The west district is the first stage to be built in Blatchford. With plans for townhomes and low to mid-rise apartments, the west district is ideal for Edmontonians at any stage of life. Residents will have easy access to public transportation, walkable and bicycle-friendly streets, and family-friendly homes.
Blatchford will help define the future of Edmonton and will serve to set the standard for sustainable communities around the world. This unique development will be a leader in sustainable living by building social, environmental and economic design elements into the community from the ground up. Click on the numbers in the image to learn more about the sustainability design elements.
Social: Urban Agriculture
Community gardens will create a gathering place for neighbours to get to know one another while offering residents an opportunity to connect to nature. In addition to these social benefits, urban agriculture will also contribute to environmental sustainability by allowing people the chance to grow food right in the community.
Environmental: Water Cisterns
A rainwater collection system will help to conserve water in the community by providing a source of water to irrigate the community gardens and landscaping.
Environmental: Low Impact Development(LID)
In an urban setting, the natural water cycle is altered. Low impact development mimics nature by allowing water to infiltrate the soil and using plants to filter pollutants. Elements like rain gardens and bioswales will also beautify the landscape.
Social and Economic: Diverse Housing
The community will provide a variety of housing choices for a wide array of people from a variety of backgrounds and income levels. Overall, the housing on the west side will predominately be low-rise townhouses and 4 to 6 storey apartments. Higher density housing will be built closer to the LRT on the east side of the site.
Environmental and Social: Green Roofs
In addition to beautifying the neighbourhood and increasing green space, green roofs also contribute to stormwater management by acting as a natural filter for rainwater and by reducing the amount of runoff entering the sewer. A green roof can also help increase energy efficiency and reduce noise in the building.
Social: Community Connection
Nearby communities and businesses will be an important part of Blatchford’s design. The City is working with a stakeholder group to identify how Blatchford can best integrate into the existing, well-established neighbourhoods.
Social. WinterCity Strategy
Blatchford will be the first development to use the emerging winter cities design principles. The community will have designated gathering spots like firepits specific to winter use and will look to encourage winter activities.
Social: Climate Responsive Design
In order to encourage people to walk or cycle year round, the community will be designed to make people as comfortable as possible on the coldest of winter days. Hills and landscapes will be designed to minimize wind impact on the streets. Ideas being considered include incorporating snow storage and clearing into design, mandating awnings on buildings to protect pedestrian areas from snowfall, and orienting buildings to maximize solar exposure.
Social and Environmental: Lighting
Blatchford will look at ways to incorporate decorative lighting to draw people outside on winter evenings. Streetlights will be designed to be pedestrian-scaled so that sidewalks and trails are well-lit. The environmental impact of lighting will be minimized by installing high efficiency LED lighting throughout the neighbourhood and fixtures will be selected to reduce light pollution.
Environmental: Green Buildings
Buildings will be designed to be energy efficient and to reduce water and power usage. Energy efficiency can be improved in buildings by incorporating features like better insulation and windows oriented for solar gain.
Social: Building For Families
Family-oriented homes will be designed with a family’s needs in mind including features like multiple bedrooms, access to storage, amenity spaces and ground orientation. With school sites planned right in the community and access to an abundance of outdoor spaces, Blatchford will offer families wanting an urban lifestyle the option they’ve been looking for.
Social: Community Hubs
In addition to the Town Centre where the majority of the retail stores will be located, smaller activity hubs will be created throughout the community. These spaces could include small-scale stores like coffee shops, daycares and patios. These areas will become destination spots for residents and visitors to Blatchford.
Social: History
The history of the site as Canada’s first municipally-run airfield will be honoured through naming of the area, roads and major public areas as well as preservation, where appropriate, of historical buildings. Potential community uses for the former control tower are being considered.
Social: Amenities Close to Home
With amenities like grocery stores, retail shops and recreational activities close to home, Blatchford residents will be able to access the majority of their daily needs without leaving the neighbourhood. By carefully designing the community to encourage active modes of transportation, residents will be able to access all the amenities without needing a vehicle.
Economic: Health Corridor
Blatchford continues to work closely with the Kingsway District Association to determine how to best align the existing health care facilities and services with the new Blatchford community. With two major hospitals and an abundance of health and medical services in the area, Blatchford is exploring options on how to enhance this health corridor.
Social: Public Art
Public art and heritage commemorative features will be incorporated throughout the community.
Social and Environmental: Complete Streets
Blatchford will have wide sidewalks and boulevards and Edmonton’s first separated bike lane. The street design will complement adjacent building use. For example, sidewalks may be larger near a coffee shop to accommodate a patio. By designing a pedestrian and bicycle friendly community, residents can easily choose an alternative to driving— reducing emissions and creating a healthier population.
Social: Street-Oriented Housing
The housing design in Blatchford will contribute to a vibrant street life. Whenever possible, private entries to homes will face directly on to the street to create a direct connection to the community and a unique, interesting and lively streetscape. Street-orientated housing will also create a safe, “eyes on the street” community where people feel comfortable and secure walking in their own neighbourhood.
Social. Enhanced Landscaping
Blatchford will set high standards in landscape design to create beautiful outdoor spaces. Elements like ornamental plantings, edible landscaping, drought resistant vegetation and treed boulevards may be incorporated throughout the neighbourhood. Custom street furniture and paving materials are also being considered.
