3.1 NWP AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

3.1.1 OVERVIEW

Northwestern has property holdings in three communities in northern Alberta. The Institution has two academic campuses located in Grande Prairie and Fairview (460 km and 550 km northwest from Edmonton, respectively), and a research facility in Beaverlodge (40 km west of Grande Prairie). These campuses are in the Peace Country of Northern Alberta, the northernmost farming region in North America. As the largest city north of Edmonton, Grande Prairie houses Northwestern’s Grande Prairie campus, offering academic and trades programming to students. The Grande Prairie campus is situated at the northeast intersection of 100 Avenue and 108 Street and is surrounded by commercial uses to the west and south, single family residential to the east, and Bear Creek Reservoir to the north.

Located 115 km north of the Grande Prairie via Highway 2 is the Fairview campus which houses most of the institution’s specialty programming, including agriculture, animal health, motorcycle, and automotive programs. The Fairview campus is situated at the southeast intersection of 100 Avenue and Highway 2 and is surrounded by commercial uses to the north and west, farmland to the east, and industrial uses to the south.

NWP also has a research facility in Beaverlodge that houses its National Bee Diagnostic Centre.

In the City of Grande Prairie, the Institution also owns land at 68 Avenue and 108 street (the Southlands) that is currently vacant, as well as occupies teaching space in the newly constructed Grande Prairie Regional Hospital northwest of the campus, in addition to the Grande Prairie Campus.

3.1.2 OPEN SPACE

Muskoseepi Park

The Muskoseepi Park is Grande Prairie’s central green space. The Park Master Plan creates a setting for multiple experiences that becomes an accessible destination for the public.

Northwestern Polytechnic campus overlooks the Reservoir wetland area but does not offer a strong connection with it. Opportunities present themselves to better connect with the park and encourage more interaction between the students and the area. The architecture creates interesting views in the surrounding area and offers a pleasant backdrop across the reservoir.

3.1.3 TRANSIT

Grande Prairie has recently introduced redesigned routes and schedules to enhance connectivity and provide better service within the city. Highlights of this new system relevant to NWP are service to Grande Prairie Regional Hospital and two-way service along 104 Avenue linking downtown, NWP and Westgate area.

The main transit stop at NWP is located near the main entrance of the Cardinal building and includes a new bus shelter. Additional stops are adjacent to the existing trades building.

3.1.4 PARKING

Grande Prairie Fairview

There are a total of 1,556 stalls on the Grande Prairie campus, 1,407 stalls that are dedicated lots for parking in. Lot A is observed as the preferred lot to park in, followed by Lots B and C due to proximity to entrances. All parking is surface parking.

There are a total of 503 stalls on the Fairview campus, plus an additional 29 stalls at the Community Centre. Lot 5 currently does not allow parking, and no parking count has been included for the area around the Hawker Pavilion. All parking is surface parking.

3.1.5 AMENITIES

The amenity spaces that NWP offers foster social connections by providing the students and community with spaces to gather and socialize. Spaces such as the theatre and gym which are heavily used by the public help to create a sense of community and belonging. Providing highquality amenities can be a key factor in attracting and retaining new members of the community.

Other amenity spaces on the Grande Prairie campus include the daycare, recital hall, and health clinic.

The Fairview campus is located adjacent to the Community Centre and Hawker Pavilion, which was once operated by the Fairview campus. The community heavily uses these spaces and remains an important piece connecting the students to the community. The cafeteria is another service located within the administrative building that is currently used by students, staff, and the community.