On February 3, 2015, Executive Committee directed Administration to explore ways to make the McKernan-Belgravia Station Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) a more community collaborative process (see item 6.1). The goal is to create better flow of communication between the City, the development industry and the community, which will help provide residents with a better sense of the type of development they can expect to see in their community and how they can get involved.
Collaborative Implementation Action Plan
On February 23, 2016, Executive Committee approved Administration's action plan for implementing the McKernan-Belgravia Station Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) using a more collaborative process (see item 6.7). The basic framework and guiding principles for the action plan were developed using feedback collected at two workshops held over the summer of 2015 with community, industry and City stakeholders.
Administration used the results collected from the workshops to create an Edmonton Insight Community online survey. The online survey was used to collect additional feedback concerning collaborative implementation of the plan, and to test broader community support for themes and actions proposed by local stakeholders in the workshops. Responses collected have been summarized and organized according to common themes.
Using the findings from the workshops and online survey, City administration conducted a review of existing and planned City initiatives to determine what proposed actions were already being addressed and whether other actions could be undertaken. The resulting collaborative implementation action plan will help improve communication regarding the ARP and rezoning process, encourage active transportation modes, and support planned infrastructure improvements, development opportunity and quality.
Station Area Redevelopment Plan Background
The McKernan-Belgravia Station Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) was approved by City Council on July 2, 2013. It encompasses all of the Belgravia and McKernan neighbourhoods, with the exception of properties along 109 Street.
The plan sets out the vision for land use and zoning decisions in the neighbourhoods of McKernan and Belgravia over the next 25 years. Its goal is to enhance and strengthen the local character of these neighbourhoods, while capitalizing on the presence of the McKernan/Belgravia LRT station through Transit-Oriented Development and encouraging infill.
The plan accommodates Transit-Oriented Development by focusing redevelopment and intensification on the periphery of the neighbourhoods, along major arterial and collector roads, and adjacent to the LRT station. The fundamental character of these neighbourhoods will be protected by limiting the type and form of development within the interior of the neighbourhoods to be compatible with the existing character.
The plan was prepared in consultation with residents, community groups and property owners. Input from these groups was used to identify areas suitable for long-term incremental change, as well as shape the vision, design principles, and policies of the plan. This includes providing opportunity for greater housing choice and affordability, attracting reinvestment in local business and community, public realm improvements, and emphasis on active transportation (walking, cycling) in support of healthy lifestyle.
On Thursday, December 4, 2014, the City of Edmonton hosted an education information drop-in session at McKernan Community League Hall. The purpose of the session was to raise awareness and understanding about the approved McKernan-Belgravia Station ARP, policies on neighbourhood infill, city planning processes and consultation.
A summary of comments from the drop-in session were shared with the Belgravia and McKernan Community Leagues and at Executive Committee on February 3, 2015. Adoption of the McKernan-Belgravia Station ARP is only the first step in implementing and realizing the vision of the plan. A host of factors influence whether redevelopment occurs and in what form, including market demand, landowner preference, project feasibility, private and or public investment, alignment with City policies, regulations, and processes, and community engagement.