Public feedback guides downtown plan

November 7, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – A plan to transform the heart of the city received strong public support following an open house and online survey.

“Residents are really getting behind this project,” said Councillor Cindy Jefferies, Chair of the Greater Downtown Action Plan (GDAP) steering committee. “They are sharing their ideas and recognize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-shape our downtown.”

After an October 8 open house, attended by over 200 people, and 150 completed surveys, the consultants presented the public’s feedback to the Greater Downtown Action Plan committee.

“People are very positive about all the core elements of the Greater Downtown 2008 Update,” notes project consultant Lorne Daniel.

Ratings and comments are supportive of high density residential development, pedestrian and bike friendly streets, water features in the Riverlands district, and greater emphasis on sustainable development. “While support is strong for a high-profile tourism facility such as an indoor garden with stores and restaurants, there is interest in exploring other concepts, said Daniel. “People feel strongly that if a major tourist facility is built, it must be authentic to our community and our history.”

Jefferies adds, “This new vision will make our downtown more than just streets and buildings; our downtown will be a destination for residents to gather and visitors to experience the greatness of our city.”

The naming or re-naming of districts within Greater Downtown drew a number of suggestions. The GDAP plan will recommend to Council a public naming process to finalize names for areas within the Greater Downtown and retail-oriented laneways in the Historic Downtown.

“In response to feedback from residents of the area between 55 Street and the river, we have changed our recommended name for the area to River Park,” consultant John Hull notes. River Park was the original name of the historic district.

The potential for re-visioning the downtown is timely as many formerly light industrial properties in the areas west of 51 Avenue will be available for redevelopment soon, including the large Civic Yards property on the river.

The consultants have prepared a draft of the Greater Downtown Action Plan 2008 Update, which is currently being reviewed by the steering committee and City departments. It will be presented to City Council in December or January.

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For more information, please contact:
Lorne Daniel, Grandview Consulting Inc.                     Councillor Cindy Jefferies
Greater Downtown Action Plan                                  Chair, GDAP steering committee
403-346-6139                                                           403-302-3706