Posted Mar 12, 2021, 2:47 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 6,786
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Cheryll Watson has introduced a new platform for downtown
https://www.cheryllwatson.ca/platform
Quote:
The Problem
The saying “so goes your downtown, so goes your city” came from the awareness that downtowns are the economic engines of a city. They are the centres in which our social connections generate new ideas, innovations, and ventures. Downtowns are the heart of a city.
Twenty years ago it was said that, “Our region’s portal to the world is downtown Edmonton, whether we live or work in Ottewell, Glenora, St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan or even Leduc or Nisku — it is by our downtown that our entire region will be judged and measured.”
So many of the people I talk to tell me that our downtown is in rough shape. With the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of thousands of office employees and post-secondary students are working and studying in their homes. Every day we see downtown businesses closing their doors and there are temporary restrictions on the things that make Downtown so special—nightlife, events, dining and gathering for experiences. While vaccines are in sight, it’s going to be a long time before we see the kind of vibrancy and commerce that is key to the success of not only downtown, but to Edmonton as a whole.
Without a thriving downtown, and its enormous impact to the entire region and province, we are in for years of economic hardships and we risk losing the incredible gains we’ve had evolving and developing our core.
The Policy
Designate 109 Street to 97 Street and 104 Ave to 100 Ave as Edmonton’s Central Business Neighbourhood (CBN) and enable the following to catalyze business, support an innovation ecosystem, simplify and accelerate market driven development, and encourage more people to visit and stay downtown.
Business Made Simple
Business licencing and development processes have service level agreements that include: 1) A commitment to two week response turnarounds 2) Expedited approvals within two months 3) An escalation process for complex issues
Removal of the barriers preventing alleyway and unconventional space uses, winter patios and outdoor retail and hospitality
One-year moratorium on business license fees for small and medium enterprises
Enabling Technology
Work with partners to provide high-speed internet fibre throughout the CBN
Free Wi-Fi and public charging stations in designated public spaces
Downtown designated as a new technology and innovation test area
Pathways that Work to Connect
365 year round cleanup / snow removal for main street, sidewalks and active transportation pathways
Deliberate and accelerated construction planning and implementation to reduce the impact on surrounding businesses
Completed connections and integration of the multi-use pathway network
User designed wayfinding, detour planning, communications and signage
Transportation Serves the Core
Free LRT/bus within the CBN
Discounted LRT/bus travel during evenings and weekends from suburban areas to downtown *upon completion of the Smart Fare program
Free 1-hour street parking - 7 days a week *excludes event dates and egress boundaries
Standardized ‘Parking’ signage for all parking lots designed to be visible to the driver
Improved user experience and upgraded epark platform encompassing all parking within the CBN
Integrated Partnerships for Impact
Dedicated - 7 day a week / 8 am to midnight - crisis and safety supports – Peace Officers & social worker units dedicated to CBN and area
Bolster the DBA to enable them to 1) Work with CBN businesses, partners and the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) to facilitate and create community solutions to downtown vibrancy, night time experience and social disorder issues 2) Lead a dedicated stakeholder team of downtown business owners and residents to expedite concerns and complaints to City Administration
Accessible and safe public washrooms
Dedicated public space cleanup: Pocket Parks, LRT Stairwells, Bus Stops
Shared commitment to improved lighting and safety of public and private parking lots
The Outcome
A vibrant, thriving business district in the heart of our city, one that Edmontonians are proud of. More residents see downtown as an appealing and exciting place to spend time in. Our city’s streamlined permitting and licensing services enable entrepreneurs to set-up and grow their businesses in our city’s core. Our engaged technology and innovation community feels the value of the community connections and collisions, which result in new ideas and partnerships. The events, nightlife, restaurants, arts and culture breathe life into our heart and demonstrate the DNA of our city. The central neighbourhood of Edmonton looks better, is safer and welcoming to visitors from across our city, the region and around the world.
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