Five Edmonton Organizations Collaborate on Downtown Pedestrianization Plan

Five Edmonton organizations are partnering on a revitalization proposal aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist accessibility in downtown areas. The Downtown Pedestrianization Plan, developed by the Urban Development Institute Edmonton Metro, outlines nine actions that would enhance the downtown experience for everyone.

Creating Safe and Accessible Spaces

The Urban Development Institute Edmonton Metro’s Jason Syvixay stated that the central focus of the plan is to create safe and accessible spaces that support all individuals in the downtown core.

Actions for Improvement

The plan includes several actions to improve downtown accessibility, such as:

• Expanding sidewalk width
• Targeting retail areas with shared and open streets
• Providing greater access to transit entrances
• Installing additional cycling infrastructure
• Adding amenities like patios, benches, and green space

Location of Interest

The organizations are focusing on roadways including 105 Avenue, 90 Street, 100 Street, 104 Street, 108 Street, and 109 Street as areas of interest for implementing the proposed changes.

Benefits and Challenges

The project originated from debates regarding the redevelopment of 102 Avenue, where vehicular traffic lanes were reduced to accommodate an LRT and bike lanes. Stephen Raitz of Paths for People highlighted the success of temporary road closures during summer street festivals but acknowledged the navigation challenges. The downtown pedestrianization plan aims to serve as a framework for integrating various destinations through shared or open streets in the downtown core.

Measuring Success

The plan’s proponents note that the proposed actions are not only aimed at attracting more people to the area but also boosting business revenue. Puneeta McBryan of the Downtown Business Association believes that transitioning more downtown streets into pedestrian-friendly walkways will attract additional retailers and businesses, as a vibrant downtown environment relies on a high volume of people living, working, and visiting. However, the current evaluation of success rates lacks transparency, and the plan advocates for clear metrics to assess the impact of the initiatives.

Presentation to City Hall

The Downtown Pedestrianization Plan will be presented to the Urban Council and Planning Committee at an upcoming meeting in December. The aim is to gain support and approval from city officials for the proposed actions.