St. Albert’s first big foray into action on its downtown area redevelopment plan (DARP) will be the realignment of St. Anne Street.
Design work occurred this year and the proposed $4.18 million project is part of the capital budget for 2015. Council has not finalized the budget.
While the first phase of the realignment is the only item on the books for the 2015 capital budget, further projects look set to get underway in 2016 and beyond if the 10-year capital plan proceeds as currently drafted.
Council adopted the downtown area redevelopment plan in 2010 as a document to guide development in that area for the next 25 years.
It envisions open spaces, taller buildings and more people living downtown in a walkable area.
In 2016, multi-year projects such as the walking pathway called Cardinal Walk, the development of Millennium Park, Perron Street narrowing and pedestrian-friendly improvements and other projects could see approval sought from council.
Included on the capital budget radar for future years are improvements and changes for several downtown roads, downtown public parking structures cultural and market buildings. The projects could cost millions of dollars if they go ahead.
The plan notes redevelopment potential for the downtown area, including along the new part of St. Anne Street.
However, city administrative staff are currently reviewing the implementation schedule with an eye to reprioritize, said Sue Howard, capital projects manager with the city. They want to make sure the projects, if approved, proceed in a logical order.
“I can say this is the first project that we’re kind of kicking off with DARP, so it’s going to set the tone for the rest of it,” Howard said.
