Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy

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The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy envisions a new future for parks, plazas, parking lots, sidewalks, alleys and streets. The Strategy incorporates input from ��ϲ��ians, key actions, public realm concept and recommended improvements.

The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy (16.44 MB) was finalized in 2024. Building on the public engagement feedback collected in Phase 1 (August 2022), Phase 2 (February - March 2023) and Phase 3 (March - April 2024), as well as an area analysis and alignment with The City Plan and other policies, the completed strategy contains:

Overall public realm concept and key actions
Recommended improvements, considerations, trade-offs and opportunities
Implementation and next steps

Together the actions and recommendations will strengthen the area as a place to live, work and play by:

Creating and improving parks and plazas
Repurposing parking lots
Introducing redevelopment opportunities
Prioritizing pedestrians and widening sidewalks
Activating alleyways

In response to direction from Council's Urban Planning Committee, City staff are currently preparing a report about options to fund Old Strathcona public realm improvements. Staff are also exploring the feasibility of a pilot seasonal activation of 83 Avenue.

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Phase 3 Recap

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, asked a question on Engaged ��ϲ��, attended the drop-in event, shared feedback by email, met us online or spoke with us on the phone as part of Phase 3 engagement in March and April 2024.

The Phase 3 What We Heard Report provides a summary of the recurring topics, insights heard, and next steps.

The What We Changed Report summarizes the refinements to the strategy and how feedback from the Phase 3 engagement was used.

The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy was presented to and accepted by Council’s Urban Planning Committee on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The motions, minutes and recording can be found on the Council and Committee Meetings web page. City staff will begin implementing the strategy’s recommendations as opportunities and resources allow.

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Project Details

What This Project is About

Old Strathcona is a unique and vibrant area in ��ϲ��. It is a cultural hub, tourist destination, historical asset, business district, and an important transportation network in addition to being home to thousands of people.

As the ��ϲ�� implements The City Plan, Strathcona and the surrounding area are a priority growth area with two primary corridors: Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard/Calgary Trail.

This means that this area is expected to attract more residents as ��ϲ�� grows to a population of 1.25 million. So how should our public spaces (parks, parking lots, plazas, alleys, and streets) adapt as a result?

The Public Realm Strategy will make public space improvements a priority through a series of short, medium and long-term recommendations.

The strategy will add to the vibrant and diverse opportunities for people to live, work and play within Old Strathcona, surrounding neighbourhoods and through connections to the river valley.

Phase 1 Engagement and What We Heard

In Phase 1 (August 2022), we heard from residents, businesses and ��ϲ��ians about the issues, opportunities, and priorities people feel are important to address as they relate to the public realm. The Phase 1 What We Heard Report (7.91 MB) summarizes the recurring themes and key insights heard.

Phase 2 Engagement and What We Heard

In Phase 2 (February and March 2023), residents, businesses and visitors shared their feedback on a series of design ideas and public realm improvements. The Phase 2 What We Heard Report provides a summary of the recurring themes and key insights heard.

Timeline

The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy is preparing for Phase 3 engagement. Overall completion of the project is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024.

Summer 2022: Phase 1 - Background Analysis and Opportunities public engagement

Winter 2023: Phase 2 - Priorities and Draft Recommendations public engagement

Winter/Spring 2024 Phase 3: Draft Public Realm Strategy review

Old Strathcona Parking Study

This study helps provide a better understanding of how on-street parking is provided and used in this area. The study will be used, along with other research, policy considerations and public input, to help inform the route alignment and basic street configuration for the Whyte Avenue bus-based mass transit lanes.

It will also be used to help inform future transportation decisions—such as parking management programs and initiatives, and roadway planning and design decisions—for Whyte Avenue and the broader Old Strathcona area.