New river valley promenade design, Touch the Water, ready for Edmontonians' input
A transformative concept for Edmonton's river valley has reached a new stage in its design process. As the city enters the third phase of public engagement for its Touch the Water promenade, the proposal promises the project will do just that.
It's an idea that's been talked about for nearly 10 years, but according to the project's supervisor for open space planning and design Geoff Smith, plans began in earnest in 2019.
Two years later, the current design concept was developed based on input from Edmontonians during two phases of engagement, the latest happening last fall.
The current design shows the proposed promenade would run along the north shore of the North Saskatchewan River in two sections, totalling four kilometres in length.
"Combined, a single concept plan has been completed for those two areas," Smith told CTV News Edmonton from Walterdale Bridge.
One section, known as the Rossdale Area, would extend from 94 Avenue, near the former Rossdale Power Plant, to Walterdale Bridge,
The other section, known as the North Shore Area, is proposed to run from Government House Park to Walterdale Bridge.
"We're now embarking upon the third phase of engagement for the Rossdale Area only," Smith said.
Starting on Monday, the city is asking people who enjoy the Rossdale area to give their opinions on what they'd like to see in the next stages of design for that section of the proposed promenade.
"This area certainly has been reinvigorated with the Walterdale Bridge and the former power plant is really seen as a central node meeting place that will be central to this project," he said.
"It's really seen as an activity hub, an area that could support some small-scale commercial activities such as cafes and restaurants, coffee shops, some small retail."
Smith pointed out that the current design for the promenade builds on existing infrastructure where Edmontonians are already gathering and meeting.
"Whether it's cycling and walking along the river, crossing the bridge, meeting at the Rossdale Power Plant – those enhancements would allow for more people to attend and enjoy the area."
FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION NOT YET APPROVED
The project is funded for planning and design, said Smith, and that work will be completed by the fall.
And while funding has yet to be approved for construction, Smith noted that it's anticipated the promenade would be built in phases over a number of years.
"In order to identify what the prioritized areas will be," he said, "we'll have to work with council and seek guidance from council through budget sessions."
According to Smith, Edmontonians will get a better idea of cost estimates during the next level of detailed design.
You can participate in the city's third phase of public engagement online, from July 19 to Aug. 3.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's David Ewasuk
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.