Clients Old Strathcona Business Association #402 10314 82 Ave NW Edmonton, AB, T6E 1Z8 Project Manager: Cherie Klassen, Executive Director City of Edmonton 10111 104 Ave NW Edmonton, AB, T5J 0J4 Project Manager: Andrew Mclellan, RPP, MCIP
Consultants University of Alberta School of Urban and Regional Planning 1-26 Earth Sciences Building Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3 Project Team: Amos Kajner-Nonnekes, student Cooper Csorba, student Croy Johnston, student Tara Brown, student Steering Committee: Robert J. Summers, P.hD, RPP, MCIP Sarah Wilmot RPP, MCIP Debadutta Parida
Contents Introduction Executive Summary Project Overview Guiding Policies Relevant Project Proposals Project Timeline
Guiding Principles p. 08 p. 010 p. 011 p .013 p. 016
p. 044 p. 045
Engagement
Analysis Methodology Nodes and Corridors Mobility Building Inventory Urban Design
Principle Development Guiding Principles
p. 022 p. 024 p. 028 p. 034 p. 038
Overview Design Charrette Targeted Meetings
p. 048 p. 052 p. 068
Next Steps Strategy Development Future Targeted Engagement Public Open House Appendices
p. 076 p. 078 p. 079 p. 080
FOREWORD “
Old Strathcona and West Ritchie are unique areas, full of dynamic heritage and vibrant activity. The Public Spaces, Public Life Plan harnesses this vibrancy and sets forth a vision for a more connected, animated, and resilient community. Several transformative changes are occurring in the area, with the desire for a more connected city, a greener city, and the activation of under-utilized spaces in the area. The Plan accounts for the changing nature of the area and provides a comprehensive framework for activated public space, enhanced mobility, and all-inclusive public life. - the project team
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Introduction executive summary
INTRODUCTION | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Executive Summary PUBLIC SPACE. PUBLIC LIFE. Project Background
Report Purpose
Key Deliverables of Phase One
The Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA) is sponsoring the creation of the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan for the area of Gateway/West Ritchie. This project will be completed as part of the final Planning Studio class for undergraduate students at the University of Alberta’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. A public space and connectivity plan will guide area improvement by conceptualizing development for underutilized land, repurposing and strengthening existing built areas and open spaces, and providing strategies to attract vibrancy, investment, and activity into this area of Old Strathcona.
The Public Spaces, Public Life Plan Interim Report provides a detailed breakdown of the project’s Phase One: Visioning + Analysis. The following activities were completed during this phase and have been summarized in the rest of the report:
Site Analysis
• a review of relevant plans, policies, and projects in Edmonton; • analysis of the site; • the creation of four guiding principles to direct concept development; • engagement with key stakeholders who have a special interest or background in the project’s site area; • organization and curation of a professional design charrette to develop alternative design concepts; • creation of a preliminary list of strategies and recommendations for improving mobility, open space, and built form in the area.
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The site was analysed in terms of Built Form, Urban Design, Nodes & Corridors, and Mobility. Strengths and challenges of the site were identified for each of these categories and are provided in this report. As a team, site visits were conducted, city-wide and local policies/ plans/projects were reviewed and a comprehensive SWOT analysis was generated that included analysis of external opportunities and threats of the site. Guiding Principles
Activate, Celebrate, Connect and Prosper are the four guiding principles for that will guide concept and strategy development. The principles were produced after extensive site analysis and a thorough review of planWhyte (2018), the Strathcona ARP (adopted 1998; consolidated 2020), Strathcona Junction ARP (2012), and the OSBA Strategic Plan (2019).
INTRODUCTION | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Executive Summary
PUBLIC SPACE. PUBLIC LIFE.
Targeted Meetings Key stakeholders were identified as organizations that have a special interest in the site area. Stakeholders were engaged with in one-on-one environments as a way to build relationships to have in-depth conversations regarding the project. Four targeted stakeholder meetings were completed in Phase One: • Grindstone Theatre expressed their intention to pursue public space activation such as their project to host a block party for the community in May; • The Local Economy section of the City of Edmonton explained several programs they oversee to help Business Improvement Areas with physical improvements to existing structures;
Next Steps
• The Edmonton Radial Railway Society described how they are extending the High Level Bridge streetcar line into the project site and are creating a new temporary platform on Whyte Avenue;
• The Neighbour Centre indicated a need for expanding their ability to serve the south-side’s vulnerable population, with a potential addition to their building. Interest was also expressed in contributing to public realm enhancements and placemaking activities. Design Charrette A design charrette was hosted by the project team on Thursday, February 6, 2020. Prominent Edmonton urban design professionals were invited to share their expertise and develop three concepts for the area: Mobility, Open Space and Built Form. The project team then analysed the concepts and evaluated the main themes. A detailed overview of the charrette is outlined in this report.
Moving into Phase Two: Concept Development, short to long term concepts will be developed and refined into Big Moves that have implementable strategies, recommendations, and community based actions to achieve them. An overall concept for the area will be designed and visuals will be created. In Phase Three: Gathering Input, the concept and strategies will be presented for feedback in targeted meetings, private presentations and at a public open house. Lastly, Phase Four: Plan Finalization will entail analysing the feedback collected, finalizing the concepts and publishing the Public Spaces, Public Life plan for the OSBA.
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INTRODUCTION | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Overview Site Area
The OSBA Public Spaces, Public Life Plan includes the areas directly east of the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market from Gateway Boulevard (103 Street) to 102 Street, bounded by 85 Avenue to the north. The site then extends south and includes the north side of Whyte Avenue until the mid point between 100 Street and 99 Street. Further south, the area includes part of West Ritchie, bounded by 100 Street to the east and Gateway Boulevard to the west, ending at the south edge of 76 Avenue. A protected rail corridor follows the site along the east side of Gateway Boulevard. The corridor is being protected by the Government of Alberta for a future provincial rail system.
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INTRODUCTION | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Overview
Guiding Policies
The Public Spaces, Public Life Plan is informed and conforms to the following guiding policies, legislation, and strategic initiatives: Alberta Municpal Government Act
Draft City Plan
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) gives municipalities the power and frameworks to self-regulate development and redevelopment within their boundaries. Municipalities are required to have Municipal Development Plans (MDP) and Engagement Frameworks under the MGA.
The City of Edmonton has undertaken the development of the City Plan, which seeks to identify how the city will evolve into a community of two-million people. The City Plan is implemented in conjunction with ConnectEdmonton: Edmonton’s Strategic Plan 2019-2028, and is designed to help advance the vision described in the Strategic Plan through physical improvements related to growth and change.
Alberta Historical Resources Act
The Historical Resource Act (HRA) is enacted by the Province of Alberta. The purpose of the Act is to regulate, maintain, and preserve any heritage object, resource, and/or site in Alberta. The HRA sets a framework on how to designate Provincial and Municipal Resources. The Old Strathcona Area has a relative abundance of provincially & municipally designated buildings which the HRA helps to preserve with its Historic District designation.
The Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan (adopted 1998; consolidated 2020)
The recently amended Strathcona ARP provides a vision for the built environment to guide future development in the area of Strathcona. Relevant goals and objectives for the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan require the activation of an alley network, enhanced east-west connections, a multi-use north-south
spine connecting Whyte Avenue to the river valley, the universal design of all streets/alleys/open spaces, and a special study for the area between Gateway Boulevard and 102 Street. The Strathcona Junction Area Redevelopment Plan (2012)
The Strathcona Junction ARP seeks to guide a long term plan for the revitalization and redevelopment of the area, in which it focuses on an effective transition from industrial to more urban themed uses. The Strathcona Junction ARP consists of the lands located from 79 Avenue to 63 Ave, between 104 street and 99 Street, with the CP Railyards being a large portion of the site area. The plan envisions an area with ample employment opportunities that is well connected to adjacent neighbourhoods.
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INTRODUCTION | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Overview Guiding Legislation planWhyte (2018) planWhyte is a land-use study for the area of Strathcona that predominantly focuses on the commercial area in Old Strathcona. planWhyte was initiated to undertake a complete area analysis to further understand the livability and development opportunities of Old Strathcona over the next 20 - 25 years. Winter City Design Guidelines
The Winter City Guidelines are used to inform the designing and building of city spaces in northern communities, such as Edmonton. The framework provides techniques, policy interventions, and programming that will facilitate a positive perception of spaces during the winter months. Breathe
The Breathe Strategy guides planning city-wide to ensure open spaces are connected and of high-quality at the site, neighbourhood, city and regional levels.
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The Old Strathcona Business Association Strategic Plan
Complete Streets Design and Construction Guidelines
The OSBA Strategic Plan provides a comprehensive strategic plan from 2019 to 2022 that will provide opportunity and growth for business. The plan has the intention to better serve the community by making Old Strathcona a safer, a more diverse, and better activity community. Activating underutilized space, strengthening the perception and reality of safety in the area, and fostering a healthy business community are foundational to the plan.
The Complete Streets Design and Construction Standards (CSDCS) are a comprehensive framework that provides direction for planning and design of streets in Edmonton. The document provides a variety of best practice design and construction actions to foster safe, attractive, and comfortable streets for all users.
The Building Great Neighborhood’s Strathcona Renewal Program
Building Great Neighbourhood’s (BGN) is a City of Edmonton run program that reinvests taxpayer dollars into selected communities, in which the main goal is to create vibrancy and longevity for these existing communities. Strathcona community was selected in 2019 to under go a Neighbourhood Renewal, in which select roads and sidewalks will be repaved and reconstructed.
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Main Street Guidelines
The Main Street Guidelines provide a framework for the design and development of Edmonton’s main streets. They define design parameters and guidelines focused on supporting a mix of street-oriented land uses.
INTRODUCTION | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Overview Relevant Project Proposals
The Public Spaces, Public Life Plan takes into account the following relevant private and public projects: High Level Line
Prarie Sky Gondola
Strathcona Streetcar Extension
The High Level Line is a proposed 4.3 kilometre linear park including the streetcar and an active transportation pathway. The concept proposes using the top deck of the High Level Bridge to connect Downtown Edmonton (from MacEwan University) to Old Strathcona (including a section of Old Strathcona’s provincially protected high speed rail corridor). The line terminates with the streetcar and pathway crossing Whyte Avenue.
Prairie Sky Gondola is a private venture proposing a 3 kilometre urban gondola connecting Whyte Avenue, West Rossdale, and Downtown. The proposal features two stops in Strathcona: one stop at the End of Steel Park and another stop at the north edge of Whyte Avenue between Gateway Boulevard and 102 Atreet. Stops are also planned for Rossdale at the heritage designated Rossdale Power Plant and Downtown at ATB Tower.
The High Level Streetcar will be extending approximately 250 metres southward, crossing Gateway Boulevard and ending with a temporary platform at Whyte Avenue’s north edge between Gateway Boulevard (103 Street) and 102 Street.The Edmonton Radial Railway Society has entered into an agreement with the Province of Alberta to lease a section of the protected high speed rail corridor.
Current Stage: City Council has directed administration to work with the High Level Line group on further developing their concept.
Current Stage: The Prarie Sky Gondola group is currently working with city administration to develop a Phase 2 Feasibility Study.
Current Stage: The Edmonton Radial Railway Society has development permits approved and building permits are currently under review.
CP Rail Yard Development In 2015, Canadian Pacific created a joint venture with the real estate company Dream Unlimited Corp. to develop more than 30 unused pieces of CP land across North America. Canadian Pacific announced the Old Strathcona Rail Yard as “slated for development” in 2015. The area is approximately 32-hectares in size. Current Stage: No information has on development status has been presented since 2015. PUBLIC SPACES, PUBLIC LIFE. Interim Report | P 013
Introduction project timeline
INTRODUCTION | PROJECT TIMELINE
Project Phases Overview
The Public Places, Public Life Plan for Gateway/West Ritchie will be executed in 4 phases between January and April 2020. The phases have been designed to facilitate a logical progression for the development of a public spaces and connectivity plan that builds on the engagement with community and urban design professionals. As a plan with a focus on community implementation, each phase will respond to the outcomes of conversations with the community, and seek to meet their needs for the public realm.
The four phases of the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan are as follows: • Phase One: Visioning + Analysis
• Phase Two: Concept Development • Phase Three: Gathering Input • Phase Four: Plan Finalization
The scope of the project work includes literature reviews, policy reviews, area analysis, community engagement, and strategy development. Each phase includes deliverables that cover multiple project work areas. However, there is a clear focus and strategy for each phase as responding to a specific deliverable. Success of each phase is measured with the completion of milestones.
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Visioning + Analysis
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Concept Development
Gathering Input
Plan Finalization
INTRODUCTION | PROJECT TIMELINE
Phase 1
Visioning + Analysis
Phase 1 Overview The main deliverables of Phase One: Visioning + Analysis contribute to the development of guiding principles and the curation of a design charrette with urban design professionals. The developed guiding principles will be used to facilitate conversations on the plan’s purpose, communicate values and meaning to the community and key stakeholders, and steer the project team’s internal process of creating a final design concept. In executing the design charrette, the project team had to carefully design, coordinate and orchestrate, all communications, project overviews, and concept facilitations to ensure, the event was to a professional standard. The design charrette built on the foundation set by the guiding principles to meaningfully engage and produce innovative design concepts for the plan. Conversations and key themes from the event will be captured and shared in a What We Heard Report.
A further deliverable in Phase One that will inform subsequent project phases is the engagement that was undertaken with key stakeholders in a one-on-one environment through targeted meetings. Key stakeholders refer to individuals who have special interest in the project’s site area. These conversations focus on public space needs and concerns, localized and technical knowledge, and special projects to shape the plan’s vision and inform the project team’s understanding of the community’s capacity for strategy implementation.
Milestones • Guiding Principle Development • Design Charrette (February 6th)
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INTRODUCTION | PROJECT TIMELINE
Phase 2
Concept Development Milestones • Interim Project Report & What We Heard Report (February 24th) • Interim Project Presentation (February 24th)
The majority of deliverables in Phase Two: Concept Development are concerned with organizing and analysing the information collected from the design charrette, targeted stakeholders meetings, and relevant policies/plans/projects review. At this time, a preliminary set of long term and short term design recommendations is being drafted. The project team will then identify Big Moves and propose a design concept. These findings will be communicated after the Interim Report at presentations to the Old Strathcona Area Community Council (OASCC), the OSBA, and the community at large at an open house.
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To aid the public in interpreting the concept and strategies, the project team will be designing renderings and graphics. Phase Two explores the design recommendations and design concepts to achieve a higher level of detail. The process involves creating a draft of an urban design framework, street and open space typologies, and short to long term implementation strategies for each Big Move.
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Research will identify best practices and case studies. Additional key stakeholders will be contacted for targeted meeting sto address informational gaps and to obtain depth on the area’s policies, programs, and practices. This phase will also be used to prepare for a Public Open House in March to bring community voices together to provide feedback on the initial design recommendations.
INTRODUCTION | PROJECT TIMELINE
Phase 3
Phase 4
Gathering Input Milestones • Strathcona Community Council Presentation (March 10th) • OSBA Board Presentation (March 11th)
Plan Finalization and diligently integrating feedback and conversations into the final design concept creating a What We Heard Report, and developing community buy-in for the plan’s implementation.
Milestones • Final Report (April 6th) • Final Presentation (April 6th) • OSBA Board Meeting (April 8th)
• Public Open House (March 14th) Deliverables in Phase Three: Gathering Input mainly contend with organizing and executing a public Open House that is of a professional standard. The project team is currently organizing the marketing and communication of the event to community stakeholders and the general public. The event will be organized to ensure meaningful community feedback is received on multiple dimensions of the initial design concepts. The main deliverables of Phase Three are incorporating the findings from the research and targeted meetings conducted in Phase Two, capturing
The deliverables of Phase Four: Plan Finalization pertain to producing a clear and consolidated voice for the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan. The project team will prepare a report that clearly articulates the final design concept, implementation strategies and recommendations. To achieve this, the project team will need to accurately represent all of the feedback that was collected and decision rationale. The final report will be available for use by the Old Strathcona Business Association, but will detail implementation actions that require investment/partnerships, community initiative, and advocacy.
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Analysis a place between places
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Area Analysis Methodology
Site analysis methodologies for public places plans typically require multiple site visits of the plan area to produce observations. Recorded observations are made in reference to a framework involving an observational lens and categorical criteria to allow for the built environment to be studied in a specified way. The methods used to collect data are invariant across studies and may or may not include public involvement. Site visits typically require researchers to code information, verify observations with online sources, and collect additional data that can only be acquired from third parties or geospatial maps. Additional site visits are used to collect missing data and to verify the accuracy of observations.
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The following public places plans helped shape the project’s understanding of methodologies for a site analysis: • Place Inventory Worksheet: Gehl Institute, and • The Well-being Assessment: Viva Vancouver. The following lessons were noted in the review of each document: • Observations of physical features in a space should include how the features support the experience of individuals spending time there. • Actively attempt to imagine how users different than yourself, for example, seniors and children, would feel in space.
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• Photos and ethnographic notes should accompany any observation that is not represented in the framework or tool used. • Create a check-list of different questions to answer on the visit, and for each question, have consistent options to choose from (i.e. no, mostly no, mostly yes, absolutely). • Public surveys need to be considerate of the limited amount of time users prefer to answer questions, and include project-related and demographic questions. • Include key areas of interest to define and embed in each analysis undertaken (i.e. sociability, trust, safety, inclusion and place attachment).
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Area Analysis Methodology
The methodology for the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan is respectful of the description above, and represents an expedited version as a result of the short project timeline. Site visits were completed in January by the project team. The observational lens used is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the urban design, urban form, movement and pathways, and transportation mode connectivity. The following studies were completed: • Movement Analysis • Building Inventory
• Nodes and Corridor Assessment • Urban Design Analysis
Photos were collected of physical site features that had produced enthused conversation within the team. Two working sessions were designated for talking through findings and collecting additional information on the site from third parties. Verification of the information collected was tested against Google Maps, Street View and SLIM Maps. Each project member was assigned ownership over one of the four studies. Project members produced maps representing the high-level findings by each study.
Public surveys were excluded from the study scope based on the large site size and the need to collect data on physical site features. The project team walked through the site area and captured data using an audio recording, field notes, and simple site map observations.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Nodes + Corridors Analysis
Nodes and Corridors were studied to think about how different activities and uses intersect and interact with each other across the site. Identifying Nodes and Corridors will help form an understanding of where activity centres already exist, and how growth and transportation patterns may develop into the future. Nodes will refer to large-scale urban centres that serve multiple districts and are typically anchored by public institutions and act as significant employment centres. (Draft City Plan, 2020) District Nodes support a variety of housing, employment and community amenities, often within a short walk or bike ride from other parts of the district. (Draft City Plan, 2020) Corridors will refer to vibrant and prominent urban streets designed for living, working and moving that serve as destinations in themselves. (Draft City Plan, 2020) P 024
Secondary Corridors will refer to vibrant residential and commercial streets that serve as a local destination for surrounding communities, and are more residential in nature. (Draft City Plan, 2020) Two steps were completed in this study: 1. Observations were conducted of major activity centres, prominent roads and streets, and how they function together. 2. A review of the Draft City Plan identified the officially designated nodes and corridors inside and outside the site area. The City Plan will be used to influence long term growth and transportation investment over the next 20-years. Nodes and Corridors listed below mirror the Draft City Plan for this reason. The project team also made note of major activity centres that can form in the nearfuture and/or that may exist at a finergrain of detail to the Draft City Plan.
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Nodes are important economic and cultural drivers in the city.
Corridors connect people in the city with culture, economic activity, and vibrant nodes.
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Nodes + Corridors
Analysis
Strengths Major Nodes (University of Alberta / Garneau) The University of Alberta/Garneau area is anchored by large public institutional centres and offers employment and living opportunities for Edmontonians. Continuing to enhance this node will support a lively and vibrant Old Strathcona Area as a dense residential population that requires a diversity of public transportation options and various open space typologies Primary Corridors (Whyte Avenue, 99th Street, Calgary Trail, Gateway Boulevard) Each corridor is the recipient of large amounts of pedestrian and vehicular traffic promoting pedestrian activity at all hours of the day and night. Primary corridors help direct traffic toward key destinations in Old Strathcona and Gateway/West Ritchie, including the Old Strathcona Farmer’s’ Market and the River Valley.
District Nodes
Potential Secondary Corridor (76 Avenue)
Bonnie Doon promises to be a future destination with investment in the transformation of the Bonnie Doon Mall to include high density residential and commercial uses in the Bonnie Doon Master Plan (2018), the completion of the Valley Line LRT platform (to be operational in 2021), and the University of Alberta’s Campus St. Jean. Bonnie Doon’s proximity to the University of Alberta/Garneau Node can provide a strong east-west connection that neighbourhoods in between would be able to capitalize on with placemaking strategies and public space activation. Completion of the Valley Line will help reduce existing vehicular traffic, and justify investment in and the strengthening of multi-modal transportation networks.
76 Avenue has the potential to connect through the CP Railyards and provide a strong east-west connection for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic. The consolidation of bike infrastructure on 76 Avenue can help anchor other south bike grid extensions. Improvements to 76 Avenue on the eastside of Strathcona Junction can help guide users more directly into the West Ritchie area. Potential Local Corridor (81 Avenue) 81st Avenue has started to represent and resemble a local main street for the West Ritchie area. The continuation of investment and improvement to entry points into West Richie will help allow for a greater depth of activity to concentrate along the corridor.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Nodes + Corridors Challenges Challenges Major Nodes (University of Alberta/ Garneau) Generating greater intensity around the University of Alberta Hospital may reinforce dependency on Whyte Avenue for emergency vehicle access and may restrict reconfiguration of Whyte Avenue and other primary corridors. Alternative heavy traffic east-west connections are absent in the area. District Nodes While the Bonnie Doon Mall is slated for redevelopment, its current state is not conducive for it to be considered a successful node. Even after the LRT is operational, there will still be a shortage of multi-modal connections and amenities until the full vision in the Bonnie Doon Master Plan (2018) is developed.
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Primary Corridors (Whyte Avenue, 99th Street, Calgary Trail, Gateway Boulevard) The intersection of Gateway Boulevard and Whyte Avenue has created traffic intensity that is harmful to the pedestrian perception of safety and may discourage pedestrians from walking eastward of Gateway Boulevard. Dependence on these corridors will restrain innovative traffic connection improvements where pedestrian connections are needed. The existing configuration of each corridor encourages traveling through rather than exploring Gateway/West Ritchie.
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Potential Local Corridor (81st Avenue) 81 Avenue has experienced growth facilitated by small business and without formal direction. In response to organic growth, an identifiable character has emerged along 81 Avenue, and largely, the West Ritchie area. Positive improvements to transportation mode connectivity and more place making opportunities on 81st avenue may disrupt the existing feel and businessmix of the corridor.
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Nodes + Corridors
Draft City Plan (2020)
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Mobility Analysis
Methodology: Mobility was analyzed by determining the existing transportation networks, the proposed future connections, and the missing linkages/infrastructure within and around the site. The analysis focused on walkability, active transportation, public transportation, and shared and private vehicular transportation. By identifying how these connections function and whether they possess strengths or weaknesses, strategies will be developed in Phase 2: Concept Development to improve the site’s mobility.
Strengths:
Bike Infrastructure
Tommy Banks Way/86 Avenue
83 Avenue
• As part of Building Great Neighbourhoods’ Strathcona project, a protected bidirectional separated bike lane is being installed connecting 87 Avenue at 102 Street to 86 Avenue at Gateway Boulevard
• Existing bidirectional bike lane from 111 Street to 99 Street and a protected contraflow bike lane with a shared one way travel lane from 99 Street to Mill Creek Ravine 100 Street • As part of Building Great Neighbourhoods’ Strathcona project, a bidirectional separated bike lane is being installed from Whyte Avenue to Saskatchewan Drive 87 Avenue • As part of Building Great Neighborhoods’ Strathcona project, a protected contraflow bike lane with a shared one way travel lane is being installed from Tommy Banks Way to 97 Street
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Transit Infrastructure Bus Network • The site is accessible by bus along Whyte Avenue. The four bus stops located within the site are located at: 102 Street and 82 Avenue & 101 Street and 82 Avenue
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Mobility Strengths
Streetcar • The streetcar operates from May to September and provides a connection from Strathcona to the Oliver neighbourhood. A proposed 250m extension has been issued a development permit by the City of Edmonton and is currently under review for a building permit. The extension will bring the streetcar further south to the north edge of Whyte Avenue between Gateway Boulevard (103 Street) and 102 Street. The Edmonton Radial Railway Society is anticipating construction will begin in summer 2020. Gondola
• Prairie Sky Gondola is proposing a gondola that would connect Strathcona, West Rossdale, and Downtown Edmonton. The project proposal features two stops in Strathcona: one outside of the site in the End of Steel Park, and one
on the north edge of Whyte Avenue (occupying the same parcel as the streetcar extension). Prairie Sky Gondola is currently developing a feasibility study to present to Edmonton’s City Council.
86 Avenue • As part of the Building Great Neighborhoods’ Strathcona project, a shared use path is being installed on the south side of 86 Avenue from Gateway Boulevard to 106 Street Whyte Avenue / Gateway Boulevard / 106 Street
Shared Transit Carshare • The site is located within the Comunauto carshare area E-Scooters • The sire is within approved zones for Bird and Lime E-Scooters Multi-Use Paths
• As part of Building Great Neighborhoods’ Strathcona project, a shared use path is being installed on the east side of Gateway Boulevard from Whyte Avenue to a midblock crossing at 84/85 Avenues, the shared use path then crosses Gateway Boulevard and follows the streetcar corridor northwest ending at 106 Street
Saskatchewan Drive • Existing multi use path on its north side connecting High Level Bridge/ Walterdale Hill to 99th Street
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Mobility Analysis
Challenges: Thoroughfares/Emergency Access Routes The site contains Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard, two of Strathcona’s high traffic thoroughfares and main routes for emergency services East-West Connections The site suffers from a lack of east/ west connections for all modes of transportation. The CP rail yard currently acts as a hard wall along Gateway Boulevard. Possible future connections that are identified in the Strathcona ARP include: • 86 Avenue • 85 Avenue • 84 Avenue
North-South Connections The site does not contain an inviting/ safe connection for pedestrians and active transportation users to access the river valley from south of Whyte Avenue. The provincially protected high speed rail corridor which runs from the north side of Whyte Avenue between Gateway Boulevard and 102 Street to Calgary is currently underused
Arterial Buffering
Transit Infrastructure
Missing Sidewalks
The south-side bike grid has two separated bike lanes that are disconnected through the site, and could be connected in the future: • 76 Avenue • 100 Street
• The alley between 84 and 83 Avenues • 80 Avenue
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Walkability Elements
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Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard do not possess adequate buffering to provide a comfortable environment for pedestrians. While both streets feature parallel parking as buffer from the sidewalk to the street, they do not meet the standards for the public realm set by the Complete Streets Design and Construction Standards (2018) Impeding walkability throughout the site are many missing sidewalks. Areas identified with missing sidewalks include: • The east side of Gateway Boulevard • Multiple areas within West Ritchie Crosswalks While many of the site’s crosswalks have some form of a pedestrian control device, they are poorly defined and not well lit
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Mobility Analysis
Summary Analysis While the area has significant active transportation connections on its periphery, and it’s grid-street pattern allows for internal connections, the area is disconnected from it’s surroundings. The site does not contain inviting north-south connections to access the River Valley, and a protected rail corridor that runs north-south is currently vacant. The area also suffers from a lack of east-west connections, with Gateway Boulevard and the CP Railyards acting as barriers. Gateway Boulevard does not possess adequate buffering to provide a comfortable environment for pedestrians, and does not meet complete streets standards. Significant sidewalks are also missing throughout the area, impeding walkability, and many of the site’s crosswalks are poorly defined and not adequately lit. A lack of wayfinding signage throughout the area further impedes walkability.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Mobility
Infrastructure
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Mobility Findings
THE GOOD
The area is heavily served by public transit.
Grid street pattern allows for good connectivity within the area.
Lack of wayfinding signage leaves pedestrians confused.
Missing sidewalks frustrate pedestrians and disconnect the area.
Poor buffer between arterial roads and pedestrians creates a hostile environment.
THE BAD
Multiple shared-use paths and protected bike lanes exist in close proximity to the area.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Building Inventory Analysis
A building inventory analysis was completed to understand the background and current conditions of buildings in the site area. The building inventory analysis had two distinct steps that allowed for data collection on individual buildings: • Collection of observational information on buildings in the area during the site visit, including historically designated buildings and landmarks, as well as patterns in building design and condition •
Historic designations provide certainty on which site buildings will have a lasting impact on the area’s character, and denote architectural features that are important to reflect in future developments so that the area’s character can be continuous. Further, collecting data on grants and development permits helps to highlight opportunities that exist for building’s in the site area and anticipate how the area may change over time.
Collection of building information from City planning staff in the Local Economy section. The information covered historic designations, grants distributed, and development permits.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Building Inventory
Analysis
Strengths Heritage Buildings/Landmarks Buildings that provide the area with a unique character and that are easily identified as distinguishable landmarks include: • The Roots On Whyte Community Building • The Canadian Pacific Rail Station 1 • Arndt’s Machinery Shop • The Minchau Blacksmith Shop • Trinity Evangelical Lutherin Church Historic Architectural Features 81st Ave establishshes a unique character through mulitple buildings incorporating false facade storefront design. West Ritchie’s historical character represents a simple utilitarian design that was typical of light industrial areas in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Mixed Use Buildings Gateway/West Ritchie is a mixed use node with a variety of uses within close proximity. This mixture of residential, commercial, and light industrial uses coexist together and make the area unique and different compared to surrounding neighborhoods. Business Improvement Area (Grants and Incentives) Many businesses have successfully utilized the Storefront Improvement Grant within the area that creates more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing storefronts. Businesses that have not utilized the grant are able to in the future, being that Gateway/West Ritchie falls within the Old Strathcona Business Improvement Area. Buildings that have heritage designation have further access to grants and incentives at the municipal and provincial levels.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Building Inventory Analysis
Challenges
Summary Analysis
CP Railyards
West Ritchie and surrounding areas are prominent communities with immense character and heritage attributes. The area between 79 Avenue and Whyte Avenue has a variety of uses and types of buildings, including coffee shops, general services shops, multi-family complexes, and single-family homes. Consequently, there is a mix of zones throughout the site area with CB2, RA7, and DC2 zones being the majority.
site, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Minchau Black Smith Shop.
A mixture of building typologies exist in the community. The general characteristics include a modern variation of commercial and residential buildings showcasing a simple utilitarian design representative of a light industrial boomtown. The Arndt’s Machine Shop (Narayanni’s) and the modern Ace Coffee Roastery represent these characteristics. Other distinguished heritage character buildings include the Canadian Pacific Rail Station on the west portion of the
To the north of the site, there is further under-utilized land north of Whyte Avenue and east of Gateway Boulevard. The land here currently accompanies a used car dealership, a public bathroom, and non-accessory parking lots that are used for the farmer’s market each Saturday.
Currently, the CP Rail Yard would need a significant amount of infrastructure for development of the site. This would require a large capital injection and would promise to have positive economic externalities for the area, however, negotiating to ensure that public pace and public life are not negatively impacted is essential for the broader area to thrive. Continuity Built form in the area lacks continuity. Derelict and underutilized sites take away from the character of West Ritchie and the overall perception of the site. The Station on Whyte The Station, a development along 102 Street and spans from Whyte Avenue to 80 Avenue, exhibits undesirable built form for the area. The building blocks a view corridor to the Canadian Pacific Rail Station on 81st Ave and creates a disconnection to the historic CP Station. P 036
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The existing CP Railyards are vacant of any commercial and/or residential buildings, and represent a blank canvas with opportunity for redevelopment. The cost of development could be high, however, given that the site has minimal infrastructure and potentially contains a high level of contamination.
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Building Inventory
Significant Heritage Properties
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Urban Design Analysis
Methodology
Strengths
An Urban Design Analysis was completed to assess site features that have an impact on pedestrian experience and active transportation. The following features were assessed: Massing characteristics, Sun and Wind impacts, Street Life and Open Space impacts.
Mainstreet Scale
The following analysis was informed by observations collected during the site visit, and in reference to key policy documents including PlanWhyte, the Strathcona ARP, and the Strathcona Junction ARP. Observations were verified using Google Maps, Google Streetview, and SLIM.
The built form and massing of development contributes to an area’s sense of place and pedestrian experience. The existing massing in Gateway/West Ritchie features 1-4 story building heights, an abundance of buildings situated directly on the lot line, and narrow 2 lane roadways, framing the street and creating a pleasant pedestrian environment. Defining Character Gateway/West Ritchie has a distinct character, influenced by the area’s boomtown origins and the unique attributes of the Old Strathcona area. Sunlight and Wind The 1-4 story built form allows an abundance of sunlight to be felt on the street, setting the stage for an enjoyable pedestrian environment and outdoor activities such as patios and passive strolling. This built form also reduces ground level wind felt by pedestrians as they walk throughout the area.
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Boulevard Trees The site has a number of significant mature trees lining the streets, growing more apparent as the site extends into West Ritchie. Street Frontages Many of the buildings located within Gateway/West Ritchie has commercial uses on the ground floor, fronting onto the street. This promotes street activity and provides space for people to “popin” and retreat during the colder months. Unique Vistas The grid-street pattern allows for unique vistas for pedestrians walking in the area. CP Railyards The CP Railyard presents a “blank canvas” for development, allowing for unique urban design and innovative urban design.
ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Urban Design
Analysis
Challenges Inconsistent Massing Along Whyte Avenue As the area extends east, the defining massing characteristics along Whyte Avenue have less of a prominence and the distinct character of Whyte Avenue is lost. Fragmented Streetwall The area features several surface parking lots that break the consistent streetwall and detract from the pedestrian experience and sense of enclosure. Street Furniture The area lacks a significant amount of street furnishings and places to sit or relax, taking away from the ability of people to linger. This affects the pedestrian experience and discourages people from staying in the area.
Building Condition Many of the buildings in the area have fallen into disrepair, detracting from an attractive pedestrian experience. Some facades have weathered over time and no longer represent the distinct character of the area. Alleyways Alleys in the area lack sufficient lighting and road treatments, creating an unsafe and unattractive environment. Some buildings front into the alley, however the alley is in disrepair and discourages pedestrians from venturing down. Open Space The area lacks a significant amount of open space for people to linger in. Where there is open space, it is either privately owned, or poorly designed and in disrepair. Open spaces in the surrounding areas are not well connected to the site, leaving no spaces for lingering and exploring in the area.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Urban Design THE GOOD
Findings
Sunlight exposure and attractive, open frontages allow for outdoor activity in some areas.
Character buildings help define the area as a distinct district.
Surface parking lots break up the streetwall and disconnect the area.
Few spaces for lingering detract pedestrians from staying in the area.
Some sidewalks are not wide enough to allow for outdoor activity.
THE BAD
Boulevard trees and massing frame the street, creating a more human-scale environment.
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ANALYSIS | A PLACE BETWEEN PLACES
Urban Design
Summary Analysis
Summary The Gateway/West Ritchie area’s significant character has developed over the years as one of Edmonton’s oldest communities. The height and scale of buildings followed development over the years from 1-2 story wood structures to larger brick buildings. Buildings range from 1-4 stories, situated to the front property line, with multiple streetfacing entrances and narrow frontages. Gateway/West Ritchie’s built form and defining urban design characteristics have become a part of the identity of the wider Old Strathcona area. The area features a fine grained grid-street layout, enhancing connections and promoting greater social interconnection and interaction, as well as an abundance of boulevard trees. Traditional building materials such as wood, brick and wrought iron contribute to the area’s defining character. Previous boomtown development, false facades and Eduardian architecture also contribute to the distinct character of the area.
The built form and massing of development contributes to an area’s sense of place and pedestrian experience. The existing massing in Gateway/West Ritchie frames the street and creates a pleasant pedestrian environment. However, the area features several surface parking lots that break the consistent streetwall and take away from the pedestrian experience and sense of enclosure.
The pedestrian experience is concentrated on Whyte Avenue, and pedestrians are discouraged to be drawn to the east of Gateway Boulevard. While most buildings are located on the lot line, some are graded so that they are disconnected from the street. A number of buildings have also fallen into disrepair, detracting from an attractive pedestrian experience.
Certain elements detract from the enjoyable pedestrian experience described above. Street furnishing and places to sit and relax are absent and take away from the ability of people to linger. Open spaces are not abundant in the site area and fail to connect to open spaces in the immediate vicinity. Little room is allocated on some streets for outdoor patios, and alleyways are dark and unattractive.
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Guiding Principles a plan for people
GUIDING PRINCIPLES | A PLAN FOR PEOPLE
Approach
Developing The Principles The guiding principles are the foundation of the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan, and influence all recommendations and concepts pursued throughout the project. To develop the principles, a holistic review of the main plans instructing the project was undertaken. planWhyte (2018) and the OSBA Strategic Plan (2019), were thoughtfully analysed and used to inspire the four guiding principles of the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan.
planWhyte (2018) is a land use study that sets goals and objectives for the Old Strathcona area to achieve in the short and long term. The plan’s 6 guiding principles provided the basis for the project team in creating three of the project’s four guiding principles for Gateway/West Ritchie: Activate, Celebrate, Connect: • Acknowledgment to Long Term Development • Preserving Character • Appropriate Redevelopment and Infill • Improving Mobility and Connectivity • Improved Public Realm • Promoting a Sustainable Community
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The Old Strathcona Business Association developed four key initiatives in the OSBA Strategic Plan (2019) that will foster future decisions, directions, and planning going forward and instructed the creation of Prosper as a guiding principle: • Perception and Safety • Balanced Business • Activation • Supporting a Healthy Community.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES | A PLAN FOR PEOPLE
Guiding Principles The 4 Principles.
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Engagement overview
ENGAGEMENT | OVERVIEW
Overview
Engaging the community The Public Spaces, Public Life Plan has the objective of developing a comprehensive design plan to address open space and connectivity in an area that is comprised of two communities: Strathcona and West Ritchie. Typically plans affecting the public realm involve high levels of public engagement throughout the project’s process, however, this particular project is under a condensed timeline with limited resources. Instead, the project team, acknowledging how crucial engagement is, varied the project’s Terms of Reference to expand engagement to the following :
Contained in this report is a What We Heard report from the industry design charrette held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 and the four targeted meetings that the project team conducted prior to writing this report. Under Next Steps, the purpose and approach for future targeted meetings, presentations, and the open house are summarized.
• Hosting a Industry Design Charrette • Interviewing Key Stakeholders • Presenting to Key Stakeholder Groups • Hosting a Public Open House
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ENGAGEMENT | OVERVIEW
Timeline
Engagement Phasing
Targeted Stakeholder Meetings
Visioning + Analysis
Key Stakeholder Presentations
Concept Development
Open House - March 14th
Gathering Input
Plan Finalization
CURRENT PHASE
Design Charrette - February 6th
Targeted Stakeholder Meetings
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Engagement design charrette
ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Overview
Approach + Methodology The design charrette builds on the foundation set by the guiding principles to meaningfully engage urban design professionals and produce innovative design concepts for the plan. The objective of the design charrette was to produce alternative concepts of the site area on the three topics of: Connectivity, Public Space, and Urban Form. Attendees of the design charrette included a diverse range of planning and design skill sets. In attendance was representation from various City of Edmonton departments, leading architecture and design studios, various representatives from the Government of Alberta, as well as a members from the Old Strathcona Community League.
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The following 3 questions guided the charrette discussion:
• How can the area be most efficiently connected within itself and to the River Valley, University, Downtown and Bonnie Doon? • How can the area enhance public spaces, including alleyways, sidewalks, open space, and underutilized space? • How can the built form be designed at a human-scale, and encourage meaningful interaction of people, businesses and activities?
ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Outcomes
Approach + Methodology Tables of 6-8 people were provided 20 minutes to cover each question above separately and produce a site-wide concept. Each table had a balance of diverse backgrounds and were provided with a site map, drawing paper, reference material (planWhyte, a design charrette booklet), and drawing/writing utensils.
At the end of each concept session,a table representative summarized the key discussion points from their table and tried to provide anecdotes to explain the group’s thought process. The event facilitator wrote a summary for each table, and for each discussion topic. Each concept produced included numerics, symbols, shapes, and notes to help illustrate the main ideas and recommendations. The design charrette concluded with a 15 minute round table to allow for final comments on the designs, the area and the event process.
The concepts produced during the charrette, and several formats of summarized notes collected by the project team, were rigorously evaluated to develop key findings across each 3 concept topics.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Connectivity What We Heard Connectivity: • CP Railyard feels disconnected from the site. • Consider a multi-use trail to connect 81 Avenue across the CP Railyards. • The Strathcona Farmers Market can better connect pedestrians. • There is an opportunity for a bike lane on 100 Street, extending north-south. • There needs to be better north-south connections to the area. • 102 Street could be improved along the development line. • The grid-street pattern should be continued into the CP Railyards. • Ritchie could be better connected across 99 Street. • 76 Avenue should connect across the CP Railyards.
• The Gondola and High Level Line developments will have a significant positive impact for connectivity in the area. • The intersection between Gateway Boulevard and Whyte Avenue is unsafe. • A bike highway could be developed along the protected rail corridor, extending south into the CP Railyards. • There are wayfinding issues; both with pedestrians finding their destinations, and drivers finding parking (not to be confused with a lack of parking). • There should be a “green spine”, or linear park, along the protected rail corridor from the River Valley, extending south into the CP Railyards. • Gateway Boulevard is a barrier to pedestrian connectivity
• Consider reallocating space to reduce the vehicle traffic on Whyte Avenue. • Consider sectioning off time, instead of space, for pedestrians on Whyte Avenue (i.e. closed to vehicles during a certain timeframe). • Need to be cognizant of sunlight sunlight is an important feature for pedestrian activity. • East-west connections are lacking throughout the area and between the area and the rest of Old Strathcona. • Missing sidewalks disconnect the area.
“
Why would anyone want to walk on 109th or 99th Streets? If we are going to talk about connections we need to talk about connections for pedestrians.”
”
- charrette attendee
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Open Space What We Heard
Open Space: • The protected rail corridor has the potential to become a grand boulevard with nodes and activity, taking advantage of existing structures and extending into the rest of the neighborhood.
• Rooftop’s can act as open space as well - this should be considered with development facing a potential linear park along the rail corridor.
• We need a variety of open space uses - dog parks, sports fields, multicultural functions, etc.
• Connections need to be made between existing and new open space, and heritage landmarks.
• There is a lack of seating within the area - this needs to be addressed. • Connect existing and future open space with the heritage perspective - consider naturalized areas and introduce the river valley into the space. • Hostile design should be avoided. • Open space needs to have a festival aspect to it, given the proximity to the Strathcona Farmer’s Market. • Open space needs to consider introducing retail uses to activate the space and draw people in.
• Pedestrians need to be prioritized, and given more space.
• A hardscaped plaza should be considered in the parking lot across from the Strathcona Farmer’s Market, with amenities for the linear park and market goers. • Active uses need to frame open spaces for them to be successful.
• The symbols and power of Whyte Avenue needs to be extended past Gateway Boulevard - this feels like a barrier. • 76 Avenue should be connected and integrated into a linear park along the rail corridor. • Pocket parks and micro open spaces should be considered in alleys - but not necessarily the entire alley.
• Introduce elements of health and wellness into existing and new open spaces. • Stormwater management facilities in the CP Railyards can act as great open spaces. • Take a portfolio approach to determining the future of open space. • More public washrooms are needed to service existing open space, new open space, and pedestrians in the area.
• There is a lack of playgrounds in the area, especially playgrounds that thrive in the winter.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Built Form What We Heard Built Form:
• The gondola, High Level Line, and Streetcar extension developments create a great opportunity for transit oriented development in the area.
• Focus larger developments on their interaction with the street and their podium design - otherwise, avoid too much prescription.
• Gateway Boulevard is called “gateway” for a reason - emphasize this with built form.
• The transition to single-family homes on the east-west peripheries should be considered.
• Keep scale consistent with the greater Old Strathcona area - 1-6 story building heights and grid street patterns.
• Avoid gentrifying and pushing business out of the area - try to grow organically without ruining the unique vibe created.
• Continue the boomtown influence evident in the area into the CP Railyards.
• 81 Avenue needs to be seen as a main street for the area, and development should follow this idea.
• Heritage buildings in the CP Railyards should be respected and incorporated into development.
• A linear park spine along the rail corridor will knit the area and communities together, and encourage development.
• The existing buit form of Gateway/ West Ritchie is a good example of what to follow in the CP Railyards.
• Edges of open spaces and a possible linear park should be considerate of massing and scale.
• There may be opportunity for higher massing as development moves further south of Whyte Avenue.
• Consider where sitelines and boulevards converge for development.
• Phase development into the CP Railyards - starting with a linear park, and working into buildings. • Consider an armature bridge over Whyte Avenue to connect a linear park along the protected rail corridor. • Areas closer to Whyte Avenue should be constructed with respect to Whyte Avenue’s character, heritage and fabric; areas closer to West Ritchie can have looser restrictions.
• Built form needs to continue to be respectful of sight lines, wind, sun and shadow, and heritage character.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Drawings
Examples of Group Work
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes Summary
Linear Park / Grand Boulevard A recurring theme throughout groups work in the design charrette was the desire for a linear park or grand boulevard along the protected rail corridor. Groups expressed that this would knit disconnected communities together, and build upon the gondola, High Level Line, and Streetcar extension developments. Charrette groups came up with different ideas for the linear park, but they all centered around the need for green space and active uses along the corridor. Groups mentioned that the development of a linear park would connect other open spaces in the area, and act as a spine for development of the CP Railyards.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes
Summary
81 Avenue as a Main Street Throughout the charrette, groups identified 81 Avenue as a significant street for the Gateway/West Ritchie area. Attendees suggested that 81 Avenue should continue across 99 Street. It was expressed that 81 Avenue could become a significant anchor point for Gateway/West Ritchie, as it already has the elements of a great street. As the street develops, groups emphasized the need to consider massing, scale, and adherence to main street design guidelines. Groups also emphasized the need to consider sightlines; 81 Avenue has a significant sightline towards the historic CN Railway Station 1 to the west, however this is blocked by an imposing development. Future development needs to consider these factors.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes Summary
East-West Connections All groups mentioned the need for establishing east-west connections throughout the area, and within the area to the greater Strathcona community. Groups expressed that the protected rail corridor, CP Railyards, and Gateway Boulevard act as barriers for connectivity between Gateway/West Ritchie and the areas to the west. Ideas around how to establish these connections included: • Pedestrian connections across Gateway Boulevard to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market from the parking lot to its east. • 76 Avenue as a significant connection for pedestrians, bicyclists, and potential vehicles across the CP Railyards. • Encouraging a fine-grained grid-street pattern throughout the CP Railyards to emphasize both north-south and east-west connections.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes
Summary
North-South Connections In addition to the lack of east-west connections identified, groups identified a lack of north-south connections. Groups mentioned the crosswalks across Whyte Avenue at Gateway Boulevard were unsafe, and that there is a lacking connection between the north end of Whyte Avenue to the West Ritchie area in the south. Groups emphasized the need for prominent north-south streets, as these receive the most amount of sunlight during the day. It was suggested that Gateway Boulevard does not function as an adequate north-south connection because of the lack of buffering between vehicles and pedestrians. Suggestions for better connectivity included: • A linear park along the protected rail corridor. • Connections to the bike network. • Greater streetscape improvements on north-south streets entering the area.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes
Summary of reoccurring themes Better, Connected Open Spaces Throughout the charrette it was expressed that Gateway/West Ritchie needs to both emphasize it’s existing open space, create new space, and better connect the open space in the area to those outside of the area. Groups looked to the vibrancy created during the International Fringe Festival, where festival goers would bounce between shows, as inspiration for facilitating people to bounce between open spaces. Groups also emphasized the need to explore enhancing the existing open space north of the CP Rail Station 1, at Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard. The linear park proposal was thought of as a key connection for open space in the Gateway/West Ritchie and Old Strathcona areas.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes
Sumary of reocurring themes Farmer Market Plaza Groups identified the parking lot to the east of the Old Strathcona Farmers Market as a great opportunity for a public plaza. The plaza would serve as both an extension of the farmers market and an active public space for festivals. Groups identified the need for active commercial development around the plaza, as well as the need for buffering between the plaza and Gateway Boulevard. Groups also identified the need for the plaza to connect to the Farmer’s Market across Gateway Boulevard. Working off of the idea of a linear park space along the protected rail corridor, groups identified a plaza as an ideal feature of the linear park.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes Summary
CP Railyards Development Groups identified the CP Railyards as a “blank canvas� for development, but also noted that because it is private land there are limitations on what can be regulated. It was expressed that the CP Railyards should continue the gridstreet pattern of Gateway/West Ritchie, and consider a linear park as the spine for development. All groups identified the rail corridor linear park as an aspect of development in the CP Railyards, but there was some differing opinions around what built form should take place in the area. All groups, however, mentioned that development in the CP Railyards should emphasize density, connection, and open space.
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ENGAGEMENT | DESIGN CHARRETTE
Main Themes
Summary
Pedestrian Experience All groups identified the need for a better pedestrian experience through the area. While groups mentioned the good base that Gateway/West Ritchie has, they expressed the need for more seating and better connections for pedestrians. They also expressed the need to consider sunlight as development occurs, and reallocate space given to vehicles to pedestrians. Ideas on how to do this included: • Closing Whyte Avenue to vehicles for a period of time. • Enhanced streetscaping on main streets. • Safer crosswalks . • Continuing boulevard trees and green space into new development. • More seating throughout the area.
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Engagement targeted meetings
ENGAGEMENT | TARGETED MEETINGS
Grindstone Theatre A Part of the Community Background
Outcome
Grindstone Theatre is a prominent Edmonton comedy club in West Ritchie that offers a wide array of comedy acts and classes. The Grindstone Theatre has a specific business model to attract more people into the West Ritchie Community, and to make themselves as a key driver of pedestrian traffic in the community. The Grindstone Theatre’s position to make West Ritchie more vibrant provides them with a unique perspective and valuable insight for the project.
The project tream met with Anad Pye (Board Director) and Sean Lee (Board Member) and discussed the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan, what they would like to see, and what things West Ritchie could improve on. The following main themes arose during the conversation:
It was also mentioned by external resources that the Grindstone Theatre is planning block parties on 81 Avenue. Block parties are a great placemaking initiative, and the project team will look to help advocate and organize this type of event.
• The area has a good mix of uses with single family homes, multi family homes, commercial, and light industrial all in one area.
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• Gateway/West Ritchie has the character and opportunity to become a new destination area. They like the swank, weird aesthetic it has.
• The area currently feels disconnected from the main portion of Whyte Avenue. There are a lot of dead spots and derelict properties that portray a negative, uncomfortable environment. This feeling detracts pedestrians from venturing off into the community.
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• The Grindstone Theatre stressed the importance of facilitating the connection to Whyte Avenue, however, suggested that improvements should not take away from the Gateway/West Ritchie area’s character. • Imperative to focus on short term strategies (i.e placemaking events and simple beautification) . • West Ritchie needs illumination that will brighten up the area during the evening. • The Grindstone Theatre will be hosting two block parties, one for their Comedy Festival and one for the FringeFestival. It was mentioned that our group can help them advocate for this event by: communicating it to the larger Old Strathcona community; communicating it to residents and neighbours at the open house; and helping out at the event if possible.
ENGAGEMENT | TARGETED MEETINGS
Edmonton Radial Railway Society Operators of the High Level Streetcar
Background The Edmonton Radial Railway Society (ERRS) is a volunteer organization that maintains and operates the two streetcar lines in Edmonton: the High Level Bridge line and the Fort Edmonton Park line. ERRS was identified as a key stakeholder for the Plan due to the imminent southward extension of the High Level Bridge line into the site. The streetcar will extend 250m past its current location (behind the Arts Barn) crossing Gateway Boulevard and terminating at the north edge of Whyte Avenue between Gateway Boulevard and 102 Street.
To date, the organization has entered into an agreement with the Province of Alberta to lease part of the protected rail corridor, received a development permit, and has a building permit under review. In meeting with ERRS, the project team intended to learn more about the project, the concerns the organization has for the built environment surrounding the new terminus, what kind of relationships they have with other proposed developments for the parcel, and what the future long term vision is for the streetcar. Outcome Two members of the project team met with Chris Ashdown, President of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society. Information collected that is relevant for the project includes: • Edmonton is the only Canadian city with a central streetcar. • There is only one streetcar in the fleet that has heating.
• Operating season runs MaySeptember with irregular operation continuing until October. • ERRS is close to starting construction on the extension. • Will be using a “temporary platform” at the new location. • Are pursuing the extension to be more visible to the public. • Have not collaborated with Prairie Sky Gondola in any capacity, but are open to discussing a shared station on the parcel. • Concern that the public washroom is not being used as intended. • No intention to extend the streetcar any further in the long term. • Have met with the High Level Line, but do not feel there has been any collaboration or consultation. • ERRS’ main concern is safety.
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ENGAGEMENT | TARGETED MEETINGS
City of Edmonton Local Economy Team Background The Local Economy is an administrative division of the City of Edmonton. The Local Economy division predominantly focuses on helping and supporting businesses through a variety of grants and incentives, programs, and advice to help Edmonton businesses thrive.
These programs offer cash incentives that help create improved storefronts and spur new development. The Old Strathcona Business Association is interested in strategies for
Additionally, the Local Economy team facilitates the Storefront Improvement Grant, Development Incentive Grant, and Storefront Refresh Program. These programs are catered to landowners, developers, and business owners who have property or buildings in the City of Edmonton’s designated business improvement areas, where West Ritchie falls within the Old Strathcona BIA.
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business improvement in West Ritchie and Strathcona, and meeting with Local Economy provided some useful insight into improving the local economy of West Ritchie and attracting new investment.
ENGAGEMENT | TARGETED MEETINGS
City of Edmonton Local Economy Team
Outcome The project team met with Yvonne Pronovost, the Storefront Improvement and Development Incentive Program Manager. She answered questions and provided insight on how the Old Strathcona BIA can continue to improve. The following main themes arose during our conversation: • Around 13 properties in West Ritchie have used the Storefront Improvement Program. Yvonne mentioned many have seen great outcomes with the utilization of the program. • Business communities and neighbours tend to be the best way to advocate and spread the word about grants and incentives. • Yvonne noted that the best way to spur economic improvement in areas can be short term strategies (i.e wayfinding strategies, placemaking events, cleaning up storefronts) .
• Keeping the area clean will help spur investment. • Investment in communities spurs further investment, and neighbours will tend to follow in the steps of their neighbours. Yvonne suggested we find the local champions and advocate for their improvements and plans. • Yvonne would like to see West Ritchie be the incubator of new businesses, but not leave it’s unique character that people already enjoy. • Yvonne suggested that the present mix of character, buildings and business is embraced. Maintaining this character will bring a ‘true urban vibrancy that people and residents adore’.
• Yvonne identified grants that could help investment in the communities could be:
CPTED improvement grants: These grants would be similar to the Storefront Improvement Grant, but focus on night vibrancy and comfort.
Placemaking Cash Incentives: Micro grants that help placemaking events, block parties, and small and large festivals. Access to information and advice on how to navigate through the city system would help make the overall process easier and facilitate more placemaking events.
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ENGAGEMENT | TARGETED MEETINGS
The Neighbour Centre The Mustard seed Background The Neighbour Centre has been an important community hub for individuals experiencing homelessness in Edmonton since 2012. The Mustard Seed partnered with the Neighbour Centre in 2016 to allow for a holistic set of drop-in services and programming for the centres clients. The Neighbour Centre offers four distinct programs that give it a unique and important role in serving the vulnerable population on the south-side of the river. This includes The Resource Centre (housing and employment consulting, health services, laundry services, community programs, etc), the Dinner Club (free meal service for clients), the Open Door Program (mentoring and spiritual care), and the Clean Team (part-time employment opportunities for clients).
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The focus during the winter shifts to relief services, and includes a temporary shelter in the Trinity Lutheran Church with 70 beds. The Neighbour Centre would like to develop a system focused more on programming in the near-future and, soon, is seeking to expand their existing space to allow for the centres activities to be more efficiently organized. The Neighbour Centre was contacted for a targeted meeting due to their
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application for a development permit to build an addition at their current location. Further, the Neighbour Centre was also contacted to learn about how The Plan can respectfully include design and improved connections that help achieve the organization’s vision and needs, and to recognize the important role the centre plays in the Gateway/West Ritchie and Old Strathcona area.
ENGAGEMENT | TARGETED MEETINGS
The Neighbour Centre
The Mustard Seed
Outcome The project team met with Nova Winter (supervisor) and Erin Chrystian (volunteer care specialist). Information that is relevant to the project includes: • The Neighbour Centre would like to have a greater impact on the neighbourhood by starting to function like a community space that anyone can enjoy and rent. This would involve having structured programming and longer hours • The Neighbour Centre has partnered with MEAT and The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market to host events that employ the centre’s clients and serve the \community. The centre would like to keep having these types of events.
• Design considerations the centre voiced for the public realm include: lighting that is positive and offers safety; more seating areas around the site area and Old Strathcona; garden boxes along 81 avenue and in front of the centre; edible plants and vegetables; more places to warm up; additional sharp boxes in the area; and overall more washrooms need to be available. • Indigenous people are overrepresented as clients at the Neighbour Centre and an opportunity was identified to provide them with a better connection to the land in the area.
• Problematic areas that the Centre identified include: the 82nd avenue strip mall, the washroom on Gateway Boulevard, the A&W, and the parklet in front of MKT. The public washroom has been noted to be a space of tension that needs to be addressed with a reasoned strategy. It was suggested that if the patio were to be heated and accessible outside of the Centre’s operating hours, clients would have less of a reason to visit the washroom. • A lot of clients come from downtown and the River Valley on foot, and these travel patterns should be considered in the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan.
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Next Steps building the plan
NEXT STEPS | BUILDING THE PLAN
Strategy Development Deliverables
The implementation of the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan will empower the community of Old Strathcona with actionable design strategies to improve public space and transportation networks vital to the area becoming a successful destination. The Plan will encourage a bottom-up approach, equipping the community to implement the plan’s vision through a series of large scale concepts, urban design frameworks, street and open space typologies, and tactical urbanism interventions. The Public Spaces, Public Life Plan will provide a concrete design directive that is adaptive to anticipated development in the area. The following framework will inform the the remaining project phases and be reflected in the final report:
Big Moves Foundational and transformative changes to the Gateway/West Ritchie area. Big Moves represent long-term design strategies and will be realized through the collaboration of the Old Strathcona Business Association, The City of Edmonton, and other key stakeholders. Big Moves will cover the majority of the site area.
Design Recommendations Design recommendations represent medium-term design strategies to achieve each big move. A Design Recommendation will compliment a specific guiding principle. Design Recommendations may cover the entire site area or a significant part of the site area, and will offer a moderate amount of detail in their descriptions.
Actionable Design Strategies Short-term actions that the community can easily implement as a way to progress each design recommendation. Actionable Design Strategies will include detailed descriptions on how the community can achieve implementation. The two main focuses of Actionable Design Strategies will be placemaking and advocacy.
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NEXT STEPS | BUILDING THE PLAN
Future Engagement
Targeted meetings
Prairie Sky Gondola
High Level Line
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
Prairie Sky Gondola has proposed an urban gondola for Edmonton that would connect Downtown, West Rossdale, and Strathcona. The private venture is proposing two stops in Strathcona one at the End of Steel Park (slightly north of the project site) and one on the City owned parcel located on the north edge of Whyte Avenue between Gateway Boulevard and 102 Street. The project team determined a targeted meeting is necessary so that an understanding of the gondola’s concerns for the public realm can be formed and feedback on preliminary design strategies can be collected.
High Level Line is a proposal for a multi-modal linear park from Downtown Edmonton to Strathcona along the High Level Bridge streetcar line. The current concept has the line following the streetcar across Gateway into the Public Spaces, Public Life project site and continuing south across Whyte Avenue following the provincially protected high speed rail corridor. Through a targeted meeting, the project team will be able to learn more about the High Level Line’s concerns for the public realm in Gateway/West Ritchie, if they have any research or insight to share regarding the area, and collect their feedback on preliminary design strategies.
The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is a vibrant and prominent public space in Old Strathcona. A targeted meeting is needed for the project team to ascertain the future vision of the market with the eventual development of its parking lot and a growing demand for its operating hours/days to expand (for market and other uses). The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the market to learn about the Public Spaces, Public Life Plan and provide any concerns/ opinions regarding the public realm and preliminary design strategies.
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NEXT STEPS | BUILDING THE PLAN
Strategy Development Targeted Meetings
Waste Management Services
Edmonton Police Services
External Presentations
The Strathcona ARP provides direction for the creation of a pedestrian oriented alley network which the project team identified as requiring its own waste management strategy to limit the amount of large trucks accessing alleys and to promote pedestrian use of the network. Upon speaking with external resources, the project team learned that Waste Management Services and their policies. Specifically, the activation of the alleyways. We think it would be beneficial to understand some of their thinking so we could possibly provide recommendations on how to improve waste management in the Old Strathcona BIA.
Upon speaking with community members and businesses from other targeted meetings, we think it would be beneficial on their thoughts on how to improve safety and inclusive design for marginalized people with Old Strathcona.
The project team will be presenting to two key stakeholder groups: The Old Strathcona Area Community Council (OSACC) and the Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA). The presentations will be similar in content to the open house, but in a more targeted format. Preliminary concepts and strategies will be described and aided with visuals. Questions put towards the project team will be recorded and feedback will be captured in the final report. The two presentations will take place the prior to the open house:
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Old Strathcona Area Community Council - Tuesday, March 10
Old Strathcona Business Association Board - Wednesday, March 11
NEXT STEPS | BUILDING THE PLAN
Future Engagement
Open House
Open House Overview
On Saturday, March 14, 2020 the project team will be hosting a public open house at the Strathcona Community League Hall. The open house will be a poster board presentation of the preliminary site concept, big moves, design recommendations and actionable design strategies. Citizens will be encouraged to provide feedback and ask questions to the project team. All comments and suggestions collected at the open house will be reviewed by the project team and shared in the final report’s What We Heard section. Design charrette attendees and interviewees from targeted meetings will be invited to the open house so they can understand how their input was used and provide additional comments. For other community stakeholders, and members of the public, the open house will be an opportunity to learn about the Public Space, Public Life Plan and provide feedback that will be evaluated by the project team in Phase Four: Plan Finalization.
Approach The project team has created a Facebook event page on the OSBA’s profile. Local businesses, organizations that were met with in targeted meetings, and design charrette attendees will be personally invited to attend. The project team will be connecting with the community leagues of Strathcona and Ritchie to use their directories/ communication to promote the event, and the Farmers’ Market’s high traffic will be capitalized on by posting signage in the public plaza the day of the event inviting the public to come to the open house and enjoy some free coffee. By inviting local businesses and community leagues to learn about and contribute to the project, the project team intends to foster community buy-in for the project that will promote successful implementation of the community oriented strategies.
The project team is currently in Phase Two: Concept Development and will be consolidating the various design concepts that were generated at the design charrette. There will be an iterative process to establish the plan’s big moves and strategies. Key visuals will be created for the open house during this phase to help the public interpret the policies. The open house will kick off Phase Three: Gathering Input. The project team hopes to connect with local businesses and community members at the event and have positive conversations around the actionable design strategies. In Phase Four: Plan Finalization, the feedback collected at the open house will be synthesized into a What We Heard report. The quantitative and qualitative feedback will be analyzed and justifications/rationale will be provided to explain the project team’s choices when required.
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NEXT STEPS | APPENDICES
Appendices A SWOT Analysis Strengths • Close proximity to Edmonton’s Arts District • Visible site/lots of traffic and accessibility to the site • Multiple road connection points (Gateway Boulevard, 100 Street, 101 Street, 79 Avenue, Whyte Avenue) direct traffic toward the area • Ample availability amenities, including grocery stores • Area falls within the Strathcona BIA • Close proximity to Edmonton’s Economic Drivers: University of Alberta, Whyte Avenue and Downtown, Municipal and Provincial Government centres • An established and protected Heritage character observed in a heritage district and other heritage buildings inside and ouside the area • Vacant land represents a blank canvas for development and infill that enhances connectivity and public spaces • Building Great Neighbourhood’s Strathcona helps improve pedestrian infrastructure around the area is in a neighbourhood improvement area • Huge infill opportunity • Several views and great vistas frame the key heritage elements and landmarks
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Weaknesses • Directly adjacent to a high volume roadway (Gateway Boulevard) with no edge softening • Noise produced from several competing arterial roads • Soft industrial uses located in Strathcona Junction are in the site area and within close proximity to other site area features • A wayfinding system does not exist in the site area • A key heritage viewpoint is blocked by non-conforming commercial/residential structure • CP Railyard lacks connection to the Old Strathcona area • The Farmer’s Market is d Disconnected from the site • An abundance of surface level parking and underutilized land fragment the site and break the streetwall • Lack of buffer between pedestrians and busy roadway along Gateway • East-west connections missing from Gateway (103 street) to 102 Street • Alleys are in poor condition and create an uncomfortable walking environment • Crosswalks not well marked • Lack of public open space • CP Railyards may have significant contamination on CP Site • The right of ways are devoted to automobile flow despite being a premier walking district
NEXT STEPS | APPENDICES
Appendices A SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
Threats
• Close proximity to Edmonton’s Art District
• Height restrictions
• Visible Site/ Lots of traffic and accessibility to the site
• Lots of development project competition (Quarters, Blatchford, Exhibition Lands) will compete for municipality funds
• Multiple road connection points: Gateway Boulevard, 100 Street, 101 Street, 79 Avenue, Whyte Ave • Ample availability amenities, including grocery stores. • Within the Strathcona BIA • Close proximity to Edmonton’s Economic Drivers - University of Alberta, Whyte Ave and Downtown. Municipal and Provincial Government centers
• Cost of required new infrastructure • City of Edmonton owns the Farmers Market parking lot and will sell it to make a profit • Real estate market • Gentrification
• Heritage character • Businesses can draw development and curiosity to the site • West Ritchie and undeveloped lands can be new economic drivers in Edmonton • Multi-modal hub (Gondola, High Level Line, Pedestrian Spine) • River Valley connection
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