LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning
Consultation has concluded
***The discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report is now available.***
Thank you for participating in engagement activities for this rezoning application.
The application is expected to go to City Council Public Hearing for a decision, with the exact date still to be determined.
***The discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report is now available.***
Thank you for participating in engagement activities for this rezoning application.
The application is expected to go to City Council Public Hearing for a decision, with the exact date still to be determined.
Tell us what you think about the application
Please let us know what you like and what could be better about this application. What should Council know as they decide whether or not to approve the rezoning? Other people that visit this part of the site will be able to see your comments.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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Who's Listening
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Phone 780-496-2939 Email andrew.mclellan@edmonton.ca
ADVISE
ADVISE
This means the City asks the public to share feedback and perspectives that are considered for policies, programs, projects, or services.
ROLE OF THE PUBLIC
Historical Significance of the Archibald Block
The Archibald Block was one of several brick commercial buildings constructed on this part of Whyte Avenue after the Strathcona City Council banned further wood construction in 1907. It is the oldest building remaining from this grouping. It is also a rare example of a transitional architectural style where the scale is reminiscent of Strathcona’s early Boomtown architecture (one storey) but the masonry construction method was a precursor to the grander, multi-storey, brick, Edwardian commercial architecture of the early 1900s.
The Archibald Block is also significant due to its association with Alberta’s early Arabic-speaking business community. From 1912 through 1928, the building was home of Morie & Co. Confectioners, owned and operated by the Morie family, who immigrated to Canada from present-day Lebanon in 1901. The historical experience of Arabic-speaking immigrant businessmen is a significant part of Alberta’s history and the Archibald Block reflects the important contributions of this immigrant merchant community to Alberta’s growth and development.
FAQs
- Why is a historically important building allowed to be demolished?
- What options do the City or the Province have with regards to protecting the building from demolition if the landowner doesn’t want to designate it?
- What is a Provincial Historic Area and what does that mean for redevelopment?
- There were just recent amendments to the Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan to incorporate recommendations from the planWhyte Land Use Study, including a height restriction of 4 storeys for the historic core. Why is that not being followed?
- Will vehicular parking be provided on site and if so, where will the parking be for this development?
Timelines
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July 28, 2020
LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning has finished this stageComplete Application Accepted for Processing
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August 12, 2020
LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning has finished this stageNotification postcard mailed out to surrounding property owners and the Community League providing information about the application and inviting feedback.
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December 7, 2020
LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning is currently at this stageLaunched Engaged Edmonton page. Accepting feedback until December 21, 2020.
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Mid - 2021
this is an upcoming stage for LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron RezoningTarget for City Council Public Hearing
Information About Rezonings
Zoning regulates what types of buildings are allowed on a site (eg. residential or commercial) and the basic size and shape of those buildings. It does not control who can live or work in the buildings or whether the property is rented or owned.
The City's Development Services Branch reviews the rezoning application based on:
- Approved policies, plans and guidelines;
- Planning analysis (how the proposed zone fits into the neighbourhood);
- Technical information (traffic impacts, water and sewer capacity, etc.); and
- Public input (feedback from the public will be summarized in the final report to Council)
How Your Feedback Will Be Used
We appreciate your feedback and will use it to:
- inform the City’s planning analysis and ensure all factors are taken into consideration;
- help inform conversations with the applicant about making revisions to address concerns; and
- summarize feedback for City Council so that they know your perspective prior to making a decision.
A summary of what we hear from this engagement will be posted on this webpage and provided to City Council when the application advances to Public Hearing for a decision. When the applicant is ready to take the application to Council, notices of the Public Hearing date will be sent to surrounding property owners. You can register to speak at the City Council Public Hearing or listen online. Click here for more information about how to speak to Council. You can also submit written comments to City Council through the Office of the City Clerk (city.clerk@edmonton.ca).
I live in Queen Alex and do not support this application, strictly because of the height of the proposed new development. A 9-11 storey building is not in keeping with the current development plan. It's a slippery slope; I do not wish to see Whyte Ave become full of tall buildings. However, I support new development and greater urban density, so I think a 4 storey building, in keeping with the current height strategy, would be fine and should be considered as an option instead.
I like the mid rise aspect and usage of wood. The existing building may have significance solely from being old but it adds nothing to the character and vitality of the area. Better to have mixed use on the site
This re-zoning should absolutely be approved! Adding more housing directly on Whyte Avenue is some much needed positive news for the area. In times like these this type of investment should be applauded and encouraged.
If this building was so historically significant, why wasn't it placed on a list? Based on the look of it, it doesn't appear especially historic or significant. Simply showing a black and white picture of it doesn't make it so. I am excited to see this corner get a much needed makeover!
I strongly support approval of this application. The addition of much needed housing improves the safety of the neighborhood and promotes reinvestment into the countless businesses struggling in Old Strathcona right now. Bringing more people into the community will only enrich the vibrancy of what makes Old Strathcona a special place.
The historical significance of this specific building seems like a stretch. It has been covered with stucco for as long as I can remember, and assume stucco was not available in 1909. While it is important to honor the past, it is equally important not to dwell on it.
Whyte Avenue/Old Strathcona is at risk of being left behind if it does not embrace innovative ideas such as the development proposed here. Bravo and hope that both Planning and the City have the courage to support and approve this and more like it!
How sad that we are losing the heritage character of this area is not valued. It is becoming increasingly Just “ Strathcona” with no regard for history in the name of progress. Edmonton, unfortunately, has lost too many buildings which held historic significance.
There are many other buildings that have been demolished in Edmonton over the years that have had far more historical significance than the Archibald Block. Sadly Whyte Avenue has turned into a "war zone" with many small independent businesses no longer economically viable. While I am normally a strong supporter of protecting historically significant structures I fail to see how this building compares to say the Old Post Office or the Garneau Theatre.
What exactly is the point of a land use plan at all? Exceptions and variances, DCs of all descriptions have been the rule in spite of the Old Strathcona ARP and whatever other legislation people tried to protect the area with. It's gone entirely. There should be no pretense of 'plans' anymore. What a weak argument the applicant has made - other similar developments were in place when the plan was devised. That tells the folks didn't want any more, so made a plan. Hasn't really mattered. Looking across the avenue, the variances granted on the old gas station site so we could have a 7-11 and plastics r'us store really leaves one feeling quite helpless in these matters. So, in case I haven't been clear enough, I oppose this rezoning vigorously. Just maybe the immediate area has reached a condo saturation point.
I think the city needs to stop knocking down old buildings to make room for new ones that are usually built more cheaply. We’re losing all the history in this city. That building that holds when pigs fly is a staple to whyte ave and would be sorely missed. There are other vacant areas near whyte that could be used instead. Whyte ave is known for its history and aclectic appeal. To knock down a piece of art in place of a cookie cutter building would be a huge mistake.
This rezoning application should not be approved as it is in contravention of the recently approved Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan. I have read the draft proposed zone, which of course does not speak to the building materials this develop is proposing to use, which means there shouldn’t be “credit” given for their suggested use of mass timber. The proposed rezoning double the height (and density?) of the recently approved plan, with no benefit given to the community or the city. Build it somewhere else.
This demolition would be typical of Edmonton's shortsightedness in preserving heritage. The old courthouse, the old postoffice and who knows how many more buildings have all been destroyed. What is wrong with our elected officials?
This is a very small area of Edmonton, one with historical interest, and worth protecting. There are other places where developers can build 9/10 story condo/apt complexes. Another commentator used the term "slippery slope" to describe the encroachment of high-rise development in this area, and I agree that this is what is happening. The high rises not only mean demolishing historical buildings, but blocking the light and altering the scale associated with the architectural era. So, no, I do not approve of this proposal. The developers should go elsewhere. (I am a resident of Queen Alexandra neighbourhood.)
While I agree that the height of this building is important to discuss, I think that this building would add more to the character of the neighbourhood than take away from it. I used to go to school in this area and now frequent it by foot and bike. The existing building structurally is not very noteworthy. The local businesses it hosts are a crucial part of the fabric of the community though. Building a CLT building (as currently proposed, but not the main topic of this engagement), is a way for Edmonton to show leadership in using sustainable materials. More CLT and less concrete please! Any number of floors more than the current 1 would be an improvement for density, which will continue to let this Strathcona/Whyte thrive. New buildings do not necessarily bring the bad consequences of gentrification; community interests can – and should – still be protected in other ways.
This part of the city needs to be protected, not demolished. Enough is enough. Keep what is left to retain Whyte Avenue
Please do not approve this re-zoning. The proposed 9-11 storeys is far to high for within the historical district. The current allowance for ~4-6 storeys is appropriate, and should be maintained.
I can’t think of a time where I looked back and thought “wow I’m glad we demolished that historic building!”. Leave the building as it is.
Do not remove the historic buildings! These are what add to our city and taking them away constantly is ridiculous
The Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan was implemented to prevent exactly this kind of redevelopment so as to protect the historic nature of the area. Edmonton has a poor track record for not doing everything in its power to prevent these types of developments, and save significant architecturally historic buildings. This proposed rezoning should not be done.
The slippery slope of modern construction is well underway in this area. No matter the justification we must stop this proposed development or face the reality that historic Whyte Avenue is a facade of what it once was. Once the Archibald block is gone, it will not be long before the rest of the avenue gives way. Our architectural history is slowly, but surely being wiped out and once it is gone. It is gone. Unless you're okay with looking at photographs of it.
Yes absolutely build it. Why should downtown be the only neighborhood ruined?
I feel the property should stay a DC1 to preserve the historical integrity of the area. I feel a building above 6 stories although back from the street works totally take away from the current feel of old strathcona. Have buildings with more floors south or north of white avenue makes way more sense. I understand the developers issues but they purchased the property with the current zoning and now they want to change it. Old strathcona has a different from vibe from the city centre and always has. I feel these developers will continue to grab properties and confine to make changes without any historical not knowledge but care and concern for the history of the city. I’m totally opposed to a building above 6 stories and feel it should remain DZ1
I hope council appreciates importance of keeping these high rise buildings either south or north of whyte. there are plenty other properties this developer can reinvent. But please please do not let these developers take away such a vital historical area of the city. it is a slippery slope.