The Value of Investing in Canadian Downtowns - International ...

downtown zoning bylaws ensure that new development further complements the streetscape 13 . A new tall building,
for example, must be constructed with a podium that is well articulated with its neighbours and the street. To the
same end, existing buildings throughout the downtown are eligible for grants that supplement private investment in
facade and storefront improvements.
3. Building up the water front and green spaces
Edmonton has been investing in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, which connects the river to the downtown, to
create one of the City’s most attractive green spaces. The City has also invested in upgrading the urban edge of the
park at the Shaw Centre, a conference centre on the lip of the valley, which brings many visitors to the river.
These investments have also attracted interest from the private sector. The Old Alberta Hotel is being reconstructed
using saved elements from the original, demolished structure, on a site across from the convention centre. The new
Hotel building will be home to a radio station, which could lead to a new media centre.
Future Investment
The arena district is a proposed public private partnership. It involves the development of a new arena and mixed
use community downtown. The arena district is still being discussed, yet this major new project has the potential to
transform the northern end of the downtown.
The City has also been increasingly focusing investment in the Jasper Avenue precinct. This will also support and
link to proposed investments in LRT and provincial investments that have been proposed in the government district
around the provincial legislature.
Proposed arena
Louise McKinney Park
13
City of Edmonton. (2010). West Rossdale Urban Design Plan. Retrieved from:
http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/West_Rossdale_UDP_CA.pdf. Accessed 2012 May 14.
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