Recently Fort Saskatchewan and the reps for four of the counties around Emonton walked out on a meeting. Yesterday the Minister of Municipal affairs Ray Danyluk said he "would get involved". From a real estate perspective although I am a proud Edmontonian I believe we do need better leadership for planning park, recreation space and managing sprawl. Don’t get me wrong there have been major positives including the revitalization of Downtown and the forethought of the River Valley park system, but the systematic disappearance of historic buildings in Edmonton will forever haunt this city. The future is fast approaching and as Edmonton and the communities around Edmonton grow we have to find ways to not only manage our own growth but cooperate with the growth of others.
The following information is from the city of Edmonton’s Longwoods report. Some hi lites from this report are as follows.
"It is forecast that development of Alberta’s energy resources will continue to generate major growth throughout the province.
- According to the Alberta government, there are $30 billion in projects that are underway or proposed for the Edmonton region over the next five to 10 years.
- Over the next 10 years, the population of Greater Edmonton is expected to grow by almost 140,000 people.
Longwoods explored the perceptions of residents of Edmonton and region on this growth and concluded:
- An overwhelming majority of regional residents — 89 per cent — want more regional cooperation and decision-making.
- Only one in four (25 per cent) believe that there is an effective plan in place to manage growth.
- Two-thirds concurred with the statement, "Urban sprawl and uncontrolled development will ruin our area."
To see the whole report click here:
I think managing sprawl is very important. Places like Edmonton and Calgary are spreading out like an oil spill, and eventually the roads will be clogged. High density is the key.
I wish it was that simple. If it was the projects built in the 70′s in Philly, Baltimore and New York would should do but its more than that. Its providing a number of alternatives for housing, inspiring and relaxing public spaces and building communities that stand the test of time. High density is certainly a part of it but concrete jungles in and of themselves, won’t do it.