WhatWe HeardCalder Corner Store Project Streetscape Enhancements

Learn more by going to: edmonton.ca/cornerstore or call 311 2

What We HeardConcept Phase

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The goal of Calder Corner Store Project is to improve the function and aesthetic of the commercial centre to encourage community access and use. The focus of this project is to make the public space surrounding the commercial space more inviting by increasing the perception of safety, connect the business and community with amenable, attractive infrastructure and pedestrian-oriented landscaping.

This project is specific to the public realm enhancements in Calder which is focused on improvements to the City-owned land along 129 Avenue, between 119 Street and 120 Street.

The intent of this project is to develop and deliver streetscape infrastructure enhancements to provide small and functional elements that contribute to area beautification and connectivity to the local community.

Learn more by going to: edmonton.ca/cornerstore or call 311 3

CONCEPT PHASE ENGAGEMENT

Who: Public, targeting Calder residents and property / business owners

What: Drop-in Public Engagement Session

Where: Calder Community Hall

When: May 1, 2018, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Why: This engagement event was held to gather public feedback to inform the finalized concept plan and bring the project to the next phase of design.

Participants were invited to engage in design review through a survey and conversation. The intent was to gain stakeholder perspective, insight and preferences to help refine the plans for streetscape enhancement.

The engagement event was promoted with a mailout, street signs, email invitations, as well as on the project website. Approximately 50 members of the public attended, with the vast majority (95 per cent) self-identifying as Calder residents.

WHAT WE HEARD

FOCUSED RESPONSE — SURVEY AND CONVERSATION

The overall response to the proposed Concept plan was positive, with 65 per cent of the respondents indicating the priorities identified in the Strategy phase were ‘well reflected’ or ‘all reflected’.

The features of the concept plan most well received were the seating areas and the lighting enhancements. Project Team representatives communicated to participants at the engagement event that the tree lights identified in the design were not feasible. However, pedestrian lighting remains a focus for the project. Illuminated bollards received the most positive response as an alternative to tree lighting.

The priorities identified in the Strategy Phase that respondents felt were not effectively reflected in the plan were enhancements to pedestrian crossing and decorative features.

The most common responses received when asked “what changes would participants like to see made to the plan” focused on enhancements that would improve safety - with specific consideration for integration of traffic calming measures.

The major concerns identified for the plan focused on potential operational impacts and maintenance responsibilities for the new developments. This included cost of power for the proposed lighting, maintenance to benches, watering plantings, and, if traffic calming measures were to be integrated, how would snow clearing / street sweeping be impacted?

In addition, several participants expressed that, while the proposed concept was supported, there is limited belief that the project will be constructed.

Learn more by going to: edmonton.ca/cornerstore or call 311 4

EXTENDED FEEDBACK

In addition to the discussion focused on the proposed streetscape enhancements, participants shared their perspective on a range of topics related to their neighbourhood.

Of significant concern is the potential for a change in service the existing Edmonton Transit Service Bus Stop (#6253). The proposed concept plan indicates an upgrade to the stop (new concrete pad, new shelter). This is contingent on whether the current service route is maintained, or will change. As part of a service review, ETS is currently holding public engagement and attendees were encouraged to participate and share their perspective.

WHAT’S NEXT

Finalize Concept Phase

✚✚ Concept will be finalized with consideration for inputs from public engagement, comments received from a range of technical and operational stakeholder review, and cost estimates.

Transition to Design Phase

✚✚ The first stage is Preliminary Design, which will reflect the final concept plan and will refine the details and costs of the project.

✚✚ Public engagement will shift to ‘Advise’. This will allow the public to engage in the project prior to completion of Preliminary Design - with opportunity to review and comment online via the project website.

✚✚ Following completion of Preliminary Design, the public can remain informed of project status with information available on the project website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please visit the project website: edmonton.ca/cornerstore

StrategyWhere we are today

DESIGNPHASE

Concept

Where we are today

CONCEPTPHASE

Build Operate

Learn more by going to: edmonton.ca/cornerstore or call 311