The City of Edmonton is inviting feedback until Feb. 8 on the draft design for neighbourhood renewal in Wîhkwêntôwin, which could see several new active transportation routes and changes to make the area more friendly to pedestrians.
The renewal process is intended to bring the infrastructure of a neighbourhood up to current city standards, with the capacity to serve for the next 30 to 50 years. Wîhkwêntôwin is Edmonton's most populous and densest neighbourhood, with a greater than average share of residents who rely on walking or transit to get around. Public engagement has gone through several stages, and the community is now invited to offer feedback to refine the plan.
The proposed changes — which are said to take into account the Valley Line West LRT, Imagine Jasper Avenue, and alley renewal along 124 Street — are intended to "create safe spaces for all modes of transportation," says a video on the draft design. A traffic analysis of the draft design predicts "a potential increase in travel time for people driving of up to 90 seconds, and a reduction in travel time and improved safety for people walking and biking."
Still, the Edmonton Bike Coalition wrote that some of the most ambitious ideas in previous draft designs were watered down or replaced with compromises that prioritize vehicles over active transportation. The group contends the design leans too heavily on local street bikeways, which don't offer protection or separation from vehicles, and shared-use paths, which create conflicts between people walking, rolling, and cycling.
The online survey is open until Feb. 8. There will also be a drop-in event with the project team on Jan. 31 at Wîhkwêntôwin ᐄᐧᐦᑫᐧᐣᑑᐃᐧᐣ School.
Victoria Promenade in Wîhkwêntôwin currently has one protected bike lane for eastbound cyclists while westbound cyclists share the vehicle lane with drivers. The draft design for renewal proposes installing a two-way protected bike lane on the south side of 100 Avenue between 116 Street and 121 Street, adjacent to Victoria Promenade. (Stephanie Swensrude)
Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:
- Until Jan. 30: The City of Edmonton is gathering feedback on a draft of its Climate Action Plan Update (2027-2030).
- Until Feb. 1: Strathcona County residents are invited to share their thoughts on policing priorities on the Strathcona County RCMP & Enforcement Services Priorities Survey.
- Until Feb. 2: Leduc RCMP have issued a Policing Priorities Survey.
- Until Feb. 4: The City of Edmonton is gathering feedback on zoning bylaw regulations for child care services.
- Until Feb. 5: Morinville RCMP is collecting feedback through a Policing Priorities Survey.
- Until Feb. 6: The City of Edmonton wants to hear from those involved in food and organics as well as construction and demolition on its Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Waste Roadmap.
- Until Feb. 7: Transport Canada is gathering input on a pedestrian bridge and bank armouring on the Sturgeon River.
"Your turn" is Taproot's weekly collection of public engagement opportunities in the Edmonton region. Watch this space every Friday for opportunities to make your views known.