So what does it take to create future Lifestyle Communities along Nature’s river waterfronts?
In the past the it was all about preservation and conservation for many years. With technology, urbanization and a 24/7 lifestyle of busy living, it has become an approach of balancing preservation of the river valley with enabling access to the waterfront. We know that real people build sustainable lifestyle communities, and that the North Saskatchewan River Valley provides natural places for sports, entertainment and cultural activities.
So What’s Next? In this Episode 5 of our “Nature Bathing” series, Brent shares insights on completing the second phase of their plan – building the last 30 km of trails with connecting bridges and boat docks, and connecting people to and over the water.
Beyond the completion of the last 30km of infrastructure, the future plans for the next stage of waterfront access from urban city centre to the river will look to the direction of Edmonton’s “River Crossing” Master Plan for the Community of Rossdale.
The River Crossing concept opens many possibilities for a future Lifestyle choice – one that enables people to work, live and play minutes from the waterfront.
It’s about balancing the changing dynamics of People, Places and Possibilities!
Imagine creating future Lifestyle Communities in the City Centre along the Waterfront – The Arts, Entertainment, and Food!
Imagine hopping off a boat minutes from the River Crossing Power Plant – Farmers Markets, Wine Bars and Restaurants. Or taking the downtown Funicular for a stroll into the River Valley shop at the River Crossing Pumphouse Boutiques. Or walking or biking minutes from housing to the Waterfront Promenade to “Touch the Water” and maybe even interact with tech enabled art and sculptures that move and react to touch or to changes in the weather.
Imagine the Possibilities! You can make it happen~ Just “Think Big” and” Think Creatively” in creating your future Communities and Cities!
About Brent Collingwood
Brent is the Executive Director of the River Valley Alliance (RVA) responsible for executing the Strategic Plan as approved by the Board and managing the day-to-day operations of the RVA. Brent holds a Bachelors degree in Physical Education and a Masters Degree in Education focused on leadership and change. Brent is an avid runner and enjoys nature photography.
About the River Valley Alliance (RVA) – 7 Municipalities, 1 Plan, 1 River Valley
The RVA was formed in 1996 by the seven founding shareholder municipalities bordering the Capital Region’s North Saskatchewan River: Town of Devon, Parkland County, Leduc County, City of Edmonton, Strathcona County, Sturgeon County and City of Fort Saskatchewan. On March 5, 2003, the RVA was incorporated as a not for profit company under Part Nine of the Companies Act of Alberta. In 2008, the RVA released its conceptual Plan of Action for one connected, continuous river valley after extensive public and stakeholder consultation.
Phase I
– A $90 million Capital Program brought to reality 13 projects including the creation of 70 km of new trails.
Phase II
– An additional $100 million Capital Program, will consist of another 13 projects including four pedestrian bridges, boat access points, a waterfront promenade, and the creation of 33 km of new trails.
It’s becoming a destination for travelers and for residents who want to live minutes away from the largest urban park in North America – the North Saskatchewan River Valley connects several cities with 100 km of walking and biking trails along the river. From running or biking up gravel paths to zigzagging across the river on the multiple number of pedestrian bridges – take it all in, spring, summer, winter and fall!
The largest urban park in North America connects seven municipalities. Over 100km of trails and bridges connects over 80,000 acres of contiguous natural parkland along the river. And the River Valley Alliance just opened a new boat launch – Take a quick peek at https://twitter.com/i/status/1161781169232285696
