Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy Phase 3

Thank you for raising your questions and concerns about traffic congestion in the area, especially in light of the recent changes with the scramble intersections at Whyte and 103, 104, and 105 Streets. It's crucial for us to anticipate and address these challenges as we plan for future growth, and your insights are invaluable in this process.

As you've pointed out, Whyte Avenue occupies a unique role as both a major destination and a key east-west transportation corridor. Balancing the needs of commuters passing through with those who frequent Whyte Avenue and the Old Strathcona area presents a complex task.

Looking ahead, it's clear that as Edmonton continues to grow, vehicle congestion will inevitably increase. Traditional solutions like road widenings or additional traffic signals aren't sufficient, particularly in central areas like Old Strathcona. Instead, we're focusing on offering a diverse range of mobility options that are both practical and competitive with personal vehicle travel in terms of time. Enhancing mass transit routes is a central part of this strategy, with the aim of shifting travel patterns and establishing a new equilibrium.

Regarding emergency vehicle access, our engagement with AHS and EMS has highlighted the benefits of transit lanes in ensuring swift hospital access for emergency vehicles by allowing these services to use the dedicated bus lanes during an emergency. 

While the 76 Avenue connection holds potential, it's important to note that decisions regarding the railway lie with Canadian Pacific Railway, and the city's influence in this matter is limited. However, we wil conitune to purse this avenue.

Your suggestion to extend the bike route from Saskatchewan Drive to Sherwood Park Freeway is appreciated. The development of the Gateway greenway and ongoing efforts to expand the bike network eastward are steps in this direction, aiming to provide better regional connections.

Your feedback is invaluable, and it will be carefully considered as we move forward, particularly during Phase 3 of the Mass Transit project. Rest assured, your concerns will be shared with the project team as we continue to refine our plans. Thank you for your engagement and contribution to shaping our city's future.

Thank you for sharing your question about the dedicated transit lanes and safety. 

Seniors and people with reduced mobility are certainly being considered in this work. The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy includes four themes to guide how the proposed improvements will serve and benefit all Edmontonians (p.7) -- “Mobility and Movement”, “Comfort and Safety”, “Inclusion and Equity” and “Open Spaces and Activities”.

While the lane configuration is being determined through the Mass Transit project, if dedicated transit lanes happen to be in the centre, the stops would be located on platforms (protected from cars) next to the transit lanes and close to crosswalks to allow people to safely get on or off. The best way to improve crossing safety is to shorten the crossing, which the centre lane configuration would do by taking what is essentially, a 5-7 lane roadway and creating two, one-way lanes for personal vehicles on each side of the transit lanes. Crossing one lane of vehicle traffic is far easier and safer than crossing multiple traffic lanes.

Please note that the exact location of the dedicated transit lanes has yet to be determined. The draft strategy’s renderings are intended to help people visualize the public realm with dedicated transit lanes along Whyte Avenue. Other configurations that could be considered include curb-running transit lanes and side-running lanes. The configuration of the transit lanes is still to be determined through the Mass Transit: Implementing for 1.25 Million People project. Stop locations and station design will also be determined in future phases.

Thank you for your questions and interest in the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy.

Thank you for raising your concerns about parking, and we truly value your dedication to supporting local businesses.

As we move forward with this project, it's important to note that there is ample parking available in the area to accommodate business activities. With over 3,500 parking stalls across both on-street and off-street locations (including private and public parking lots), the current proposal to remove approximately 290 stalls from a city-owned lot is not anticipated to significantly impact parking options.

That said, we recognize the importance of ensuring accessibility and convenience for all visitors. To address this, we are committed to developing a digital wayfinding system equipped with real-time data. Additionally, we will prioritize accessibility considerations, including the provision of dedicated spaces and drop-off zones, to accommodate various modes of arrival in the area.

Thank you for you for sharing. 

This question was responded to on: 04/16/2024.

Thank you for sharing your concerns. The development of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy has been a comprehensive process involving public input, a Community Advisory Committee made up of area businesses and nonprofits, consultation with experts, internal stakeholders, and city leaders. It also incorporates policy direction, including The City Plan, planWhyte, and the Climate Resilient Edmonton: Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. This is a long-range strategy that will take several years to implement, but it’s important we begin considering how as a City we can support spaces and transportation choices that help us achieve our city building goals while responding to climate change.

Throughout the phases of this project, we have actively sought and incorporated feedback from the community, including concerns around parking. We value the input received and have made adjustments based on this feedback in conjunction with subject matter experts, including Mobility and the Mass Transit project teams. Through this work, we understand trade-offs are necessary, and parking and vehicle lanes are part of that discussion. There will be continued analysis through future design stages of the Mass Transit project to better assess impacts to traffic flow and shifts to transportation. The vision set out as part of the OSPRS will assist in ensuring this analysis is properly assessed and supports a more climate-resilient and sustainable city.

Regarding your questions about parking, the Old Strathcona Parking Study demonstrates ample parking spaces in the area, with over 3,500 stalls comprising both on-street and off-street parking (private and public parking lots). The proposed removal of approximately 290 stalls from this existing city-owned parking lot is not expected to impede parking options. However, we acknowledge the need to develop a digital wayfinding system with real-time data, along with accessibility considerations, including dedicated spaces and drop-off zones, to support the various ways people arrive in the area.

Your feedback is essential to us, and we will continue to engage with the community and seek input as strategy actions move into project phases. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or suggestions. 

Thank you for your engagement in this important dialogue.

This question was responded to on: 04/16/2024.

Thank you for taking the time to share your questions and concerns regarding the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, particularly regarding the proposed replacement of the Farmers' Market parking lot with "District Park." Your detailed feedback and suggestions are appreciated as we continue to consider the various aspects of this project.

The sequence and timing of the different projects outlined in the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy are important considerations, and we agree with your perspective on ensuring that necessary infrastructure, such as robust public transit, is in place before implementing changes that may affect parking availability. We'll be strengthening direction with the strategy to reflect this approach through this next round of revisions in Phase 3.

Regarding your suggestion that the transit station suggested for Urban Plaza be prioritized, we will take this into consideration as we further refine the implementation timeline. Additionally, your point about initiating the removal of parking spaces along Whyte Avenue before the Farmers' Market parking lot is addressed is noted, and ongoing evaluation of the potential impacts on parking availability in the surrounding areas will be conducted.

It's important to recognize that while the parking lot has served its purpose for decades, it was never intended as a long-term solution. As outlined in The City Plan, Old Strathcona falls within a priority growth area and will experience significant population growth in the coming decades, necessitating shifts in how people visit and move around in the area. Moreover, addressing the climate emergency outlined in our Climate Resilient Edmonton: Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan requires immediate action to see meaningful changes within the next decade.

While we understand that parking concerns exist today, we expect travel patterns to change in the future. Adding dedicated transit lanes for bus-based mass transit, both along Whyte Avenue and across the city, will provide a faster and more frequent alternative for many people. The anticipated increase in population, coupled with improved public realm spaces, is expected to strengthen the economic resilience of the area, attracting visitors and tourists regardless of transportation preference.

Throughout this process, we've worked closely with community stakeholders, including the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market, through the Community Advisory Committee. We understand that these proposed changes may appear challenging, actions within this strategy will take years to develop and we feel confident that the outcomes of increased open space will provide future residents with greater benefits than its current use. 

Thank you again for your valuable input, and please rest assured that we will carefully consider all aspects of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy as we move forward. Your feedback helps us ensure that the decisions we make are in the best interest of the community.

This question was responded to on: 04/16/2024.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the placement of dedicated transit lanes for the street design.

We understand your concerns about centre-running transit lanes. Please note that the lane configurations depicted in the images were conceptual and subject to changes in the later design stages of the Mass Transit project. The team is carefully considering several factors such as pedestrian access, safety, bus operations, station locations, and traffic flow impacts.

While specific design details are yet to be determined, rest assured that pedestrian safety and convenience remain paramount considerations in these preliminary processes. The ultimate goal is to create a Bus Rapid Transit network that efficiently serves both passengers and pedestrians.

We appreciate your interest and input in this matter. Should you have any further questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us. Your feedback is valuable as we work towards creating a vision for our public realm that benefits the community as a whole.

This question was responded to on: 04/16/2024.

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the impact of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy on parking availability, particularity in relation to the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. The City of Edmonton has taken a thorough approach to developing this strategy, gathering input from various stakeholders, public, subject matter experts and aligning with our long-term city-building goals and climate resilience objectives.

Our analysis Including the Old Strathcona Parking Study, indicates that there are ample parking spaces in the area, totaling over 3,500 stalls across both on-street and off-street parking options, including private and public lots. While approximately 290 stalls from a city-owned parking lot may be affected, we anticipate that the overall impact on parking availability will be minimal.

We understand the importance of accessibility, especially for visitors carrying heavy loads of groceries. To address this, we're committed to developing a digital wayfinding system with real-time data to help drivers find parking efficiently. Additionally, we'll prioritize accessibility considerations, including dedicated spaces and drop-off zones, to meet various transportation needs. It's important to note that parking phasing will align with the implementation of the Mass Transit project.

We recognize that the removal of the parking lot may necessitate adjustments for those who rely on it to visit the market. However, through community engagement, we've found that the benefits of creating open spaces outweigh the need for a parking lot that sees heavy use only one day a week. We believe that shifts in parking strategies will help ease this transition.

Thank you for sharing your concerns, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or suggestions.

This question was responded to on: 04/16/2024.

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and share your thoughts on the proposed changes to parking in the Old Strathcona area. We appreciate you sharing your concerns.

The OSPRS and its actions may span over several years for full implementation. This plan embodies the policy direction set forth by City Council and Administration, shaped by the feedback gathered from thousands of Edmontonians through initiatives like the City Plan, plan Whyte, and phases 1 and 2 of this strategy. While we aim to address the current needs of residents and businesses, we must also consider the requirements and amenities necessary for future generations of Edmontonians who will live, work, and visit the area to develop a more climate resilient and sustainable city. Given its status as a priority growth area, this region is evolving rapidly, underscoring the necessity for our strategy to reflect a long-term vision.

The project team is exploring options for phasing actions and the proposed reduction in parking. Additionally, we invite you to review the Old Strathcona Parking Study completed in 2022, which highlights the area has ample parking with utilization rates hovering around 60 to 70 percent, suggesting that future parking reductions will still leave sufficient parking availability. However, we acknowledge the need to develop a digital wayfinding system with real-time data, along with accessibility considerations, including dedicated spaces and drop-off zones, to support the various ways people arrive in the area.

Regarding your concerns about transit safety, the City of Edmonton and our partners are dedicated to ensuring transit safety for everyone and actively working to address issues. You can find more information on our efforts by visiting the Enhanced Transit Safety Plan and the Transit Safety and Tools Resource . If you have further questions or feedback regarding Transit Safety, you can text or call Transit Watch at 780-442-4900.

This question was responded to on: 04/16/2024.

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the proposed removal of the City-owned parking lot in Old Strathcona. We understand your apprehension about the potential impacts on businesses and events in the area.

Your points about the significance of the parking lot for major events such as the Fringe Festival, Ice on Whyte, and the Whyte Ave Art Walk are understood. We recognize the vital role these events play in the community and the local economy. Throughout the development of the strategy, the Project Team consulted with key stakeholders, including event organizers and business owners and with representatives participating on our Community Advisory Committee. Our goal is to make improvements to the public realm that  reflect policy direction and community feedback while contributing positively to the overall vibrancy and activation of the neighbourhood.

Additionally, the Old Strathcona Parking Study  published in 2023, highlights the ample parking spaces in the area, with over 3,500 stalls comprising both on-street and off-street parking (private parking lots). The proposed removal of approximately 290 stalls from the existing City-owned parking lot is not anticipated to impede parking options moving forward. However, we acknowledge the need for improved parking wayfinding and accessibility considerations, including drop-off zones, to support the transition of these actions as they move into project phases. 

The City of Edmonton is committed to working with events and festivals to support their continued success. It's important to note that this area is evolving, and will see a significant increase in population in the coming years. We need to ensure the strategy addresses the needs of future Edmontonians while considering the transitioning of this work to align with other supporting initiatives, including the rollout of Mass Transit along Whyte Avenue and our Climate Resilient Edmonton: Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan . These changes won’t happen quickly, with the proposed actions anticipated to take several years to implement. However, it’s important that the city has a vision in place, supported by public feedback and policy. This ensures that the plan reflects the needs of the future while providing a roadmap to respond to developmental pressures.

If you have further questions or would like to discuss this matter in more detail, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to listen and collaborate towards a shared vision for Old Strathcona.

This question was responded to on: 04/15/2024.

First and foremost, we are extremely sorry to hear about the assault on your friend’s daughter. Safety for everyone on public transit is of the utmost importance, and the City of Edmonton is actively working to address challenges through collaborative efforts with community partners. You can find more information on our efforts by visiting the Enhanced Transit Safety Plan and the Transit Safety and Tools Resource . If you have further questions or feedback regarding Transit Safety, you can text or call Transit Watch at 780-442-4900.

The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy is part of a broader effort outlined in planWhyte and The City Plan, which aims to address the needs of future Edmontonians and respond to development pressures in priority growth areas like Old Strathcona. With a significant population increase anticipated in the coming years, the City of Edmonton is committed to ensuring that our public spaces meet the evolving needs of future residents and visitors while also advancing our climate-resilient objectives and open space targets. As the strategy moves into project phases, there will be additional opportunity for community feedback on design details that will incorporate usability in all seasons.

It’s important to consider that strategy implementation will take years with transportation options expanding during that time. Having a long-term vision is necessary to ensure the needs of future residents and visitors are considered as this area evolves. 

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts.

This question was responded to on: 04/15/2024.