109th Street: The Bridge District

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The Bridge District

A bold vision for the redevelopment of the 109th

Street corridor

109th Street: The Bridge District

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Redevelopment Area

• The 109th Street corridor from 78th Avenue North to the North Saskatchewan River(images courtesy of Google Maps –

http://maps.google.com)

109th Street: The Bridge District

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Redevelopment Goals

• Unification of 109th Street corridor to include area’s rich history

• Create an atmosphere that is attractive to Edmontonians

• Rejuvenate the Garneau school site• Create a centre to display and

discover Edmonton’s Heritage

109th Street: The Bridge District

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Our Proposal

1. Unified design motif for the 109th Street corridor

2. Rejuvenation of the Garneau School site into a multi-use facility housing the Strathcona Heritage Centre

109th Street: The Bridge District

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Why “Bridge District”?

• Edmonton is often called “River City”• The High Level Bridge united the

cities of Edmonton and Strathcona• The High Level and Walterdale

Bridges are important features of the area’s landscape

• Bridges represent humanity’s ingenuity, invention and intelligence

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1. Unified Design Motif

• Why?– The 109th Street area lacks a distinct

overall character– Our proposal would give the area a

unique identity that incorporates the area’s rich history

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1. Unified Design Motif

• Proposal:1. Change signage, streetlamps, bus

stops and parking meters2. Add banners3. Create a “Walk through History”4. Add facilities for waste recycling

• All components would feature a bridge-inspired design scheme

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1. Unified Design Motif

109th Street: The Bridge District

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1. Unified Design Motif

109th Street: The Bridge District

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2. Rejuvenation of Garneau School Site

• Why?– Garneau School is currently

underutilized– Its status as an elementary school

reduces its utilization by Edmontonians– The location of the school makes it

dangerous for schoolchildren– Edmonton lacks a devoted municipal

historical centre

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• Proposal:1. Rehabilitate building’s exterior2. Convert into the “Strathcona Heritage

Centre”3. Landscaping and beautification of park4. Commercial development along 109th

Street

2. Rejuvenation of Garneau School Site

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2. Rejuvenation of Garneau School Site

• Strathcona Heritage Centre– Existing school converted into a gallery

and interpretive centre– Will house artefacts and revolving

exhibitions about Edmonton’s rich history– Gymnasium will be made into a multi-use

community-oriented facility– Creation of an honorary “town crier”

position

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Stakeholder Impact Assessment

Stakeholder

Positives Negatives

Community Residents

•Sense of community and place•More space for local groups•Increased employment•Improved safety•Increased property value

•Relocation of school•Increase in visitors to area•Minor noise complaints during redevelopment

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Stakeholder Impact Assessment

Stakeholder

Positives Negatives

City of Edmonton Residents

•New centre for city’s history and culture•Unification of downtown and Strathcona•Unique district•Increased business in area

•Minor costs associated with small scale redevelopment•Minor traffic disruptions

109th Street: The Bridge District

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Stakeholder Impact Assessment

Stakeholder

Positives Negatives

Local Business Owners

•Increased traffic to area•New commercial space•Revitalized business district•Increased revenue and business values

•Minor traffic disruptions•Minor noise complaints during redevelopment