River Valley Planning Engagement

Phase 3 Engagement

Phase 3 engagement has now closed. Thank you to all of you who shared your knowledge and input in this phase. We will provide a What We Heard Report in the coming weeks, summarizing your feedback and how it will be used as we move to the next steps in the project.

In Phase 3 engagement, we invited your input to help us:

Finalize our vision for the River Valley, and the guiding principles that will help us to realize it
Refine the Land Management Classifications to clarify the direction for appropriate uses in different parts of the River Valley
Refine draft planning guidance for the study area, including opportunities for ecological protection and restoration, access, gathering and enjoyment in the river valley
Refine draft direction for River Valley decision-making, and public involvement in those decisions

Phase 3 Engagement Frequently Asked Questions

What project information is being shared and discussed in Phase 3?

In Phase 3 engagement, we will be inviting community input to help us:

Finalize our vision for the River Valley, and the guiding principles that will help us to realize it
Refine the Land Management Classifications to clarify direction for appropriate uses in different parts of the River Valley
Refine draft planning guidance for the study area, including opportunities for ecological protection and restoration, access, gathering and enjoyment in the river valley
Refine draft direction for River Valley decision-making, and public involvement in those decisions

What changes to the Land Management Classifications are being considered in Phase 3?

Land Management Classifications (LMCs) outline the level of protection or appropriate development within portions of the River Valley and Ravine System. They guide and inform decisions and actions within the river valley.

In Phase 2 engagement, we heard a lot of feedback regarding unimproved (informal) trails in Preservation areas, including a strong desire for continued opportunities for natural trail experiences in these areas, including for mountain biking, as well as concern about the ecological impact that continued unmanaged use and proliferation of these largely user-created trails may be having.

For consideration in Phase 3, we are proposing that the Preservation Land Management Classification be adjusted to include two sub-classifications: Preservation Trail-based Recreation (natural surface trails, which the Ribbon of Green defines as “non paved narrow-width trails” only) and Ecosystems Protection (see table below)

Proposed Land Management Classifications Framework
(with new Preservation sub-classifications)

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How and when would the Preservation: Trail-based Recreation sub-classification be mapped?

Defining the Preservation: Trail-based Recreation trail network will take time and resources. It will involve site visits and assessment, and engagement with trail users and partners, and will be guided by policies in the Ribbon of Green.

We are continuing to highlight the need for a comprehensive River Valley Trail Strategy, which would help to plan and map that network.

In the interim, City Council has directed that use of existing unimproved trails may continue, and the City is working with partner organizations to review and permit trail maintenance in locations where it does not impact ecologically/environmentally sensitive areas.

People riding bikes should always respect direction not to ride where it is explicitly prohibited (for example, with signs, such as in Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve and on designated trails in Buena Vista Park).

Trail construction in the River Valley without authorization from the City is not permitted, per Parkland Bylaw 2202 .

What criteria might be used in deciding which lands should be designated Ecological Protection?

The Ecological Protection designation is intended to be applied to areas with the highest ecological sensitivity/risk, including (for example):

Known or suspected areas of slope failure or instability
Springs/seeps/drainages
Unvegetated, exposed slope faces
Locations of uncommon plant species
Habitat features of wildlife species of concern
Wildlife breeding sites (such as, dens, hibernacula, ground nests)

The criteria will be confirmed with input from partner organizations and conservation experts.

How will the Preservation: Trail-based Recreation sub-classification help with ecological protection?

If a trail network is planned and managed well, it can help to:

Keep trail users on a designated path, protecting more ecologically sensitive areas
Support safe and enjoyable trail experiences
Introduce people to natural areas, building a sense of ownership and stewardship
Help to prioritize resources for trail management, invasive species removal, trail closures, restoration and natural area expansion

In creating these 2 new Preservation sub-categories, we are acknowledging demand for diverse uses on these trails, and committing to work towards a network that meets this demand without compromising the ecologically sensitive areas that the Preservation LMC is intended to protect.

Previous Engagement

Phase 1

In Phase 1 engagement, we invited input to help us refine the Ribbon of Green vision and guiding principles, and the Land Management Classification definitions and associated uses. We also asked about challenges and opportunities to help inform draft planning guidance for different areas in the River Valley, and invited early input to inform changes to the existing Area Redevelopment Plan.
Phase 1 What We Heard Report

Phase 2

In Phase 2 engagement, we invited input to help us confirm preliminary visions and direction for each of the 12 reaches within the River Valley and how the Land Management Classifications are applied. We also invited feedback on how decisions are made regarding project proposals in the River Valley.
Phase 2 What We Heard Report

Public and Indigenous Engagement Approach

Help shape the future of Edmonton’s River Valley. Your participation will help create strategic planning guidance for the future of the River Valley and inform how decisions are made for this integral piece of Edmonton’s landscape.

Community input is critical to the success of this project. Through conversations with Edmontonians, Indigenous Nations and Communities, community groups and other municipalities in the region, we will build a shared vision for the future of our River Valley and a clear approach to decision-making over the long term.

Public and Indigenous engagement will be delivered in parallel, connected streams, and there will be opportunities for input in each phase of the project. Participants will be invited to share their lived experience of the River Valley, their knowledge, and the challenges and opportunities they see for the future.

River Valley Planning Engagement

Phase 3 Engagement

Phase 3 Engagement Frequently Asked Questions

Proposed Land Management Classifications Framework
(with new Preservation sub-classifications)

Previous Engagement

Phase 1

Phase 2

Public and Indigenous Engagement Approach

Stay Informed

River Valley Planning Modernization

Ribbon of Green SW+NE

Ribbon of Green Concept and Master Plan

River Valley Planning Background

For More Information

River Valley Planning Engagement

Phase 3 Engagement

Phase 3 Engagement Frequently Asked Questions

Proposed Land Management Classifications Framework(with new Preservation sub-classifications)

Previous Engagement

Phase 1

Phase 2

Public and Indigenous Engagement Approach

Stay Informed

River Valley Planning Modernization

Ribbon of Green SW+NE

Ribbon of Green Concept and Master Plan

River Valley Planning Background

Related Documents

Public Engagement Plan

Phase 1 What We Heard Report

Phase 2 What We Heard Report

Frequently Asked Questions

For More Information

Proposed Land Management Classifications Framework
(with new Preservation sub-classifications)