Civics Update July 2023

📢 Discover the Power of Civic Engagement with Ritchie Community League! 🌟

From road safety to planning, development, and beyond, there are many topics and engagement opportunities for you to learn about and take action. Your voice can shape a brighter tomorrow for our community.

Read the project updates below to gain insights and learn how to actively participate in building a better future!

Ritchie Street Lab

The City of Edmonton compiled feedback received during the engagement period into a "What We Heard Report," available on the Engaged Edmonton page. The Safe Mobility engineering team will now develop a plan based on this feedback to install adaptable traffic-calming measures, aiming to address the traffic safety concerns in the community. Stay tuned for further updates on their progress with the goal of creating safer streets for everyone.

Active Transportation Improvements Program

The Ritchie Community League advocated for our community to be included in the Active Transportation Improvements program. You can learn more about this program here. The project team responded with the following highlights:

  • They are working on the Active Transportation Implementation Acceleration project to create a safe, connected network of active transportation routes.

  • They are prioritizing critical bike connections and considering high bike trip potential areas, including Ritchie.

  • Evaluation factors include connectivity, ridership potential, equity, safety, feasibility, and alignment with other projects.

  • The Missing and Enhanced Sidewalks Program has added the missing sidewalk connections in Ritchie to the inventory for future consideration.

  • The 76 Avenue Rehabilitation project is in its early stages, with stakeholder engagement planned for the fall.

  • Updates and information will be shared through the city's webpage, social media, and community communications.

  • They have requested a separate tour of the neighborhood to discuss these initiatives further.

This response shows that our advocacy is being heard, and the city is considering active transportation improvements in Ritchie. We will continue working with the project team to ensure our community's needs are met.

Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy

The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy (OSPRS) aims to reimagine parks, plazas, parking lots, sidewalks, alleys, and streets. Drafted design ideas for improvements are now available, with key updates and engagement opportunities.

  • Phase 2 What We Heard Report: The report on community design ideas is now available, providing insights and outlining the next steps for the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy.

  • Phase 3 Engagement: The start of Phase 3 engagement has been shifted to late summer or early fall, allowing more time for material development and planning engaging activities such as pop-ups, in-person gatherings, and virtual platforms for gathering input.

  • Old Strathcona Parking Study: This study offers information on on-street parking. Its findings will guide parking strategy changes to support public realm improvements and bus-based mass transit lanes on Whyte Avenue.

  • Affordable Housing: Proposals addressing affordable housing have been incorporated into the design ideas, with further discussions planned during Phase 3 engagement.