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Commentary
The Greater Downtown Action Plan
progress and potential
reprinted from Red Deer
Express (Craig Curtis, City Manager) May 1, 2013
The changes to Red Deer's downtown over the last 30 years are due to
a number of major catalyst initiatives. These include the relocation
of Westerner Park to its current home at the south end of the City
and the relocation of the downtown railway line and yards (to)
adjacent to Hwy. 2.
Following the relocation of the railway line it was recognized that
the Riverlands area west of Taylor Dr. presented potential for
redevelopment. It also provided opportunity to link the downtown to
the river. In 2006, the City approved the relocation of the former
civic yards to a new site in the Riverside Heavy Industrial area;
this major project was completed in 2009 leaving an area available
for redevelopment.
In 2007 City council directed that a new focus be given to the
downtown and this resulted in an updated Greater Downtown Action
Plan, which was approved in February 2009. The recommendations in
this plan were reinforced in the 2009 Strategic Plan which proposed
that the downtown be identified and enhanced as the "vital core to
the identity of Red Deer".
The Greater Downtown Action Plan was the result of a nine-month long
planning initiative. Hundreds of residents participated in the
process, a process that included speakers and walking tours as well
as a design charter led by urban designer Michael Von Hausen.
Based on public input the plan identifies three primary zones within
the greater downtown: Historic Downtown, Riverlands and the area
north of Taylor Dr. currently known as the Railyards. The plan
recommends the development of these areas as distinct but
complimentary districts.
Historic Downtown is proposed to remain the focal area for the
City's offices, retailers and public buildings. In order to enhance
this area, the City gave priority to a number of projects which
improve the pedestrian and shopping environment.
The three major projects include Veterans' Park, The Ross Street
Patio and the revitalization of six blocks of Gaetz Ave., now
commonly known as Little Gaetz. Veterans' Park provides a public
gathering space as well as an improved setting and interpretation of
the Cenotaph. The Ross Street Patio, which received an international
planning award, brings life to the street and a venue for public
gathering and formal and informal activities. The Little Gaetz
improvements provide an improved shopping experience, as well as a
setting for the new weekly downtown farmer's market.
Riverlands is proposed as a diverse riverfront community featuring
medium density housing along the river, a site for a hotel and
convention centre and other commercial opportunities. The relocation
of the Civic Yards opens up over 31 acres for redevelopment which
will link the downtown with the river. The plans for redevelopment
were approved in The Riverlands Area Redevelopment Plan adopted by
City council in October 2011. The development of Riverlands is
dependent on a number of major infrastructure projects which are
currently underway. These include the burial of the high voltage
overhead transmission line as well as road improvements to Taylor
Dr. and Ross St. The burial of the transmission line along the
riverfront will create an improved residential/commercial
environment and capture the market value of the properties available
for redevelopment. The reconfiguration of Taylor Dr. and Ross St.
will improve connectivity for pedestrians with the Historic
Downtown. The redesign also has a clear cost benefit as traffic
projections show that it will defer the need to widen the Taylor Dr.
bridge.
Railyards is proposed as a vibrant mixed use urban living district
with high density residential development and excellent trail
linkages.
An Area Redevelopment Plan for Railyards is underway and is
scheduled for completion in 2014. In the interim, road access has
been improved through the westerly extension of 55 St. into the
area. A major new mixed use development is nearing completion at the
intersection of 55th St. and Gaetz Ave. and demonstrates the
development potential of the area.
As the City celebrates its centennial a number of new initiatives
and events are planned that will focus on the downtown. These
include the reinstatement of The Ross Street Patio the first week of
June with entertainment scheduled throughout the summer and evening
concerts on July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6; the official opening of
Little Gaetz on July 12; the release of new historical walking tours
and interpretive signage on June 6; and a centennial street dance on
July 16.
The downtown will also host the annual Westerner and Christmas
parades, CentreFest and Fiestaval.
The downtown is on the upswing. The City is seeing new investment in
office and commercial development which has enhanced the area. The
Donald School of Business with its acquisition of City Centre Stage
is also seen as a major catalyst.
There has been progress but there is still huge potential to be
realized.
News articles related to historic downtown Red Deer redevelopment
(the original vision of the Forth Junction Heritage Society included
an attraction in the new downtown
Riverlands but this vision was modified to have one destination
close to the city and active rail line):
News article: Riverlands development ready for
debate (Red Deer Advocate
Sep.2011)
News article: Railyards: Open house on a
20-year plan for downtown (Red Deer Advocate June 2011)
News article: Riverlands: Strong turnout for
open house (Red Deer Advocate
March 2011)
Commentary: Red Deer could use more bold
visionary landmark designers
(Red Deer Express Sep.2010)
News article: Paths to change
(Rotary Recreation Park)
(Red Deer Advocate Aug.2010)
Editorial: Time for downtown vision
(Red Deer Advocate July 2010)
News article: Big expectations for downtown Red Deer
(Red Deer Advocate June 2009)
News
article: Chance of a lifetime
(Red Deer Advocate Jan.2009)
Editorial: No San Antonio but
hope left for Big Wow
(Red Deer Express Nov.2008)
News
article: Canal plan jettisoned
(Red Deer Express Nov.2008)
News
article: Red Deer - Alberta's next great city
(Red Deer Express July 2008)
Downtown Red Deer Ground Transportation Themes
Michael Dawe articles related to railway heritage
of downtown Red Deer:
Looking back to when Red Deer landed city
status
(Red Deer Express March 2013)
Prosperous times for New Year's, 1912 in
Red Deer
(Red Deer Express Dec.2011)
An early
community landmark - the Michener Fountain
(Red Deer Express June 2011)
Lots of
street name debate in City's history
(Red Deer Express Sep.2010)
Region celebrating century of railroad
heritage
(Red Deer Express March 2010)
CPR
Station Park once shining jewel of Red Deer
(Red Deer Express June 2009)
Canadian Pacific Railway Bridge now 100 years old
(Red Deer Advocate June 2009)
Red Deer's downtown hotels have celebrated
history
(Red Deer Express June 2009)
The history of Red Deer's CPR station
(Red Deer Express April 2007)
Red Deer becomes a divisional point for CPR
(Red Deer Advocate Special March 2007)
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