CROWSNEST PASS:
Crowsnest Pass sits on the eastern slopes of the Rocky mountains and the western edge of Treaty 7 lands - home of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nations, and the Blackfoot Confederacy.
PROPOSAL
Through research, site analysis, and community engagement, we began to understand the identity of the Pass and the rich history of its communities. Through this process we distilled eight Community Development Goals that make up the vision for the future of the Pass. These goals represent the values transmitted by the community, the opportunities for growth and laid out the groundwork for the designs we are sharing today. Using this framework, we laid out strategies to strengthen the Pass’ identity, connectivity and economy by addressing community MAIN STREETS, LAND USE, TRAIL NETWORK, as well as a set of UNIQUE INTERVENTIONS.
Ivan Osorio Avila | Kristen Mei | Martina MacFarlane
IDENTITY, CONSTRAINTS & OPPORTUNITY BELLEVUE: THE FAMILY COMMUNITY
CROWSNEST PASS HILLCREST: RELAXED & CLOSE KNIT
FRANK: THE HISTORIC COMMUNITY
HWY 3 COLEMAN BLAIRMORE FRANK BELLEVUE HILLCREST
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COLEMAN: ARTSY & CREATIVE
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During community engagement, we sought to get a better sense of the opportunities and constraints voiced by local residents of the Pass. These discussions gave way to shared concerns, insights, and opportunities for growth. Many residents and visitors of the Pass mentioned the existing strength of outdoor recreation, and the rich heritage of the Pass. Others voiced that there was a need for additional residential units and strengthening of community identity.
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WHAT WE HEARD FROM THE COMMUNITY
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Site visit observations, data analysis, and input from the community were synthesized to identify opportunities and constraints across Crowsnest Pass, focusing in on each of the five communities. Existing assets and identified potential show the rich heritage and character of each place. This paves the way for strategic interventions that foster healthy sustainable growth without compromising the essence of the Pass.
ALBERTA
This word map shows some of the main and most common concepts and issues addressed, which we com-
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BLAIRMORE: OUTDOORSY & ACTIVE
We distilled feedback from the community workshop, the steering committee, and our analysis into a set of Community Development Goals to guide our approach. In order to fulfill and measure Community Development Goals, we outlined eight Community Planning Elements to use as guiding tools throughout the planning process. Together, these elements can paint a strong picture of each community’s strengths and potential.
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bined with our site analysis to destill the findings that drove the design phase of the project.
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CROWSNEST PASS:
A key element of the identity, history and heritage of the Pass are the Main Street nodes of each community.
MAIN STREETS
We are proposing Main Street interventions in each town node in a way that amplifies their unique identities while strengthening the shared identity of the Pass through a sense of place and arrival.
Ivan Osorio Avila | Kristen Mei | Martina MacFarlane
The Pass’ Main Streets currently have a high vacancy rate, which we are addressing through Mixed-Use Land Use implementation and certain new developments that are designed to strengthen the existing businesses and public realm spaces. One of the elements that is also addressed in these interventions is the connectivity to the Community Trail and open spaces in the Pass, amplifying the use and impact of both Main Streets and the outdoor spaces in the Pass.
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This is reinforced by street trees, a bike lane on the southern side of the street and raised table intersections that can foster slower pace for both vehicular and pedestrian activities.
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Bellevue’s Main Street can benefit from better trail connectivity and street conditions that foster more foot traffic and economic activity. By widening sidewalks, adding street trees and benches on the sunnier north side of the street it becomes more pedestrian friendly and allows for lingering in, around and outside the local shops.
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BELLEVUE MAIN STREET
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Hillcrest’s smaller scale as a residential community lends itself for an improved, more defined and walkable main street node.
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The addition of lighting, extended sidewalks, street trees and raised table intersections, better shapes Hillcrest’s central meeting point.
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Home to the nearby Frank Slide and at the center of heavy throughway traffic, Frank’s main street interface proves itself to be an aggressive transition into the town’s smaller, quaint streets.
Blairmore’s Main Street already has a strong presence and vibrant shops. To support this, we propose improving the current state of 129th St, creating a corridor that intersects and feeds into 20th Ave. Dedicated bike lanes, extended sidewalks, street trees and an improved interface with the community trail help to define 129th as a corridor into Main Street.
Residents highlighted the streetscape as an area of concern with need for improved pedestrian and bike safety. We are proposing an extended sidewalk and buffer-divided local lane on highway 3. These are flexible interventions that can be readapted depending on the future of the highway.
Along the rail line, new development and improvements to the linear park create better wayfinding and connectivity south towards Powderkeg Ski Hill. These elements all revolve around Main Street, creating perpendicular synergy for Blairmore.
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Coleman’s Main Street is full of rich heritage buildings and shops that call it home. Building upon what is already existing in the centre of 17th avenue, we are proposing to revitalize the western end of the street with new space development, frontage widening, sidewalk improvements, bike lane additions, and designated paving signage and parking.
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CROWSNEST PASS:
Adaptable Land Use is a key strategy for the Pass to thrive. Land Use refers to the intended use of a space. By addressing this, we can redefine what each space is for, fostering the creation of places worth caring for that better serve the community as a whole. Our Land Use strategies work to strengthen the pre-existing uses that are already present. Through this lens, the Pass can become a more adaptable and inclusive place to live.
LAND USE
Ivan Osorio Avila | Kristen Mei | Martina MacFarlane
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EXAMPLES FROM NELSON & VANCOUVER, BC
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In both Bellevue and Coleman, we are proposing a shift in residential zoning to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units. Adding to existing housing stock, this change will support steady and controlled densification, while also supporting opportunities for rental income and multigenerational living. Piloting this land use model allows for adaptability and phasing as the Pass continues to grow.
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HILLCREST COURTYARD
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In Hillcrest, the main street interventions are supported by the addition of our proposed mixed use courtyard development. Through the introduction of mixed use buildings, main streets foster street life through residential activity that keeps storefronts active.
The addition of two mixed use infill spaces at each end of Main Street frame Bellevue’s main street and help support street and community life. Combined with the streetscape improvements, this land use and infill strategy creates a vibrant, tight-knit town centre.
Mixed Use Residential R-1 Multiple Residential R-2A Retail Commercial C-1 Recreation & Open Space RO-1 Direct Control
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COLEMAN MIXED USE We are proposing a new mixed use building north of 17th ave with retail and amenities on the ground floor, and residential units on the second floor. The lot and existing building south of 17 ave will go through land use change from Non Urban Area to Comprehensive Commercial. VIEW EAST Mixed Use
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This can open up opportunities for potential bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, or outdoor dining. Together, the adjacent lots will work to supplement the active main street centre, while also diversifying local amenities in the process.
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The southern part of the trail line will house a new mixed-use, flexible space that can accommodate uses that smaller heritage buildings cannot, such as semi-industrial businesses like breweries or large gear rental. It includes south-facing patios and pergolas for maximum sun exposure and is easily accessible through the new 129th Street corridor and extended bike trail.
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The northern part of the 129th street corridor can feature an improved trail interface and new development on each side of the road that is focused on lodging and mixed-use such as hotels or short-term rentals.
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On the slope north of 22nd ave in Coleman, we are proposing a multiple residential housing development for the current or new population. Pathways and greenspace will thread through the hillside development and serve as a pedestrian and bike corridor, leading from the north slopes of town all the way down to the town centre. This terraced housing design will protect the current viewshed and allow for steady, healthy growth.
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The York Seniors’ Lodge site will be re-adapted as a Space for Community Inclusion. It will include diverse affordable living, with art therapy programming, spaces for practicum students, as well as a space for sustainable food source development. The southern parcel across the street also allows for future expansion, maximizing the potential of this unique piece of land as a community service asset.
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CROWSNEST PASS:
The Pass’ Community Trail is at the heart of its active outdoor identity and is the thread connecting each of its unique communities.
TRAIL NETWORK
By proposing certain extensions and improvements, the Trail can become an even stronger driver for community connectivity and vibrancy.
Ivan Osorio Avila | Kristen Mei | Martina MacFarlane
Bellevue
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The Community Trail Underpass at Highway 3 and Bellevue is redesigned to be more welcoming and safe. By creating wider entrances on each side with planters, lampposts and benches, it not only serves as a better intersection, but as a dedicated rest stop along the trail, improving its overall quality and usability.
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The community trail along the southern bank of the river is intervened with a better defined trail and vehicle lanes, as well as lampposts along the trail leading to 129th Street and a new park on the southeast corner of the bridge, adjacent to new lodging amenities.
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HILLCREST TRAIL SYSTEM
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With a connection into Hillcrest’s mainstreet, the existing community trail will extend southeast, leading the way towards Castle Provincial Park.
CROWSNEST PASS:
The Pass’ unique challenges and potential create opportunities for a number of independent interventions that support the overall narrative. These range from tourism to infrastructure, and play a part in this new chapter in the story of the Pass. While these unique interventions are site specific, they have impact across the municipality and are strongly aligned with the community development goals we have set out for the Pass. They help support and supplement the previous three strategies and vision for a healthy Crowsnest Pass.
UNIQUE INTERVENTIONS Ivan Osorio Avila | Kristen Mei | Martina MacFarlane
We want to thank our professor, Francisco Alaniz, the Steering Committee, and the members of the community that we had the privilege to engage with, for sharing their time, ideas, and stories. Thank you for welcoming us to the Pass and vallowing us to explore it and share our ideas and work with you. FRANK RECYCLING FACILITY
THE GATEWAY Hillcrest’s Gateway welcomes local residents and tourists on their way to Castle Provincial Park. Trees and natural plantings provide shelter while visitors can take a seat and learn about area recreation and park amenities. The information centre houses washrooms and offers up maps, trail guides and other relevant visitor information. The Gateway defines Hillcrest as a trailhead community for outdoor enthusiasts.
During community engagement, residents noted the need for a local recycling facility in the Pass. Given its existing industrial park and central location within the Pass, Frank proves itself to be a great site for a proposed recycling facility. Beyond typical recycling functions, the facility can also serve as a free community exchange and drop off location for reusable items such as books, outdoor gear, and home and building materials. An extended patio with close mountain views and access to the stream links with the community trail in the east, and also creates a unique user experience for those stopping by.
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In the Southeastern corner of Coleman, we are proposing the addition of low impact artist cabins that can work to support and strengthen Coleman’s existing artist community, while adding park space for the surrounding community to enjoy as well. With amazing views and a quiet site location, the cabins offer a great opportunity for artist-in-residence programs to fully immerse themselves and work outside their usual environments.
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The southwest edge of Blairmore along the pipeline can house small, cozy A-Frame style cabins tucked amongst the trees. The site scouting revealed enough space and clearings to install up to eight cabins without the need of felling trees, as well as accommodating enough parking spaces in the cul-desac across the pipeline, making it an easy walk over to a secluded, year-round attraction for tourists to enjoy.
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