City plans for review of the College Park neighbourhood for future redevelopment

“Historically, area redevelopment plans were something that was kind of done in the mid to late 90’s and hadn’t received a lot of attention. What we’re seeing is older areas of the community facing increased pressure for redevelopment and that’s exactly what these kinds of plans are intended to manage,” says Mayor Bill Given.

Land and infrastructure opportunities for the neighbourhood will be explored by the City based on the review, as well as guidance to provide both residential and commercial strengthening.

College Park is considered by the City as the area north of 100 Avenue, east of 106 Street, west of Muskoseepi Park and south of 104 Avenue. The review will also account for the commercial strip along 100 Avenue between 106 Street and Muskoseepi Park.

College Park Area Redevelopment Plan Boundary. Photo/ City of Grande Prairie

“Having good quality neighborhoods all across the city adds to the vibrancy and success of our community but additionally, the College Park area is actually pretty special when you think about it, being nestled right up against Muskoseepi Park and the College. The College is a huge economic driver for our region, it’s also a huge activity driver,” said Given.

The neighbourhood is considered a desirable location. Especially, when taking into account its close proximity and walking distance to the downtown.

The College Park area is predominately made up of single detached dwellings, due to the fact that when the existing plan was adopted on September 13, 1999, when the community was concerned about the appearance of multi-attached dwellings and the number of rental units within the neighbourhood.

With that, the current plan has restrictions on medium density development and does not permit semi-detached and duplex housing in the area. As a result, little redevelopment has occurred, and the neighbourhood’s housing stock has deteriorated over time.

The new review will explore the idea of allowing for a broad range of housing types, design standards and other neighbourhood enhancements to promote neighbourhood renewal.

The City wants to ensure that extensive citizen engagement is undergone throughout the project to create a long-term vision for the neighbourhood.

Given explains that the new College Park plan is something that the Swan City as a whole should be excited about as, “figuring out a way to manage the redevelopment pressures on the residential area of that neighborhood and guiding the future development of the area as a whole, is something that will benefit everybody.”

Multiple engagement sessions are being planned by the City with landowners, residents, business owners, municipal departments and external agencies to balance outcome desires.

Transit service and pedestrian amenities will be reviewed within the plan. In addition, alternative transportation such as Bicycle infrastructure will also be examined to ease traffic and parking impacts.

The total project cost will cover the hiring of an Engineering Consultant to evaluate the areas water and sanitary sewer capacity as well.

The Area Redevelopment Plan will be prepared by City Staff and take approximately 12 months to carry out.

Following the result of this review, Council intends to re-review the College Park Area Redevelopment Plan and all other area redevelopment plans every five years, to ensure that they are in line with updated policy directions.

The final draft will be presented to City Council for review at a future meeting.

by Courtney Almeida

City plans for review of the College Park neighbourhood for future redevelopment

Pro Tips