Urban Renewal
In recent years our city has had rapid growth, which for some, may be alarming—with constant construction underway, expanding our suburbs amid immigration, while simultaneously spurring out shopping centers and shops to accommodate the growing population. Although this may be useful, we tend to forget the core of our city, which is unmistakably the backbone of our vitality, sustaining the rhythm of everyday life. Having said this, cities must find ways to bounce back and reassess the use of their urban core. Turning these once abandoned and dull spaces into vibrant areas where communities can gather and share a collective identity in the heart of their community.
This is the action that the City of Edmonton intends to take shortly through the form of an Urban Park. This is a project that is planned to take place between 106 and 107 St on Jasper Ave, through the transformation of a series of aged parking lots. Giving residents a place to enjoy, celebrate and conglomerate as a community. This development, however (named warehouse park), will total about 44.8 million dollars, kindly donated from the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy. With the grand opening set in the Spring of 2025. What's more, is that this not only serves as a turning point for the city’s development but also recognizes the individuals who reside in these neighbourhoods. Often having little space to connect with nature, they struggle to find an escape from the gruelling tendencies of the city. With more than 13,000 inhabitants and 2,300 homes underway in construction, these people deserve a designated area for their well-being. It’s a space that will not only be beautiful but will function year-round. The Warehouse Park will contain features such as hills for picnics and other gatherings, as well as dog parks and playgrounds that assist in the everyday activities of its residents. This will ensurethat the area is being used to its maximum capacity and draws in crowds from all demographics. Implementing such strategies will further guarantee their endeavours in revitalizing the core of the city.
In addition to this, the city has plans to expand on this project and add features such as public restrooms, community spaces and other park essentials. Further reinforcing the practicality of the space. With support from Cheryl Probert, the city’s president of the community league, stating how this would make downtown “safe, inclusive and revitalized”. As construction progresses, residents can look forward to an escape from their hectic work lives, only having to retreat a few blocks to step into an urban oasis. But only time will tell if their efforts have proven useful in creating a space that serves downtown dwellers. Further adding to the scape of the city, offering a rich blend of urbanism and green living.
-Written by Alazar Abebe