That 17th-century proverb has more relevance today, for the residents surrounding to the proposed multi-building 20-plus-storey development proposed adjacent to the current BOTANICA residential complex, than ever before.
Although proponents of the development, such as Valerie Spink, may ‘wax eloquent’ about the supposed benefits of these types of structures (being 'environmentally concious’, being ‘walkable’ with many businesses close by, etc.), one has to wonder why she chose BOTANICA to live in as compared to the many more even more ‘walkable’ and densely populated developments within the City of Edmonton?
The cynic in me thinks that the proximity to the undisturbed small green space along the banks of the nearby Sturgeon River may have played a part in her decision, as well as the fact that looking out her balcony, she doesn’t have a view of a nearby residential tower with occupants looking back at her as do the residents of those aforementioned densified Edmonton developments have.
I can remember, not that many years ago, when walking on the Red Willow trail alongside the Sturgeon River was a very satisfying experience – almost having a sense of being in a natural undeveloped area. However, that is no longer the case with the multiple developments of condominium buildings popping up there.
If city council continually allows these type of developments to proceed, that area will soon be known as a "condo canyon".
"A place for everything and everything in its place."
Although there are areas in St. Albert suited for these types of high-rise buildings being built, being erected adjacent to neighbourhoods consisting of multiple single family residential homes, as well as the Red River Trail system/Sturgeon River is not the place for them to be.
Randy Kish, St. Albert
