In an April meeting, residents from Parkdale-Cromdale, McCauley, Boyle Street and Alberta Avenue gave the city feedback about the Stadium Station Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP).

The plan addresses long-term development in the Stadium neighbourhoods. This includes more housing and business development and using the LRT station for transit-oriented development (TOD) to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly neighbourhood.

Larry Ksionzyk, the principal planner, explained in his presentation that city council has allocated funds to construct the Stadium access street and other infrastructure supportive of transit-oriented development.

The city and Brookfield Residential are partnering to design and construct new streets, two public plazas, an at-grade pedestrian connection to the station, a shared use path on the east side of the LRT corridor, and pedestrian-oriented streetscapes along 84 and 85 Streets and 106A Avenue. If funds permit, this construction will also include improved connections to the ravine and river valley.

In general, those attending the meeting were positive about the proposed development.

Eric Grant lives half a block from Commonwealth Stadium. He said, “[It’s a] very positive development to improve vacant lands around the Stadium LRT station. A lot of details still need to be very intentionally worked out. The general direction of developing the vacant space and former industrial lands and the parking lots around the station is a very positive step for everybody.”

Traffic, parking and recreational opportunities were discussed along with ensuring Kinnaird Ravine has improved connectivity and is kept natural.

Sophia Tymchyshyn shared, “I like everything about it, just don’t touch the ravine. That is major. Keep it natural, everybody loves nature.”

Community members also want development to be family and community oriented and Stadium Station ARP to be integrated with Northlands’ Vision 2020.

Ksionzyk said investment into the project will pay off through private development, which increases property taxes and property values.

A public open house is expected to be scheduled for September. It’s planned that the Stadium ARP goes to city council public hearing for adoption by the end of the year.

For more information: edmonton.ca/stadiumstationplan

Header Image: The city and Brookfield Residential are working together in the Stadium Station ARP. Credit: Rob Bernshaw