Buena Vista Master Plan Implementation

Notice to Park Users

Construction activities within Buena Vista Park are complete for 2015. Projects 6, 7 & 10 on the map were successfully completed during fall 2015. Project 5, 8 & 9 will be completed in spring 2016. The new trails are open and available for park visitors to utilize.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the City works to enhance the park and preserve the river valley trail system for years to come.

The Buena Vista/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Master Plan was approved by City Council on April 29, 2014. The plan will serve the parks for the next ten years and strives to increase people's opportunities to experience and enjoy the park while preserving and enhancing the ecological systems in place.

The plan expands opportunities to view and touch the water, introduces additional amenities, enhances existing facilities such as Yorath House, increases barrier-free design through the parks, identifies preservation areas and implements measures to protect and stabilize shoreline areas along the North Saskatchewan River.

The master plan is being implemented in phases and will be completed by 2018.

Timeline

Current Projects 

• Yorath House Redevelopment
• Yorath Parking Lot Addition
• Enclosed Off-Leash Training Area
• Amenity Node

Operate: Fall 2016
Construction: Fall 2015 - Fall 2016
Design: Fall 2014 - Summer 2015
Strategy/Concept: Spring 2012 - Spring 2014

• Secondary Pathway Improvements
• Dog Beach Access Stairs
• Stairway Additions

Operate: Spring 2016
Construction: Fall 2015 - Spring 2016
Design: Fall 2014 - Summer 2015
Strategy/Concept: Spring 2012 - Spring 2014

Completed Projects

• Shared-use Pathway Improvements
• Melton Ravine Bicycle Trail Realignment
• Pathway Realignments

Operate: November 2015
Construction: October 2015 - November 2015
Design: Fall 2014 - Summer 2015
Strategy/Concept: Spring 2012 - Spring 2014

Project Overview

A total of $8.3 million has been approved by City Council to begin implementation of the master plan. Funded elements include:

• Park entrance improvements including new park signage and landscaping
• Development of a roundabout for improved access to the parks and Edmonton Valley Zoo as part of the Buena Vista Road rehabilitation project (spring 2016)
• Enhancements to the off-leash area of Buena Vista Park including a water fountain for dogs, accessibility improvements to the ‘dog beach’, a new three season washroom facility and information kiosk and trail and pathway improvements
• Enhancement of the existing shared use path from gravel to asphalt surfacing to improve all season accessibility through Buena Vista Park
• Improvements to wayfinding and park signage in Buena Vista Park
• Improved parking and access in both parks
• Creation of viewpoints along the riverside trail in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
• Riverside path improvements in both parks
• Improved washroom facilities in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
• Weed removal and vegetation restoration in Buena Vista Park
• Picnic site rehabilitation in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, including upgrading picnic sites for better accessibility, upgrading existing group site to include accessible picnic site, and upgrade parking for accessible picnic site
• Renewal of two natural playgrounds in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

Redevelopment of Yorath House

Yorath House, located in Buena Vista Park, was acquired by the City of Edmonton in 1992 with intentions to repurpose the property into a four-season public amenity building. While various studies and assessments were completed, the property has never been redeveloped and continues to sit vacant within the park. Yorath House is listed on the City’s Inventory of Historic Properties and Citizern Services is seeking formal designation of Yorath House as a Municipal Historic Resource.

The Buena Vista/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Master Plan provided the opportunity to revisit the discussion and better understand what role Yorath House might have in the park. Through public consultation it was clear that park users wished to see the space redeveloped into a public amenity building to serve the park. Redevelopment includes four-season washrooms, space to warm up in the winter and opportunities for public programs and events.

Yorath House Redevelopment

The former Yorath residence was purchased by the City of Edmonton in 1992 with the intention of repurposing the property into a four-season public amenity. The property has remained vacant since it was acquired, but now the vision for this site is being realized. The redeveloped Yorath house includes:

• Creation of three bookable spaces capable of hosting up to 160 people
• Creation of a studio space for use by local artists or community groups
• New amenities, including washrooms, stair case, and small elevator
• Restoration of the exterior home to the original 1949 footprint and finishing

Yorath House Parking Lot Addition

A new 20 stall gravel parking lot will be created across from the existing parking lot at the Rowing Club. This lot will be available to be used by Yorath House guests and park users.

Enclosed Off-Leash Training Area

A fenced and gated off-leash area will be established for dog training and for barrier-free access for elderly and mobility-impaired dog walkers. The training area will feature a looping pathway and both grassed and forested landscapes for dogs to explore.

Amenity Node

The amenity node in Buena Vista Park, located near the dog training area, will include an accessible vault toilet facility, dog watering fountain, waste receptacle, bench and an information/wayfinding kiosk for users to find maps, wayfinding and information signage.

The off-leash area amenity node provides a more centrally located washroom as an alternative to the “port-a-potty” located in the off-leash parking lot. A dog tie-up would allow park users to use the washroom without worrying about their dog’s safety. As well, the accessible toilet provides a near-by amenity for mobility impaired dog-walkers who use the off-leash training area.

Secondary Pathway Improvements

The secondary pathways (formal gravel trails) in the park will be re-graded to improve drainage off the walking surfaces. A new gravel surface will also be applied to these trails.

Shared-use Pathway Improvements

The wide, shared-use pathway corridor through Buena Vista Park will be altered to provide two parallel path types. A three metre-wide asphalt path will be installed on one side, and a gravel path will be created on the other side. A one metre-wide vegetated swale will separate the two paths. This pathway improvement will bring this trail in line with City of Edmonton standards for shared-use pathways, and also completes this section of the Trans Canada trail network.

This project component is being supported by the Government of Canada’s Trail Improvements program and the National Trails Coalition.

Melton Ravine Bicycle Trail Realignment

The bicycle path through Melton Ravine will be realigned to improve access onto the Hawrelak footbridge. The section of trail that will no longer be utilized following the realignment will be closed and re-naturalized.

Dog Beach Access Stairs

The popular “dog beach” is accessed via a steep, eroding slope. To improve access, a subtle set of embedded stairs will be installed along one side of the slope. A natural path for dogs to use will be maintained alongside the stairs.

Stairway Additions

The existing stairs near the Whitewater Paddlers location are presently in poor condition and will be replaced. An additional set of stairs will be added along the riverside trail to provide another safe means for park users to access the water.

Pathway Realignments

Two sections of the riverside path are being threatened by riverbank erosion. New trail sections will be created a safe distance away from the edge of the bank and connected to the main trail. The eroding trail sections will be closed and re-naturalized.

For More Information

Program & Project Development