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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.