EDMONTON – Newly-released city plans are aiming to give the west portion of Jasper Avenue a makeover.
The city announced the launch of the Imagine Jasper Avenue project at City Hall Tuesday afternoon. The project will see benches, lighting, trees, new sidewalks, and other amenities installed along Jasper Avenue, between 109 and 124 Streets.
The goal is to make Jasper Ave more pedestrian friendly, and is expected to be completed by 2020. Last year, City Council approved an investment of $20 million towards the project.
“There’s so much potential in Oliver to create a tremendous main street there, because there’s 20,000 people living in Oliver,” said Councillor Scott McKeen.
“It’s the highest-density community in Edmonton, and just by its nature, it’s very walkable.”
READ MORE: Jasper Ave reopens to traffic Wednesday
An east section of Jasper Ave was already the site of a streetscape project that started in the spring of 2012. The two-year streetscape project cost an estimated $20 million.
The work included replacing the central median with a five-lane roadway, adding turning lanes, creating wider, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, and adding new benches.
However, businesses claimed the construction hurt their bottom line and citizens posted photos of crumbling concrete on the newly-constructed Jasper Ave. streetscape at 101 Street.
READ MORE: Questions raised over Jasper Ave streetscape quality
“We really, as a city, have to pick up our game,” said McKeen in March 2014.
Edmonton’s downtown core is currently the site of a number of construction projects, including the new NHL arena.
READ MORE: Canada’s tallest building outside Toronto under construction in Edmonton
However, LRT construction on Jasper between 100 and 102 Streets has been delayed.
“Currently we are holding on that project,” said Satya Gadidasu, a transportation project manager with the city.
“Some additional work needs to be done, in order to see the requirements of the LRT roofing structure and all. So, it’s on hold.”
The high price tag for the Jasper Ave project may also be a cause of concern. Councillor McKeen acknowledged this on Wednesday, saying, “I am continually shocked by how little a million dollars seems to buy in the civic administration.”
McKeen said the cost of the project will be offset by the gains businesses will have once work is complete.
“An area that attracts people, because it’s one of those places where people just want to hang around, is going to be good for business.”
A community project launch will take place Wednesday. Two public workshops will be held on Wednesday evening to discuss the redevelopment. The workshops will both be at Christ Church on 102 Avenue, and will be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
An online survey will be launched Wednesday for locals to voice their opinions on the project.
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