The River Valley Planning Modernization project renewed our river valley planning framework: the River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan and the Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan.
Through the River Valley Planning Modernization project, which was completed in 2025, we renewed our strategic planning for the River Valley, and the processes and tools for evaluating and regulating development that is proposed within the River Valley and Ravine System. The question at the heart of the project was: How will we ensure that the River Valley, the backbone of our open space network, remains vibrant and ecologically resilient as the city grows?
Renewed Plans
The River Valley Planning Modernization project renewed two important river valley plans, both informed by Indigenous and public engagement and technical assessments over several years:
- The North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (River Valley ARP), approved by Council in August 2025
- Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan, shared with Council in January 2026
Our overall vision for the future of the River Valley, our high-level plans for the connected open spaces within it, and the policy that guides our decisions about what happens in that space.
Additional Information: Ribbon of Green Plan Guide
Sets aside the River Valley for environmental protection and use as parkland, and includes regulations to guide how proposals for River Valley development are evaluated.
Additional Information: River valley review requirements information
Implementing River Valley Planning Modernization
Now that the new River Valley ARP and Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan are complete, we are shifting our focus to implementing the plans. Priority implementation actions include completion of a River Valley Trail Strategy and development of an Ecological Monitoring and Management Framework. As opportunities for public engagement come up, we will share those opportunities on this webpage and through the Ribbon of Green newsletter.
River Valley Trail Strategy
This project will identify a comprehensive trail network (including paved, granular and natural surface/singletrack trails), to support both active transportation and recreational activities, providing high-quality trail experiences for diverse users while protecting the ecological health of the River Valley.
Ecological Monitoring and Management Framework
This project will develop an ecological monitoring and management program to enable effective management of open spaces within the river valley and ravine system. It will help us understand how river valley ecosystems are functioning today, how the decisions we make will impact their function in the future, and how effective our management actions are.
Creating the Plans
Edmonton’s City Plan, approved by Council in 2020, describes the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System as “the most important feature of our city.” It is a vital ecological corridor, a valued recreation destination, a place of incredible cultural significance and a draw for visitors throughout the region.
The river valley experiences pressures from a number of sources, including increasing demand for access as a result of population growth and interest in outdoor recreation. The River Valley Planning Modernization project was focused on renewing our planning for the river valley to address modern-day challenges and opportunities: climate change mitigation and adaptation, Indigenous reconciliation and engagement, and current best practices in parks and ecological planning.
Technical Studies
A number of technical studies and assessments informed the development of the River Valley Planning Modernization plans.
Over the four project phases, we engaged extensively with Edmontonians, with Indigenous Nations and communities, and with local organizations. These conversations were instrumental in shaping and strengthening the plans.
For an overview of some of the themes we heard consistently throughout project engagement, and how we addressed them in the Ribbon of Green and River Valley ARP, see the River Valley Modernization Planning What We Did Report.
