcsi, a partnership for removing barriers. Through HomeWorks, a 1,600 square foot, barrier free 6 bedroom house was completed without federal or provincial housing subsidies. City Council allocated the remaining funds in the Municipal Housing Incentive Grant Reserve Account to the Office of the Commissioner of Housing to support demonstration projects which provide innovative methods to achieve housing for lowincome families. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.3, 1.B.1, 1.B.4, 5.D.1.)

Prince of Tales Armour)/ Lanr7,3 The Planning and Development Department conducted an extensive public consultation process on the future of the vacant lands around the Prince of Wales Armoury building, culminating with the adoption of community objectives by City Council in November 1993.

In October 1994, Council accepted the recommendation from the Transportation Department that an LRT easement was not needed at 105 Street through the Armoury site. A road dosure bylaw to dose 105 Street is expected to go to Council in early 1995. Once this dosure is approved, a proposal call can be issued and the site developed for residential -uses. Up to 25% of the site has been set aside for affordable homeownership opportunities. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.B.2, 1.B.4.)

Parks and Recreation, Enrichment through Play (PREP) A pilot project at two inner city schools helped the Parks and Recreation Department and the Edmonton Police Service provide at-risk children with positive experiences. PREP beganin March 1994 with 40 children aged 4-6. It provides an opportunity to participate in activities while learning how to build self-esteem and cooperate with others. Programs include sports and art exploration, nutrition counselling as well as recreational programs. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.A.3, 1.A.6, 1.A.7)

Playground Redevelopment The Parks and Recreation Department undertook playund enhancements at two inner city neighbourds. Sacred Heart in McCauley and St. Alphonsus in Parkdale were redeveloped through NPDP and local community involvement. (Policiec 1.A.1, 1.A.6, 1.C.1.)

Urban Gardens The urban garden was moved to a new permanent location on the east side of Fire Station #1. The site was prepared by removing all sod and building a permanent fence around the area. 1994 was a very successful year for the urban garden project with 30 gardeners growing produce for their families. Review of the site showed that there is a need for improvement of gardening techniques, which will be explored in 1995. (Policies 1.A.1, 1.B.1, 1.C.1)

Partnership Programming for Youth at Risk Youth in Motion In an attempt to better address programming opportunities for children and youth at-risk, the Parks and Recreation Department entered into partnerships with other organizations and agencies having similar goals.

Youth in Motion is a project co-ordinated with Community and Family Services, Board of Health, School Boards, Edmonton Police Service, Community Leagues and local businesses to address the issue of youth living in high risk areas. The program has helped approximately 6000 teens by providing recreational opportunities such as basketball, street hockey, inline skating, mountain biking and crafts. These free and low cost activities provide an environment which supports and promotes crime prevention, active living, community leadership and positive life skills.

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.

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SuburNan Investment Strategy The Planning and Development and Transportation Departments produced the 1995-1999 Suburban Investment Strategy Report. This report identifies the proposed priority of capital projects to resolve infrastructure deficiencies. It also provides a set of single family lot servicing forecasts for 1995-1999. The investment strategy provides guidance in the consideration of new ASP, SCDB and NASP submissions to determine whether it is appropriate to approve new areas or neighbourhoods for development from an infrastructure perspective. The strategy report also provides background material to the Working Committee of the Capital Priority Plan for consideration when preparing the capitalbudget (Policies 2.A.1, 2.A.2, 2.A.3, 2.A.4, 2.B.1, 7.A.9)

Neighbourhood Design Principles As part of the corporate infrastructure strategy, the Planning and Development Department initiated a review of the design of suburban neighbourhoods. The purpose of this review is to address issues related to the cost of infrastructure for developing new suburban areas and to encourage the creation of attractive and flexible neighbourhoods. The review considers ideas from the "sustainable development" movement and reviews standards to meet evolving technical and fiscal requirements while enhancing the public environment. The outcome is to be a statement of principles to guide the planning and development of new neighbourhoods in a more cost effective manner while addressing the living environment of future residents. The review will carry on into 1995. (Policies 2.B.1, 2.B.2, 2.B.3, 2.B.4)

the Capital Region Sewage Commission regarding the expansion and use of the regional plant. The North onton Sanitary Trunk project was approved by Council and ratified by land owners in July 1994. A final agreement between the City and the Sewage Commission is expected in 1995, with construction of the first stage of the trunk to follow. (Policies 2.A.1, 2.A.3, 2.A.7, 2.A.8)

Surplus School Sites Policies and procedures for dealing with retention, disposal and/or redevelopment of school sites which are surplus to school board. and Parks and Recreation Department needs were approved by City Council. The policies and guidelines not only provide direction for the development of the lands but also how monies received as a result of disposing of the lands are to be used. The policies and procedures form an important intensification opportunity within developed suburban areas. (Policy 2.C.4)

Conrnt7nity Funding Programs The Parks and Recreation Department improved two of its community funding programs. The Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program and Neighbourhood Park Signage Program are now funded on a cost shared basis, with the department and the community group each contributing half the funds for the approved projecL These programs extend the resources available to the department for such projects and allows communities to accelerate the development of either trees or signage projects in their neighbourhoods. (Policies 2.B.2 5.A.2.

eighbourhood Densities G-hasearch ircject The Planning and Development Department reviewed the way in which neighbourhood population projections are undertaken and used in determining the type of infrastructure needed to serve neighbourhoods. The study looked at the accuracy of generation figures being used relative to household sizes, density of development, number of students generated, and assessed the impact of neighbourhood life cyde on suburban neighbourhood population totals and profiles. More work on this project will be undertaken in 1995 to further define and explore the results for practical application in the preparation of plans and in the neighbourhood design principles project. (Policies 2.B.1, 2.B.2, 2.B.3, 2.B.4.)

Northeast Planning Strategy Since the adoption of the Northeast Planning Strategy in 1991, detailed technical studies have been undertaken to address the sanitary and storm systems for the northeast. The Administrationis continuing negotiations with

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The planning approach for business and employment areas provides for new types of commercial and industrial land uses to reflect employment growth in the service and trade sectors. Other policy

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approaches encourage town centres, provide for major commercial corridors, reinforce established commercial strips, promote the renewal of older industrial areas and recognize major activity centres.

Development of Separalon Distances and Transition Zones between Heav Induatr; and Other Land Uses The Planning and Development Department began work in 1994 on determining separation distances between heavy industry and other uses, with the intent of producing detailed policy guidelines and criteria for evaluating development proposals. A committee of external agencies and neighbouring authorities was set up and a series of meetings held to discuss issues and research findings. The Department concluded that a fixed, specified minimum separation distance for all heavy industry in Edmonton is not realistic because of the complex distribution of industry in the city, the differing impacts of different types of industry and the variety of site conditions and surrounding uses. From the ensuing discussions a different option emerged: the use of risk management as proposed by the Major Industrial Accident Council of Canada. The Office of Studies and Budget will co-ordinate a joint study involving Planning and Development, the Office of the City Solicitor, the Emergency Planning Officer and the Emergency Response Department. The study will evaluate the feasibility of a risk management approach to the separation of heavy industry and incompatible uses and the management of risks inherent in the existing distribution of heavy industrial uses. The terms of reference for the study were approved by Executive Committee. (Policies 3.A.2, 3.A3, 3.A.4.)

Recreation and Economic Development Economic Development Edmonton and the Parks and ent worked together closely in 1994 Recreation D to encourageeCtganizers of major sport and. recreation events to hold their championships, annual playoffs and major festivals in Edmonton. Functions such as the World Firefighter Games scheduled for Edmonton in 19% and the 1994 Rolling Stones concerts at Commonwealth Stadium potentially have significant economic impacts. (Policies 3.E.1, 3.F.1.)

Business Revitalization Zones In 1993, the Transportation Department completed a parking study in the area of 97 Street (between the CN lands and 107A Avenue) for the Avenue of Nations BRZ. Study recommendations were approved by the BRZ executive and changes implemented in 1994. Stage 2 of the parking study involves reviewing the area from 101 Street to 109 Street between the CN lands and 108 Avenue. Analysis of the data, review by the BRZ, and implementation is planned for early 1995. (Policy 7.A.2.)

DOWNTRZE1 The planning approach for Downtown Edmonton focuses on initiatives which revitalize the downtown, promote housing, 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.

Downtown Plan Review The Downtown Plan Review, a major review of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, made significant progress during 1994. The Downtown Plan Review Steering Committee, consisting of representatives from various stakeholder groups and the general public, met extensively. A detailed evaluation of the existing plan was conducted, a public process was initiated and issue papers were written on key theme areas which affect the Downtown. As part of the public participation process, a Downtown Ideas Forum was held. Spanning two weekends, the event attracted over 300 people. Substantial input was received which will be used to develop a new Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.

Other expected outputs include Land Use Bylaw amendments and a five year public improvement program. (Policy 4.A)

Downtown Housing The Downtown Housing Strategy Report received extensive input throughout 1994 from stakeholder groups and members of the public. This input will be incorporated into the report prior to it being presented to Council for approval. (Policy 4.C.1, 4.C.4)

Partnerships The City maintained its partnerships with the Downtown Business Association (DBA) and the Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation (EL)DC) as major partners in improving and promoting the Down-

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town through advertising, special events and festivals.

Both groups are represented on the Downtown Plan Review Steering Committee. (Policies 4..A.6, 4.B.1, 4.B.2 4.C.7) Downtown Bike Route Plan As part of the Downtown Bike Route Plan, currently being developed in conjunction with the Downtown Plan Review and with input from the Transportation Department, an initial pilot project was approved by Council This project consists of widening the buslanes along 102 Avenue between 103 and 109 Street and 103 Avenue between 97 and 101 Streets, as well as a portion of 100 Street to allow shared use by cyclists. The overall Bike Route Plan's intent is to establish a continuous circuit of safe, accessible and convenient bicyde routes across the Downtown, connected to bikeway facilities in adjacent neighbourhoods. (Policy 7.A.7) Major Development f'..ctivity Major development activity in the Downtown during 1994 included the completion of Downtown's second loft housing project, the Jefferson Lofts.

(Policies 3.F.1, 4.A.2, 4.A.6, 4.C.1)

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I The Planning and Development Department completed the Historic Resource Management Plan. The Management Plan provides a snapshot of the current heritage related activities of the Department. It functions as a handbook for sta ff of the Department and will also provide other City departments and the public with a convenient summary of City policies and regulations relating to historic resource management(Policies 5.C.1, 5.C.4) Historic Resource Inventory The Planning and Development Department completed the Historic Resource Inventory project with the expansion of the Register of Historic Resources in Edmonton.

The Register identifies 443 of Edmonton's most significant historic resources which are considered worthy of designation as Municipal Historic Resources and therefore eligible for the provisions of the Heritage Tax Policy. Of the historic resources, 118 have been identified as Register "A" buildings. These are the most significant structures on the Register on which the Department will concentrate its resources. The remaining 325 structures comprise the "B" list of the Register to which the department will allocate resourcPs as available. The data contained in the Register will be entered in the Historic Resource System, a custom designed computer database which allows quick and easy access to a wide variety of information on Edmonton's historic resources. (Policies 5.C.1, 5.C.4.)

Historic Resource Den ion

AIPEIRTING GOOD URBAN ILL:11 AND HERITAGE Key GMP objectives include promoting good urban design and beautification, beautifying roadway approaches to the city and downtown and preserving heritage. To create a positive image of Edmonton, the Plan considers the aesthetics and visual impact of growth and redevelopment. The Plan proposes both public and private initiatives to improve the city's image. Preserving heritage buildings and areas is also an important contribution to the city's character.

City Council has designated or agreed to designate three buildings as Municipal Historic Resources. They are the Gibson Block (Flatiron Building), St. Joseph's Hospital and the Jackson House. The Gibson Block has been rehabilitated by the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation as the Women's Emergency Accommodation Centre. St. Joseph's Hospital will be converted to a seniors' residence and the Jackson House will be usd as a commercial. office. (Policies 1.A.4, 5.C.2, 5.C3, 5.C.4) Urban Design Guidelines As a tool to help build safer cities, the draft Design Guide for a Safer City was prepared containing guidelines for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CP iED). The Design Guide will be finalized in early 1995 for Council approval.

The Planning and Development Department prepared the design guidelines for the Avenue of Nations BRZ with assistance from the Avenue of Nations Business Association. The guidelines will be forwarded to City

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Council as information in early 1995 and made available for distribution to developers, property owners and merchants in the area. (Poliries 5.A.1, 5.A.3.)

Streetscape Enhancements Street enhancements were implemented on McDougall Hill, in conjunction with Transportation and Public Works roadway rehabilitation projects; on the east side of 100 Street by the Hotel MacDonald; and in Mayfield and High Park as part of the AMPLE program. New banners were installed on Rice Howard. Way and Jasper Avenue as part of the maintenance program for special project areas. Minor public improvements were implemented in Cloverdale in conjunction with the completion of Gallagher Park and adjacent 97 Avenue streetscape improvements. (Policy 5.A.1.)

Urban Design Design work was completed for streetscape improvements along Whyte Avenue between 99 and 103 Streets.

These improvements are scheduled for implementation in 1995 in conjunction with Transportation and Public Works roadway rehabilitation projects. Opportunities for streetscape improvements in the Fort Road BRZ were identified, for implementation in conjunction with roadway rehabilitation projects. Design work for street enhancements in McQueen was initiated, with implementation to follow in 1995. Urban design opportunities were identified for the Boyle/McCauley ARP. (Policy 5.A.1.)

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Edmonton Transit has purchased an additional 16 new low floor buses, and expanded the low floor route system to include a major north-south corridor. The new buses include a number of features which make them more accessible to persons with disabilities. (Policy 5.D.1) Westmont!! Community Brs Pilot Project Edmonton Transit has introduced a pilot project providing service to persons in Westmount who have difficulty accessing regular transit routes. Using a smaller, low floor bus, the route is designed to use local roads not designed for full-sized buses, and permits service to be provided closer to facilities used by seniors and persons with disabilities. In addition, through contributions from Northwestern Utilities, the bus is powered by natural gas, which will reduce emissions compared to conventional diesel fuel. (Policy 5.D.1) DATS Strategic Plan In September 1994, City Council approved the DATS Strategic Plan. Highlights of this plan include recommendations to continue and possibly increase funding for the program and identification of the need for Edmonton Transit to develop a "family of services". Public meetings and focus groups have been held to obtain community input regarding DATS services (Policy 5.D.1.)

Integration of Persons with Disabilities

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The 1994 focus of the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities has been the ongoing implementation of the recent policies on 'Integration of Persons with Disabilities" (1993) and "Accessibility to Municipal Facilities" (1992). To this end, the Advisory Board has sought and maintained representation on Accessibility Committees for City-Owned and Occupied Buildings and for the Parks and Recreation Department. The Board also worked with the Parks and Recreation's Cultural Advisory Board's Grants-In-Aid program to add "to accommodate participation by those persons with Disabilities" to the criteria to be used in considering applications for funding from groups seeking participation in City Festivals. The Board has also recommended that community groups undertaking audits under the Safer Cities Initiative be encouraged to include on their team at least one person with a disability to facilitate awareness necessary in improving urban design to accommodate citizens of all abilities.

(Policies 5 D 1, 5.D.2.)

The Parks and Recreation Department has recently completed the development of "End of Steel" park This park is designed to preserve the heritage and special character of the Old Strathcona area, with special emphasis on the site as the terminus of the Calgary-Edmonton railway line. (Policies 5.A.1, 5.C.4.)

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Project, a unique partnership with YMCA, Mennonite Central Committee, Federal Human Resources, Family & Social Services and Advanced Education & Career Development. Through this project, unemployed individuals were able to develop marketable skills and learn job-hunting skills while building lookout docks, retaining walls and stairs. (Policy 6.B.1.)

Environmental Protection The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act has been in effect for more than a year. In light of this, the Planning and Development Department developed and is currently implementing a 'Site Contamination Checklist' which is used to identify any potential soil or groundwater contamination problems before the Department purchases property.

PROTECTING AGRICULTURE &I:2D T NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Contaminated Site Guidelines

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.

The Manning and Development Department created the draft "Guidelines for Dealing with Contaminated Sites in Relation to Land Use Planning Activities" The guidelines willbe finalized and forwarded to Council in early 1995. Considerations related to contaminated lands will be incorporated into the review of all levels of plans and applications.

Natural Areas The Planning and Development Department published a consultant report on the Inventory of Environmentally Sensitive and Significant Natural Areas, City of Edmonton (1993) and held open houses in March 1994 to inform landowners and interested members of the public. The department also pepared a draft city policy "Conservation of Natural Sites in Edmonton's Table Lands". The draft policy was developed through consultation with landowners, members of the public, an advisory group composed of public stakeholders, and representatives of key civic departments. Executive Committee of City Council also provided direction during policy development. A non-statutory public hearing was held in September 1994 to allow interested members of the public to speak on the draft policy.

Consultants were retained to develop an evaluation framework to determine the viability of environmentally sensitive and significant natural areas in Edmonton when these sites will be affected by a development proposal The policy is scheduled to go to Executive Committee in early 1995. (Policies 6.D.1, 6.D.2.)

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Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve Recent work at the Whiternud Ravine Nature Reserve has resulted in the development of pedestrian bridges and a trail system to direct users and to reduce fragmented U.-ail use and impacts on sensitive areas. The Parks and Recreation Department was able to undertake this work earlier than expected as a result of the Ribbon of Green Job Training/Work Experience

The Planning and Development Department published "A Guide for the City of Edmonton's River Valley Environmental Review Procedures". The Guide is designed to help in undertaking, reviewing and approving environmental reviews in the River Valley. The guide is available to potential users of the process. (Policies 6.B.1, 6.D.2.)

The Planning and Development Department retained a consultant to undertake a study regarding the value of agricultural production and the establishment of a special agricultural zone in Northeast Edmonton. The consultant conducted soil mapping and land use surveys, collected and analyzed agro-economic data and held workshops with local property owners and producers. An executive summary of the ieport is scheduled to go to Executive Committee in early 1995. (Policies 6.A.2 6.A.3.) :pats :aturally

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Since its inception in 1992, the Parks Naturally yi ject has overseen the planting of over 400,000 seedlings.

Scouts and Guides, church groups, schools, and individuals have all contributed to the growth of our urban forest. In 1994, the Parks and Recreation Department

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was instrumental in obtaining a $85,000 grant from the National Community Tree Foundation for the greening of the City. City and community grants under this grant were responsible for planting over 100,000 trees in parks and open spaces. (Policy 5.A.1.)

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Naturalization During 1994, Jackie Parker Recreational Area, a naturalized site, was used for full time environmental programming in the summer. Through naturalization, native species requiring a minimum of care are planted in ecologically disturbed areas. The free and low cost Frograms emphasised interactive and educational games and activities. The summer project was a co-operative effort with assistance and support from many groups including Edmonton Separate School Board and MCARFA. (Policy 6.B.1.)

Clean Air Strat3z7 The Office of the Environment (Public Works) initiated a process through the Clean Air Strategy for Alberta (CASA) to identify and address air quality issues. The City also joined Energy Resources Canada's "Energy Innovation Program" and established a $1 million revolving fund for energy retrofit programs.

Green Fleets The city is also involved in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Green Fleets project. This project examines the relationships of land use planning and transportationenergy use. Work will continue on this project in 1995.

River Valley Patrol The Parks and Recreation Department, through a joint project with the Edmonton Area Outdoor Council, developed and initiated the River Valley Park PatroL Increased safety is the primary role of these volunteers who are in radio contact with both police and emergency support. In addition, the Patrol distributes maps and provides information on issues such as the environment, vandalism and trail etiquette. Volunteers provide the Department with valuable information on maintenance requirements and needs of trail users. (Policy 6.B.1.)

PROVIDING EFFICIENT 7EntiSPORTATION AND DTA SYSTEMS The Plan recognizes the need for an efficient, safe transportation system which supports the City's socio-economic and land use development needs.

Trutsrortztion Master Plan The Transportation Department initiated the Transportation Master Plan project to re-examine the City's longterm transportation needs. The public involvement program has taken the lead role in this early phase of the Transportation Master Plan so that the technical work stream could be designed to reflect and incorporate the issues and concerns raised by citi7pns. This program Memo ed the formation of a Citizen Advisory Group whose main role will be to work with the Transportation Department to develop joint recommendations based on public input. As a result of the work completed to date in the ongoing public involvement program, a number of technical project activities have been initiated. Work is underway to develop long term economic and demographic estimates for the City of Edmonton and the surrounding region. A comprehensive and statistically reliable household travel survey has been initiated to gather data on trip making patterns in the Edmonton region over a twenty-four hour weekday period. A special survey targeted directly at bicycle users was conducted in the fall. Six areas of work on special technical studies have been identified with terms of reference for four of the six prepared and vetted through the public involvement group. (Policies 7.A.1, 7.A.2, 7.A.3, 7.A.4, 7.A.6, 7.A.7, 7.A.8)

Neighbourhood Traffic Planning The Traffic Management Plan for the Boyle Street/ McCauley neighbourhoods was implemented and data collection and evaluation of the traffic plan completed.

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Further community meetings are scheduled Work on the Traffic Management Plan for the Pleasantview neighbourhood was completed andratifiedbv the community. Implementation and evaluation are ianned for 1995. The Argyll/Hazeldean/Ritchie Traffic Management Plan was implemented and work completed on the data collection and evaluation of the traffic plan.

Further community meetings are scheduled. (Policies 7.A.2 7.A.6.)

Southwest Area Transit Route Restructuring In an effort to improve overall transit service in the city, the Transportation Department implemented major route changes in the Southwest, reducing transit travel times. (Policies 7.A.1, 7.A.3, 7.A.4, 7.A.5.)

Edmonton TrEt3it AdtiJorj The Edmonton Transit Advisory Board was created to acquire community feedback from the various user groups and to provide input into current transit services and initiatives. The Board consists of 16 members representing special needs groups, educational institulions, seniors, the business community, City Council, A.T.U. Local 569 and the general public. (Policy 7.A.8.)

LeueL Elrids1 EsehtD!Gitzticr] - S!cycle/ Pedestrian Trail City Council approved a plan for the conversion of the top deck of the High Level Bridge into a multi-use pedestrian/bicycle trail. The project is Lobe joint city-community funded. If funding can be secured, the project could be implementedby Fall 1995, once the High Level Bridge rehabilitation work is completed. (Policy 7.A.7.)

Canada/Alberta Infrastract77e T:Jorks Program (CAIWP) The CAMP provides funds for reconstruction of roads, water lines, sewers, and streetscape elements. Within the framework of the program, the Boyle/McCauley Neighbourhood. Infrastructure Replacement program was approved by Council. Both design and construction of the improvements (roads, water, sewer) commenced in 1994 and incorporate the efforts of the project's community involvement program. Improvements will be staged over a three year construction period. (Policies 1.C.1, 1.C.6.)

Joint Planning Study the Highway 2 1.-.rridor The Planning and Development Department, the County of Leduc, the City of Leduc and the Edmonton Regional Airport Authority completed a joint planning study for the Highway 2 corridor. The planning study's guidelines reinforce the role of the Edmonton International Airport, facilitate future development of the Highway 2 corridor for transportation, utility and communications purposes and support the development of industrial parks along the corridor. The guidelines also address improving the appearance of the Highway 2 corridor as a major gateway to metropolitan Edmonton, and protecting the area's natural environment and better agricultural land. (Policies 7.B.2, 7.B5) 7icucle rartin The Transportation Department introduced an innovative bicyding parking scheme. Over four hundred bicycle racks were installed in the Downtown and other major commercial areas. The racks were installed by a private company and are paid for by sponsor-based advertisement. (Policy 7.A.7.)

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Environment

Looking Forward to 1995

The Planning- and Development Department will continue to work on environmental issues in 1995. Guidelines for implementation, terms of reference for environmental evaluations and a prototype management plan will be developed to support the proposed city policy "Conservation of Natural Sites in Edmonton's Table Lands. Review standards for planning approvals on suspected contaminated sites will be developed to facilitate processing of applications. GIS mapping of environmental constraints areas will be done to support the environmental review process.

In the Spring Session of the Provincial Legislature, the Government is expected to introduce enabling legislation amending the Alberta Planning Act. Under the current proposals, the provisions of the planning legislation are to be included in an expanded Municipal Government Act. The Edmonton General Municipal Plan could be replaced by a Municipal Development Plan (MOP). This mandatory document would enunciate municipal goals, objectives, constraints, targets, policies and corporate strategies in a wide variety of topical areas. Municipalities would be required to adopt a MDP within a two year period.

The City of Edmonton, through the Transportation Department's Drainage Branch, will be applying to Alberta Environmental Protection for renewal of its approval to operate- the drainage system.

Many of the priorities outlined in this summary report will continue in 1995. The focus in 1995 will be on inn ercity initiatives, the downtown, the environment and transportation planning. The successful achievement of municipal planning goals will continue to rely on a coordinated corporate approach. This document provides many examples of civic departments working collectively on priority initiatives.

The City will be initiating its Environmental Strategies Plan to develop a framework for addressing and priorizing environmental issues. Attention will also be given to developing a Local Action Plan for reduction of greenhouse gas emmissions in accordance with City Council's 1993 direction

Inner City

The renewal of inner city neighbourhoods remains the top civic priority as identified by the GMP. In 1995, City departments will continue to work with residents and interest groups to revitalize special needs areas. Departments will focus on both physical neighbourhood concerns and socio-economic issues.

Transportation

Transportation issues will figure prominently in 1995.

The Transportation Master Plan project will actively incorporate public input and technical efforts in its reexamination of the City's long term. transportation exa needs. Neighbourhood traffic planning efforts will continue throughout 1995. Planning will commence on the Whitemud. Drive extension from 34 Street to Highway 14.

Downtown

The Planning and Development Department is continuing its major review of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, culminating with a draft housing strategy, bicyde plan and proposed Downtown Plan.

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For a copy of the GMP review, further information on GMP initiatives or additional copies of the Initiatives Report contact:

Berry wild.von Planning and Development Department Planning Services Branch 3rd floor, The Boardwalk 10310-102 Avenue MW. Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2X6 (403) 496-6062

1994 Initiatives Supporting the Edmonton General Municipal Plan Page 11