I was appalled by the proposed towers in the Oakmont Boudreau development. I understand the need for densification in general, but why are we allowing developers to propose that kind of density right on our river valley? 28-and 25-storey towers? Seriously? Build the towers over by the Enjoy Centre, or in the new areas like Jensen Lakes or Riverside, or north of Costco. Not shoehorned into a small established area with already congested roads, and right next to our little river.
It’s interesting that whenever I tell my Edmonton family and friends about this, they are all shocked. First, they can’t believe our little city even would build that high (keep in mind that the CN tower in Edmonton was the tallest building there for many years, and that’s around the same height), and then they can’t understand how that can even be suggested for along the river. When is our city going to establish some guidelines for what is built along the river? Or is the plan to wait until it’s all built in and up – with a nice row of towers and condo buildings looming over the riverbanks on both sides – and then just shrug and say there’s nothing they can do?
If St. Albert needs to “grow up, and put our big kid pants on” (as per Damon Davies’ letter), maybe we need to be like Edmonton and other big cities and actually have a vision for our river valley ... one that isn’t for sale to the highest bidder.
K. Van Hoof, St. Albert
