Project Overview
Previously known as Oleskiw River Valley Park, Jan Reimer Park is a 193-acre park located in the west end, south of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and adjacent to the Edmonton Country Club. In its current form, the park includes a formal trail and informal trails, as well as various natural vegetation areas. There is currently no public vehicle entry into the park, which limits its development.
The Terwillegar Park Footbridge and West End Trails projects have created a shared pathway through Jan Reimer Park. This trail provides park users access to and through the park.
Public engagement took place in 2016 and 2017 to develop a Master Plan for the park. Funding was not available for delivery of that plan, however, in the 2023-2026 Capital Budget, funding was identified to implement the restoration component of the Master Plan.
The Master Plan identified opportunities for what is now Jan Reimer Park to create a lasting legacy unique to the surrounding neighbourhoods, while considering the park’s natural and cultural identity. The Master Plan reflects the needs of today, while enhancing and preserving the ecological integrity of the park as part of Edmonton’s river valley park system for generations to come.
Who is Jan Reimer?
Jan Reimer was the first female mayor of Edmonton. Born in Edmonton in 1952, Reimer won her first election as Alderman (the title Councillors used to hold) in 1980. She was re-elected in 1983 and 1986 (at that time, Alderman terms were three years), before winning the office of Mayor in 1988.
During her time in office, Reimer advocated for changing the title of Alderman to Councillor and championed changes to Edmonton’s waste management system. She championed initiatives to preserve the North Saskatchewan River Valley, improve its water quality and extend the river valley trail system.
Oleskiw River Valley Park was renamed to Jan Reimer Park in 2021.
