Valley of Dreams - an article about the River Valley Alliance plans

[Coldrsx]

The whole point is to improve access for all by way of a bridge at grade... versus forcing people to go underground.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

The whole point is to improve access for all by way of a bridge at grade... versus forcing people to go underground.

without trying to wrap my head around the phrase "a bridge at grade" (isn't that a sidewalk? ), we had a pedway link approximately 400 feet north WHICH WE JUST FINISHED CLOSING as part of "upgrading jasper avenue".

does anyone really think we couldn't have upgraded that link - or couldn't still upgrade it - for a fraction of the cost of a catalyst project pedestrian bridge?

as for being "forced underground", its a matter of the offering, not whether its above or below grade. the path in toronto pretty much proves that.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I would much rather have a bridge connecting from Telus main level (i.e. MacDonald Drive) to the funicular because of the larger grade separation. And make it a nice bridge instead of some value-engineered POS.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

I would much rather have a bridge connecting from Telus main level (i.e. MacDonald Drive) to the funicular because of the larger grade separation. And make it a nice bridge instead of some value-engineered POS.

if we have to have a bridge, it should be cantilevered out from the top of the bank over mcdougall hill and then circle back to the funicular landing in front of the mac at the same levels as the top of the bank and the landing at each end (i.e. it should be a bridge over mcdougal hill road and not a bridge over 100th street). that would give it handicap access and should readily allow a bike lane as well. hopefully they won't try and do something over 100th street with a stair or crappy ramp on both sides to get up and down.



maybe we could even get on the same list of great pedestrian bridges as calgary.

https://www.treehugger.com/best-mode...ridges-4868563

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by kcantor

without trying to wrap my head around the phrase "a bridge at grade" (isn't that a sidewalk? ), we had a pedway link approximately 400 feet north WHICH WE JUST FINISHED CLOSING as part of "upgrading jasper avenue".

does anyone really think we couldn't have upgraded that link - or couldn't still upgrade it - for a fraction of the cost of a catalyst project pedestrian bridge?

as for being "forced underground", its a matter of the offering, not whether its above or below grade. the path in toronto pretty much proves that.

The most disgusting, unsafe and leaky link to nowhere versus another legacy destination/outlook and connection... even at a cost, I love it.

Suit yourself. Unless it's -40, I'm choosing outside when I can.

The PATH is not what we should be striving for or aspiring to become.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

The most disgusting, unsafe and leaky link to nowhere versus another legacy destination/outlook and connection... even at a cost, I love it.

Suit yourself. Unless it's -40, I'm choosing outside when I can.

The PATH is not what we should be striving for or aspiring to become.

isn't that a bit like saying because peregrine point is an assault on our senses that we shouldn't aspire to build any more high rise buildings?

[Coldrsx]

Deflection, I like it.

We both argue a lot but can agree that it's not what you do but how you do it.

Both could work, but my preference is this new opportunity.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Deflection, I like it.

We both argue a lot but can agree that it's not what you do but how you do it.

Both could work, but my preference is this new opportunity.

“it's not what you do but how you do it.”

agreed.

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by kcantor

“it's not what you do but how you do it.”

agreed.

What Downtown doesn't need is more tunnels. What it does need, however, is more accessible, visually-appealing pedestrian & cycling connections that draw people Downtown (that are also safe and well-maintained, I may add).

[Coldrsx]

Bingo.

[EdmTrekker]

I agree with the comment that the overhead "link" curve should wrap around from G. MacDonald Drive and curve back toward the funicular. The link should be fully in glass with seating and off ramps to trails and bike paths. Every effort should be made to make the bridge as unobtrusive as possible so as not to detract from the MacDonald Hotel or be a brutal visual barrier entering downtown. The bridge at the convention centre over Grierson is brutal. I have a hard time buying into "it's not what you do but how you do it.” as that often means function before design. In this case I think an aesthetic respectful design is what is called for. I hope the engineers and VE consultants are kept on a short leash or we will have a disaster like the library - this time on every postcard of the Edmonton skyline.

[Coldrsx]

City updates encampment response strategy
April 28, 2021

The City of Edmonton is updating its encampment response strategy. The strategy has been updated to ensure a timely and aligned response to encampments in 2021.

The strategy includes three types of responses:

The Encampment Response Team will continue to respond to low-risk encampments based on severity of risks such as size, location and proximity to schools and parks. This response aims to house individuals before closure of the site.
Encampments determined to be high-risk following an investigation will be elevated to the accelerated response process for closure led by Peace Officers and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). Individuals will be offered information on shelter and transportation options during closure of the site.
Highest risk encampments will be escalated to a committee of administrative executives, co-chaired by the City Manager and the Edmonton Police Chief, who will determine the response.

The goal of this approach is to connect individuals to housing and support and discourage the establishment of large encampments that have negative health and safety impacts on encampment occupants and the surrounding community.

“Our shared priority is the safety of both people experiencing homelessness and the surrounding community,” said Rob Smyth, Deputy City Manager of Citizen Services. “Encampments are a symptom of a larger problem and the permanent solution to homelessness is safe, adequate and affordable housing with support.”

The 2021 encampment response strategy has been adapted to reflect key lessons learned in 2020.

In May, the City will be hosting information sessions on the plan with communities that have been most impacted by encampments. Citizens with concerns about encampments are to call 311 or report using the 311 App and share details about the location of the encampment(s).


For more information:
edmonton.ca/homelessness

Media contact:
Geoff Grimble
Account Director
Communications and Engagement
780-218-4098

[Coldrsx]

Touch the Water - April update

https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_pla...promenade.aspx

[Coldrsx]

The River Valley Planning Modernization Project will renew our strategic planning for the River Valley and the processes and tools for evaluating and regulating development that is proposed within the system.

https://www.edmonton.ca/city_governm...=ribbonofgreen

[feepa]

^ and ^^

https://www.edmmtnbike.ca/ribbon-of-green/

[EdmTrekker]

Good grief - the City must ensure the integrity of the contiguous bike and walking trails from Fort Saskatchewan to Devon.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by feepa

^ and ^^

https://www.edmmtnbike.ca/ribbon-of-green/

That sucks

[technomad]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

Good grief - the City must ensure the integrity of the contiguous bike and walking trails from Fort Saskatchewan to Devon.

the city needs to step up their game on the valley trails period. there are still gaps galore on both sides, and a lot of what is there is looking pretty beatup, or severely undersized...

IMO the goal should be a paved trail on either side of the river from city limit to city limit. and in the central portions, separate trails for cycle and pedestrian use

[Coldrsx]

Pilot for alcohol consumption in select River Valley parks begins today
May 28, 2021

Edmontonians are now able to consume alcohol at designated picnic sites in select River Valley parks during a 19-week pilot project that launches today.

Beginning this morning, adults may consume alcohol safely and responsibly at 47 designated picnic sites in seven River Valley parks between the hours of 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week. Please remember to follow current public health measures for outdoor gatherings.

The selected parks for the 2021 pilot project include: Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Whitemud, William Hawrelak, Government House, Victoria, Gold Bar and Rundle. Picnic sites include both bookable and “first-come, first-served” options.

Edmontonians can identify a designated picnic site by looking for one of these signs:

Alcohol consumption is still not permitted at any other picnic sites or park spaces unless part of an approved festival and event licence. A map of all designated picnic sites is available online.

Edmonton’s river valley is extremely valuable to everyone. If you choose to consume alcohol at one of our designated picnic sites, please respect the peace of others around you, ensure you leave the site in good condition and drink responsibly. Park rangers will be monitoring these locations as part of their regular patrols in parks.

The pilot project will run from May 28 to October 11, 2021. The City of Edmonton will closely monitor how the project is going and will report final results to city council by the end of this year.

For further information on the pilot and to provide feedback, please visit edmonton.ca/alcoholinparks.


For more information:
edmonton.ca/alcoholinparks.

Media contact:
Mark Torjusen
Senior Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-914-8087

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Courtesy of mcr at Skyrisecities. BTW The gondola stop is proposed a bit further west of the bridge along Macdonald Drive.

http://www.cea.ca/files/PWIS2021/COE... Symposium.pdf