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ere t PLACEMAKING h W CITY-REGION STUDIES CENTRE STUDIES CITY-REGION PLACEMAKING FEATURES LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 10 AN INTRODUCTION TO PLACEMAKING: FINDING INSPIRATION FOR SPACES FROM THE PEOPLE WHO USE THEM Welcome to Curb Magazine! Curb deals with cities, city-regions and rural municipalities TOPICS by Micheal E. Williamson that face changing seasons, populations and pressures, and CURB APPEAL 2 Curb Magazine showcases practical innovations, successes that are grappling with the need for sustainability and resil- 12 GRAPPLING WITH GENTRIFICATION and best practices in Canadian planning. Direct from the ience through new partnerships and new approaches. We PLACEMAKING AND PLACE-IMAGES by Anne Stevenson City-Region Studies Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Curb is are looking for your interventions in key debates and needs. by Rob Shields part of a research unit that is almost unique in North America Whether it is walkability, density or socially-mixed housing, in its focus on city-regions and its broad-based interest in waste treatment or drainage, or municipal governance and 13 TAKING BACK THE PARK participatory approaches to community futures that are property law, many planners and administrators face similar HOUSING 4 by Michael Granzow socially equitable, innovative, sustainable and economically challenges of pushing innovation, new visions and sustainable UNAFFORDABLE CITY IN THE COUNTRY successful for their inhabitants. practices in risk-averse times. by Scott Varga 14 LESSONS FROM PETS IN THE PLACEMAKING PROCESS Drawing on our research and community of practice in the We are looking for your stories – 500 words on a key idea by Brittany Stares West and North, we now offer Curb as a forum for debate anchored with a compelling image, a high-res map or HOUSING CO-OPS: WE ARE GOING 5 and dissemination across the country and the border-states. diagram that gets your point across to fellow practitioners. We have chosen the magazine format as a highly visual TO HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT 15 DESIGNING CITIES FOR CYCLING: ROUTE DESIGNS Give us a shout, follow the City-Region Studies Centre on medium, something that can kick around a municipal office by Valary Howard TO MOTIVATE CYCLING AND REDUCE INJURIES Facebook and pass Curb around. by Kay Teschke, Meghan Winters and Anne Harris and go from hand to hand over several years. GOVERNANCE 6 17 A SPIRITUAL SPACE IN THE CREATIVE CITIES, CREATIVE SPACES CONTEMPORARY WORLD AND REGULATIONS by Mirette Khorshed, Omar Etman, Ahmad Abou Hendia, Rob Shields by Kerri Arthurs Rania Joseph, Karim Anwar and Hossam El-Masry Publisher CONNECTING THE PLAN TO THE COMMUNITY 8 18 MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: THROUGHOUT THE PLANNING PROCESS PLACEMAKING BY STORY-TELLING by Carolyn G. Loh by Caroline Andrew

CURB MAGAZINE 20 THE FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE PLACE smart thinking BRANDING AND THE “ATLAS” PROCESS PUBLISHER CITY-REGION STUDIES CENTRE by Mihalis Kavaratzis about communities Rob Shields, Director Faculty of Extension – City-Region Studies Centre, Enterprise Square 22 HALIFAX: HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS 2–184, 10230 Jasper Avenue University of Alberta by Kate MacLennan Edmonton, Alberta MANAGING EDITOR E-mail: [email protected] Brittany Stares Phone: 780.492.9957 24 CITY-BUILDING: BRINGING TORONTO’S WATERFRONT TO LIFE Fax: 780.492.0627 by Waterfront Toronto ART DIRECTION AND DESIGNER www.crsc.ualberta.ca Jasper Ave. www.crsc.ualberta.ca/CURB- PLACEMAKING IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF EUROPE: New Vision Orillia Iwona Faferek 26 magazine Downtown THE PURE HUBS PROJECT Tomorrow by Andreas Schulze Bäing and Alex Lord Transit Oriented Development FROM THE CRSC Urban Revitalization 28 DIALOGUE AROUND THE MID-RISE: INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER KEESMAAT Campus Planning Visioning Copright: University of Alberta and individual contributors St. Albert Downtown Area Sustainability 30 STRIP APPEAL IN PRACTICE: PETROLIA MALL Redevelopment Plan Disclaimer: The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein do not Master Planning necessarily reflect the views of the City-Region Studies Centre, Faculty of Extension or the University of Alberta Cover Image: Toronto’s Simcoe WaveDeck, courtesy of Waterfront Toronto urbanstrategies.com

Printed in Canada sort of interaction will we have? What to do if your region or community is What activities go on? What tagged as a “hell on earth” or “no man’s experiences can I have there? This advice applies whether one is dealing land” that no one wants to visit: with a street, a business development area, a neighbourhood, a region or • It is generally futile to simply publish images Placemaking a country. Make a virtue of these showing that the place is not really like that qualities that together turn simple GPS coordinates into meaningful places or to offer up contrasts. Global public opinion and Place-Images that people have deep emotional cannot be rebutted, but it can be developed connections to. Societies, communities • Make a virtue of the potential experiences by ROB SHIELDS and even sub-cultures embed their history and values in a landscape offering a tour through these activities. They anchor • Find an every worse place and leverage the and pass on values by building them into landscapes that tutor the bodies local image against that of the generations to come. • Be aware that other places are also engaged Placemaking necessarily involves in casting your region or community as having The essence of placemaking is Place-identities are the trading cards identity of a place is about identify- integrated approaches to planning a particular identity, for better or worse nurturing the unique qualities of a of public diplomacy and industrial ing how it fits into a spatial network: public spaces. This is because given site and the things one can do location decisions. The power of place- bigger and smaller places, places-for- successful places enable social • Bring the place into a closer relationship there. It’s all about how a location images can be so strong as to render this and places-for-that. Every culture vitality and interaction. Achieving this with other places so that it becomes part adds something special to activities non-conforming activities absurd – places activities in the locations that vivacity is, in part, facilitated by design of networks of meaningful activity. Strong and interaction. Placemaking is thus it’s hard not to “love” New York, or seem appropriate; the low is separated aesthetics and spatial planning, but opportunities exist to link placemaking to social and economic: it builds some- to explain that you fell “out of love” from the high, the sacred from the equally important is the capacity to thing extra onto raw geography. By with Paris. profane, the dirty from the clean. support and integrate with community. regional development casting a place as a place-for-this or For this reason, different groups strug- It is not by accident that in this issue Yet most placemaking is a scam or a place-for-that, these capacities and gle over the spatialization of activities. of Curb Magazine, articles on an effort to jump on a bandwagon. qualities of a region or site can be It is not only a question of religious placemaking are supported by Consultants imply that the reputations highlighted and advertised. However, sites but, at its worst, those moments contributions on housing, governance of cities and municipalities can be the actual identity of a place comes of disgust when one encounters a truly and participatory planning. created, changed and marketed. out in activity. An “identity” is an foreign culture. Understand that beau- Advertising produces pretty pictures, Despite its cultural and emotional of placemaking exercises, however, Rob Shields is Henry Marshall Tory Endowed abstraction, a story, a belief that tiful and beloved places almost spawn Research Chair at the City-Region Studies but placemaking is anchored in the qualities, the outcomes of placemaking depends upon resisting the temptation must be actualized, put into practice ugly and denigrated places. Centre, University of Alberta and Visiting Scholar actual experiences people have. It is are very real and tangible over the to oversimplify and recognizing that at Université de Paris V La Sorbonne. He has and performed. human-driven, not media-driven. It For this reason, marketing places long term. As placemaking expert the identity of places are as complex over 30 years of experience with placemaking. and regions internationally to foreign Katherine Loflin puts it, “loved places and dynamic as the people who shape His book Places on the Margin is one of the Too often, placemaking is understood often remains in the realm of collecting foundations for understanding place-images and too simplistically. It is either under- and retelling stories or publishing cultures is a tricky business: danger- do better,” both in terms of hard them. for marketing place. stood too abstractly as a matter of images, but the performative nature ous and forbidding mountains may economic outcomes and resilience as stories and pictures, or too concrete- of place-identity means that it has seem sublime to us, but another well as attracting talent. The success ly as a matter of sidewalk pavers and to be continually re-enacted. Place culture may prize more settled foothills colour schemes. Placemaking is as is related to activity, interaction and exhibiting the traces of human activity. much about liveability as branding, experience first; images and stories What may seem like an ugly gorge to marketing and real estate. Emotional are secondary. When the activities us may be a prized site of archeological ties as well as natural advantages of a place change, the place-identity remains or dinosaur bones that offer such as proximity to a market or changes to follow suit. unique and novel experiences. Place- a resource anchor the identity of making thus has a general rather Placemaking is relational. We under- places to actual locations. than specific audience: you can’t stand the identity of places in compari- please everyone. Placemaking and the identity of son and in contrast to other places. places are important as they are This is not just a matter of nearness If you are engaged in a placemaking part of the popular geopolitics and distance, but of image and identity. exercise, ask yourself: What can I and the public diplomacy of cities. Working with and developing the do there? Who will I meet and what

2 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 3 Harmony Housing demonstrates a successful effort to Unaffordable City address Abbotsford’s Housing Co-ops: housing issues by driving policy change while in the Country creating affordable We are Going to Have to SCOTT VARGA ownership options Talk About It Image: Iwona Faferek Image: Cherie Enns VALARY HOWARD

There is trouble in the Valley. That A successful development and planning mortgage loan insurance flexibilities. Housing cooperatives across Canada $300,000 more than in other areas of rental support agreements. As CHF problem is the availability of affordable initiative in Abbotsford that looked to Policy stipulations, such as the Resale exist to offer democratic control the city. Taxes have increased greatly Canada’s David Spackman points housing in Abbotsford, British Colum- create an affordable housing option Control Agreement, set specific by members in an environment of and our co-op duplexes now require out, “municipalities can take direct bia, the “City in the Country” located in while driving policy change is Harmony covenants between the developer and affordable housing. At the Calgary substantial renovations to remain in action on local homelessness issues, B.C.’s Fraser Valley. An agricultural Housing. Completed in June 2010, the Provincial Rental Housing Corpora- AGM of the Co-op Housing Federation good condition. long-term affordable housing for hotbed since 1892, Abbotsford has seen Harmony Housing was developed to tion (PRHC) to ensure Harmony Housing of Canada (CHF), Deputy Mayor Jian- low-income families, seniors on fixed The operating agreements between immense population growth over the target below-median income earners maintains its affordability. This restric- Carlo Curra greeted the audience income and others marginalized in housing co-operatives and the past three decades, and with it, a steep while creating affordable housing for tive covenant states that re-sales of by noting that housing co-ops are the commercial housing market,” Canadian Mortgage and Housing increase in the cost of housing. Home- 22 households. The project consists of units must be at 20% below fair market the “neighbourhood within the and he cites the need for support from Corporation (CMHC) will end for lessness has become an increasingly 11 townhouse units, each 3 stories value (FMV) based on real estate neighbourhood,” a key component a much wider tax base. Federal and many co-ops in 2017. This means visible problem for Abbotsford along containing full, ground floor suites that appraisal and creates an option for of community-building. Co-ops can provincial negotiations must begin we will not receive subsidy from the with other associated social deficien- provide rental income for the home- PRHC to purchase an affordable unit if provide opportunities for aging- shortly as housing subsidies have government to support those unable cies. owner. This design increases accessibil- it is sold, rented or used in breach of in-place and many are supportive expired in some co-ops already and to pay full housing charge. Mixed- ity-convenience options for elderly or the covenant. Additionally, the owner of environmentally sustainable an increasing number will do so Zoning plays a major role in affordable income is one of the benefits of disabled individuals while expanding cannot own other property, and the initiatives, such as solar heating. within the next three years. housing in Abbotsford. 71% (266km2) of the co-op and supports members the possibility of retiring-in-place. owner must live and work in Abbotsford. the city’s land base is zoned for agricul- who need full or partial subsidy, or Such cities as Edmonton have The concept of “flex housing,” according Similar policy mechanisms have been tural use, with 16% (60km2) allocated abatement. Those who are able pay important and ambitious policies to CMHC, is a housing concept that enacted in such places as Whistler, B.C. “we need to decide as for residential. The agricultural land is full charge, well below market rate, to end homelessness. Although incorporates, at the design and con- protected by a policy that is rare to Harmony Housing demonstrates a and those struggling financially pay Edmonton has made progress in struction stage, the ability to make a community how we Canada called the Agricultural Land successful effort to address Abbots- less. This arrangement has benefited relation to its homelessness initiative, future changes easily and with mini- Reserve (ALR), which works to prioritize ford’s housing issues by driving policy are going to continue single parents, graduate students, there is a sector of the population mum expense while meeting the agricultural activities on designated change while creating affordable owner- those with mental and other illnesses, whose need will be made plain when evolving needs of its occupants. The lands. Although there has been a ship options for previous long-term supporting those who young families and those recently their mortgages are paid out. project was initiated by a memorandum weakening of the ALR, specifically in renters. The success of Harmony separated. However, the crunch is of understanding (MOU) between CMHC need it” We are going to have to talk about it. the Fraser Valley, as economic develop- Housing is apparent not only by the fact coming when we may not be able and the City of Abbotsford as develop- ment initiatives work to extract valuable it fills a dire need in the Fraser Valley, to maintain the range of incomes ment policy and design guidelines for Valary Howard works in community development land from ALR-zoned lands, the but also its recognition as a Finalist for My own co-op is in a much-desired we now have. In the past, housing and has lived in housing co-ops across Canada. the proposed flex housing site were Provincial Agricultural Land Commis- the 2011 Real Estate Foundation Awards location in the river valley near charges were low and families with created. sion in charge of the ALR does require by industry peers. Most importantly, the the centre of Edmonton. When the two incomes were happy to support local and regional governments to Amendments to the official community Harmony project demonstrates how co-op was formed and built over subsidy; it was a condition of our plan according to ALR policy. plan (OCP) and zoning policy were vital collaboration between government 30 years ago, the location was mortgage. Now, however, we need

required to secure the flex housing at multiple levels and private sector is less desirable and people weren’t to decide as a community how we are According to B.C. Stats, Abbotsford’s concept and to support Abbotsford’s in developing affordable housing inclined to buy homes unless they going to continue supporting those current population is 141,000. While the affordable housing policy on future projects and successful cities. didn’t have much money, or had a who need it. Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corpo- projects that encourage a broad range historical tie. Now it is common to ration (CMHC) states that Abbotsford’s Recently in Vancouver, mayors of of housing options. CMHC provided Scott Varga’s professional and academic have new condos selling for around average price for a new house is experience is rooted in architecture, design, Canada’s largest municipalities urged $40,000 in seed funding to the private $1,000,000. Lots are so expensive $625,078, a steady increase of demand urban planning and visual communications. provincial and federal governments to sector developer, and Harmony Housing He is currently pursuing his MA at the University that even modest homes sell for while racing to keep up the supply has meet to address the issue of expiring homeowners benefited from CMHC of Alberta. driven housing costs to be nearly unbearable.

4 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 5 Creative Cities, Creative Spaces and Regulations KERRI ARTHURS

and application processes. Others a better understanding of how are changing the nature of collabora- regulations impact creative community tion and collectivity within artist-run development in their jurisdictions, culture by expanding their program- as well as the strategies that artists ming and operations models to include and arts administrators employ to full-time directors and curators who sustain their operations in a challeng- One of the most iconic varieties of land resources through comprehensive Development Services, Licensing and have the professional experience to ing policy context. This insight will cultural spaces in Canada are artist- rezoning to transform an obsolescent Inspections, Planning, Engineering manage the complexity of the regula- help to ensure that communities can run centres. Characterized as flexible industrial landscape into a high- and the Park Board. tory compliance. retain the strength and diversity of spaces created, curated and operated amenity and high-density public realm, Recent research in Vancouver revealed their cultural assets and that civic by artists devoted to producing new attracting entrepreneurs, creative Support from local governments can that the number of outdated and regulations are not barriers to the and experimental art forms, artist-run service workers and knowledge indus- help artists and arts administrators onerous regulations, the complexity development of culturally vibrant, centres emerged in many Canadian try specialists to a variety of housing, navigate the regulatory approvals of regulatory applications and approv- sustainable and creative cities. cities in the 1970s and offered oppor- recreational and leisure amenities process and requirements for als processes, and the time and tunities for creative expression among in the downtown core. Vancouver operating cultural facilities. In the monetary costs associated with their Kerri Arthurs is currently Assistant Program artistic producers of all disciplines. has since pursued innovative and City of Vancouver, this is reflected Leader at the University of British Columbia completion often impact artists’ abili- Today, they continue to provide unique collaborative approaches to cultural in the programs and planning work (UBC) Centre for Cultural Planning and ties to achieve bylaw and regulatory Development. Her research and professional opportunities for artists to experi- planning, approving the Creative City: of municipal Cultural Services staff, compliance. These outcomes can work experience address cultural planning and ment and master new techniques, Culture Plan for Vancouver 2008-2018 who provide a comprehensive range cultural facilities development across North be compounded for the artists who find encouragement among peers and and Cultural Facilities Priorities Plan of supports to strengthen the ability America and internationally. manage artist-run centres and may mentors, and connect with audiences 2008-2023. of the cultural community to deliver 1 have limited experience with the key For more on this, see Evans, G.L. (2009). From by means of exhibitions and live perfor- cultural programming to residents cultural quarters to creative clusters: Creative Regulations also play an influential regulatory attributes required to oper- mances. Artist-run centres have also and visitors. An assessment of the spaces in the new city economy. In M. Ledger role in creative community develop- ate such spaces, or whose cultural (Ed.), The sustainability and development of become catalysts in the development by-laws and regulatory processes ment, providing the context for activities may not necessary reflect cultural quarters: International perspective of cultural districts in the inner city, impacting Vancouver’s creative sectors (pp. 32-59). Stockholm: Institute of Urban cultural planning and the development what is permitted or prescribed by including Cité Multimedia in Montreal’s also led to the launch of the Regulatory History. of cultural infrastructure, as well the land uses and regulatory policies. redeveloping industrial waterfront Review on Live Performance Venues 2 policy framework within which local In some cases, venues have been For more information on the City of Vancouver district and the Liberty Hall complex in in 2009. The purpose of the Review Regulatory Review for Live Performance governments realize their social, forced underground - operating Toronto, both of which became natural was to enable the sustainable creation Venues, see: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/ cultural and economic development outside of the regulatory system - LivePerformanceRegulatoryReviewOverview_ incubators for small enterprises initi- and operation of live performance objectives. In Canada, regulations or have been driven into inappropriate -2011.pdf. ated by artists and designers following venues by improving the City’s are mandated at the provincial and neighbourhoods, if not out of the the closure of former factories and regulatory systems2. municipal levels and include the civic city altogether. industrial warehouses1. policies, bylaws, guidelines and other In light of these challenges, artists As cities and regions become cultural Today, municipal policies and plan- requirements regulating the uses and arts administrators use several and creative destinations, local govern- ning initiatives shape the context in and activities of cultural spaces. strategies to ensure the continued ments must recognize the influence of which artist-run centres develop and At the local level, these regulations operation of their spaces. Some draw civic regulations in shaping the context continue to operate. In Vancouver, are often fragmented between various upon information and support from in which the talent, diversity and British Columbia, the Central Area departments, including Cultural other non-profit gallery operators to creativity of the cultural community Plan (approved in 1991) reallocated Services, Fire and Rescue, Police, understand regulatory requirements can thrive. This may require that planners and policymakers acquire Images: Grunt Gallery, (right) Henri Robideau

6 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 7 Master Plan 1 Visioning Process Goals The Four Potential Disconnects in the Planning Process Connecting the Plan to the Community Each dashed arrow represents a point where the planning process could break down. Preferences of Throughout the Planning Process 2 Plan Community at large Writing CAROLYN G. LOH 3 Zoning and 4 Master Plan Local Ordinance Implementation Government Other Enforcement Development Steps Actions Ordinances

During the years I worked at a officials don’t move the implementa- text to include language recommend- planning consulting firm, providing tion process forward, development ed in the plan. Finally, officials Adapted from author’s original image in: Loh, Carolyn G. (2012). Four Potential planning services to suburban and outcomes are much less likely to enforce the zoning ordinance through Disconnects in the Community Planning Process. Journal of Planning Educa- tion and Research, 32(1), 33-47. rural communities in southeast reflect the original vision. the site plan approval process and Michigan, I saw a lot of dismayed monitoring and enforcement efforts. In North America, the planning planning commissioners. They would process usually works as follows: Within such a complex process be presented with a proposed project planning commissioners or planning involving so many actors, there are achieved, the zoning ordinance itself community identify one staff person that didn’t seem to fit well with staff organize some sort of community four main opportunities for things must be amended to reflect what is who is in charge of guiding the plan existing development patterns, only input process, such as a visioning to go awry. First, the goals and called for in the plan. Often, this does through the entire implementation to realize that their comprehensive session, a charrette, a series of public objectives may fail to accurately not happen due to a lack of awareness process. This person should keep plan allowed, and even encouraged, meetings or even a survey, through reflect what people want. The locality of what exactly needs to be done, poor track of where the plan is in the such development. Not wanting to which they can gather the ideas and might not have conducted a visioning communication between appointed process, who is responsible for each risk a lawsuit, they would reluctantly values of stakeholders. Planning process, due to a lack of funds or and elected officials and, sometimes, implementation task, which tasks approve the development. staff then translate this feedback interest. The public turnout at events a lack of political will to actually have been completed and whether Why was this happening? Why didn’t into a series of goals and objectives. might have reflected only certain change the law. the end result seems to be what was intended (if not, the plan should be the plans represent the community portions of the population or favoured Finally, assuming the ordinances amended). This implementation officer vision, as they were supposed to, and elites. Sometimes, community division are now such that they would allow could make regular reports to the why were the planning commissioners over vital issues would ensure that the kinds of decisions that would planning commission on the plan’s stuck recommending approval any one version of a plan would anger implement the community vision, “there are a few identifiable progress. Attention to connecting the for developments that seemed to a large portion of the community. planners, planning commissioners four potential disconnects can ensure go against what they had intended? places where the planning and legislators must enforce them Next, the plan itself may not be up that all of the effort of stakeholders, through zoning decisions, the site plan In studying planning processes in process is more likely to to the task of guiding future land use officials and staff to create a docu- review process and monitoring for detail in four communities with break down, resulting in a decisions to help create the vision ment that will guide development compliance. If they do not, all the varying levels of planning capacity of that community. The goals and decisions does in fact help to produce failure to translate the previous work will have been wasted. and growth pressure, I found that objectives may do a good job of a community of which they can be there are a few identifiable places community’s vision into reflecting community preferences, At every step of the way, it takes real proud. where the planning process is more actual development“ but the plan writers might fail to effort to move the process forward. likely to break down, resulting in include any detailed implementation The easiest course is to do nothing, Carolyn G. Loh is Assistant Professor in the a failure to translate the community’s steps to move the process forward. Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the result often being a built environ- Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. vision into actual development. Alternatively, perhaps the plan Planning staff and planning commis- ment that fails to resemble the I call these places the four potential includes implementation steps, but, 1 See Loh, Carolyn G. (2012). Four Potential sioners write a plan to guide future community vision on which stakehold- “disconnects”1. Each time there is a if followed, they would not produce Disconnects in the Community Planning government action. After appointed ers, commissioners and staff worked Process. Journal of Planning Education and “handoff” in the planning process, the desired outcomes. and elected officials approve the plan, hard to agree. Research, 32(1), 33-47. either between bodies or individuals they implement it, both by making Even if the implementation steps in charge of a part of the process or To avoid dropping the baton and to land use decisions that conform to are well-constructed, in many places, between documents, there is the keep the process going, it helps to be the goals and future land use map plan documents are advisory only. potential for the baton of implementa- aware of the potential for problems and by amending the zoning ordinance For certain planning goals to be Images: CRSC tion to get dropped. If planners and at each stage. I suggest that each

8 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 9 begin envisioning sites throughout HAVE LOTS OF THINGS TO DO Most importantly, we must remember the city in a new and beautiful light. As simple as this sounds, it is surpris- that good spaces are inspired by the An Introduction to Placemaking: They see new uses for underutilized ing how often highly-designed spaces people who use them. This is the key spaces. They imagine businesses, do not follow this rule. Good spaces to the entire placemaking process. developments, gatherings and meeting do not just have benches or function We need to design spaces that are Finding Inspiration for Spaces from neighbours. The phrase “be the change solely on one day of the week. They created by the people, not dictated you wish to see in the world” takes offer a variety of opportunities ranging to them. on a new meaning. from sitting or viewing art to shopping, the People Who Use Them Achieving this requires patience, eating, gardening and more. Activities and often small-scale improvements, will attract people to a space, and a WHAT IS THE DESIGNER’S ROLE? experimentation and listening to a variety of activities will attract them MICHEAL E. WILLIAMSON When it comes to interpreting commu- variety of (potentially conflicting) more often. nity desires and prioritization lists, viewpoints. Keeping the focus on how we often fall upon our prior design BE COMFORTABLE AND ATTRACTIVE the public will engage with a space experience or technical education. Designers often get this one right. We may also mean slowing down the However, the most important thing all enjoy aesthetically-pleasing spaces, design process and allowing places to remember is that these spaces are but also include comfortable places to to evolve into spaces that speak to WHAT IS PLACEMAKING? for people - not only the people who sit and enjoy such places, with proper the people who inhabit them. use them today, but also those who lighting and ensuring safety. These will 1960s when the automobile was taking and certain stakeholders, such as Placemaking is a multi-faceted might do so in the future. Designers not only attract people to the space, Micheal E. Williamson is a Design Consultant over city planning principles, designers youths, transients or homeless people, with Stantec Consulting Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta, approach to planning and design can work with the community to: but allow them to stay longer. like Jane Jacobs expressed concerns may not come to the table, nor even where he is engaged in creating spaces that that capitalizes on a community’s articulate the needs of everyday users. and ideas about how cities should be be invited. Being flexible in the range PROMOTE SOCIABILITY The places BE ACCESSIBLE Public spaces need assets, ideas, knowledge and abilities. By bringing these factors together, designed for people - that “there must of stakeholders included and then where you meet your friends when to be easily accessible by everyone. this approach can create public be eyes upon the street” and “side- finding common ground is key for you’re on a walk, or the places that If the public is unaware that a space spaces that encourage healthy living walks must have users.” To achieve these different needs and dreams come to mind when you want to give is for them, it is highly unlikely that and a stronger sense of community. Jacobs’ (and many other visionaries’) to be consolidated and presented a community tour. Like all successful they will hunt it out and the space will The most important element of the aim of creating great public places, it in a cohesive vision for the space - public spaces, these offer a variety go neglected. placemaking approach is to involve is essential to embrace the collective one that helps the community prioritize of experiences and allow for many the people who use - or want to use knowledge of those who live, work and how to achieve both large and small different user groups to inhabit a - the space. Placemaking helps people play there. By doing so, placemaking improvements. space at the same time. gives the community ownership of create memories of events and later These prioritization lists often begin the space, making them safer, better cherish those memories as they simply, evolving from the positive traits maintained and more frequently used. recall them with future generations. of a community. Stakeholders can draw

While the term “placemaking” has upon these traits to inspire enhance- become en vogue in recent years to HOW DOES PLACEMAKING WORK? ments to underused spaces or to explain how spaces emerge, it is not The multi-faceted placemaking better understand the need for new an entirely new concept. Back in the approach involves identifying issues, ones. When a community comes framing questions and genuinely together to ask for something they’re listening to the people who use the missing – say, a new greenspace or space. This includes not only those a basketball court - they may not who live and work in a place, but understand what their desire repre- those who play, shop and socialize sents. In other words, they might not there (or want to) as well. The goal is understand the larger need they are to discover the needs and dreams of lacking but know some sort of change all stakeholders. At the risk of over- is needed. These bigger-picture needs simplifying, this process is a tricky one. might be places for people to socialize, Stakeholder engagement is inherently to sit, to engage, to appreciate art, to play... and so much more. Once the imperfect; radically different visions Image: The LIVINGbridge in downtown Edmon- may exist for the site, political interests dialogue starts, it is truly inspiring for ton is turning an abandoned rail bridge into an these groups to imagine the possibili- urban public garden and green space. Inspired may limit the range of options deemed by urban designers to beautify the city, the possible or acceptable for the site, ties for the places they inhabit. They bridge is intended to become a destination for relaxation, to provide sightlines of downtown, to engage citizens through collaborative garden maintenance and to support local food produc- tion. Courtesy of the LIVINGbridge team.

10 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 11 Grappling with Gentrification Taking Back the Park ANNE STEVENSON MICHAEL GRANZOW

Within every successful revitalization on fixed incomes who may be unable tently pushed out of areas that have Image: Michael Granzow project lies the potential for gentrifica- to support rising property taxes as the the best access to services and public tion. Yet while this fact is well-known value of their property increases, or transportation, municipalities will have to planners, the tools at our disposal protect the supply of affordable market to work harder and spend more to reach Every city has them: the rough neigh- ing a popular destination, thanks to and describe the people who engage in to address this predictable pattern are rental units. these populations. The local economy bourhoods, sketchy street corners or the new water feature.”2 In representa- these activities (in this case, homeless relatively few. also suffers if businesses are unable dangerous parks – places waiting to tions such as this, “street” people were people) as illegitimate park users. Housing costs are not the only thing to attract workers due to high housing be “revitalized.” In my home city of produced as illegitimate, as other than Gentrification describes the displace- that can make a neighbourhood inac- In short, a revitalized Galt Gardens costs, or if local shops are unable to Lethbridge, Alberta, the most infamous “the public.” They were portrayed as ment of lower-income residents with cessible. Many distressed areas are was produced, both discursively and remain viable in the face of rising rents. of these places was Galt Gardens, a barriers to placemaking and objects more affluent households. A typi- characterized by low-rent commercial materially, as a space for only a downtown public park with a bad of a cleansing strategy. cal pattern of gentrification has been streets that often do not meet the needs An additional approach would be to narrowly-defined public, one that reputation. The park was known as a observed in cities across the world. It of the local population. A typical example consider the tools we already use around excludes the city’s most impoverished regular hangout for homeless people often begins when artists move into a would be a street with heavy concen- housing affordability and apply them residents, who, according to scholars and, in particular, Aboriginal homeless “from whom must the distressed area in order to take advan- trations of pawn shops but no grocery more holistically. For example, the prac- such as Jeremy Waldron, are the very people. Even as a child, before ever tage of the lower rents offered. Their stores. An initial uplift in local retail can tice of providing affordable housing could people who need public spaces the having set foot in Galt Gardens, the park public reclaim their cultural contributions lead to an uplift be beneficial in providing more diverse potentially be expanded to consider the most. Despite the fact that Galt Gardens held a meaningful place in my imagina- in the area, and young professionals and vibrant shopping streets, but it can concept of affordable retail, focusing rightful park? ” continued to be a public space, its tion as troublesome, threatening and, begin to move in during the second just as quickly fall to the other extreme on small-scale commercial space that revitalization was marked by exclusion- significantly, as “the Indian park.” wave of gentrification. The last step in where boutique shops fail to serve would allow local businesses to thrive. The revitalization of Galt Gardens ary practices and discourses that the process is the arrival of investors, daily needs or are out of the price As with many placemaking initiatives, involved a number of changes to the defined certain people as outside of “ Many of these tools require direct who purchase still-affordable land with range for many. the ostensible goal of the Galt Gardens design of the park; like the discursive the public” for whom the park was economic and political interventions that the expectation of its value increasing revitalization was to bring more people constructions, these too delineated ostensibly made in the first place. Addressing gentrification can seem are often outside the scope of planners further in time. While this dynamic can to the park. As one Lethbridge Herald particular kinds of users and uses. daunting as it often appears to be an alone. Yet it is important to remember Born from the ashes of the large-scale occur without any external interference, article reported, “increased use of the For example, the revitalization coincided inevitable outcome of our social and that, at base, gentrification is a prod- and abstract modernist planning of the city policies and investment in large- park by city residents is predicted, with the removal of a number of nearby economic system. At the most extreme, uct of high quality urban spaces being 19th and 20th centuries, placemaking scale public works, such as LRT expan- and with 24-hour security and regular public benches. These benches, some there are those who suggest that until overvalued for their rarity. In that sense, has come to emphasize inclusive, sion or infrastructure upgrades, can police patrols via foot and cycle officers, of the busiest in the downtown, were there is social equity, gentrification is planners have a fundamental role to play grassroots planning initiatives intended play into the land value equations that the public will be able to take back removed to discourage “negative users” inevitable. Yet incremental innovations in averting gentrification by ensuring to make public spaces more “people can lead to gentrification. the park.”1 But from whom must the from loitering. Meanwhile, as benches could be made to existing tools that that great placemaking becomes friendly.” However, despite the lip public reclaim their rightful park? were being removed across the street Currently, the most common approach would provide greater balance between the rule, rather than the exception. service so often given to the goal of Undertaking a research project on how from the park, new ones were being to ensuring affordability in revitalizing the benefits and downsides of revitaliza- inclusivity, parks and other urban public the park was re-imagined and re-made installed within its borders. Significantly areas is the provision of affordable hous- tion without requiring large-scale Anne Stevenson is an urban planner who lives spaces continue to be produced in ways and works in Edmonton. through discourse, it became increas- narrower than their predecessors, ing. This can be done through a variety of social reorganization. that often exclude homeless people and ingly clear over the course of my study these new benches made sitting for mechanisms, including direct developer other marginalized citizens. In the case A first step would be to articulate the that the “negative users” (a term long periods of time uncomfortable contributions or special purpose housing of Galt Gardens, the discursive and practical ramifications of gentrification employed by interviewees to describe and lying down for a nap impossible. associations. While this approach can material transformation of the park that undermine a city’s bottom line. visitors deemed problematic) that were be successful, it does not necessarily The new park benches effectively from a place of vagrants to a place filled If vulnerable populations are consis- preventing “our” enjoyment of Galt address the problem of existing owners enforce the boundary between legiti- with recreational middle-class users Gardens were, by and large, homeless mate and illegitimate uses of public was, in a sense, the loss of the park people. This was made clearer in space. Exclusion of a group by force itself. another Herald article, this one pub- (removing them physically) becomes lished shortly after the completion Michael Granzow is a PhD student in Sociology at exclusion of affordances in the realm of the park’s revitalization: “Long a the University of Alberta. of urban design. There is, in the end, popular hangout for the city’s street 1 little difference: both communicate From the Lethbridge Herald (June 21, 2007) population and largely avoided by the 2 From the Lethbridge Herald (July 9, 2008) illegitimate ways of using the park, public, Galt Gardens is quickly becom-

12 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta Image: Iwona Faferek CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 13 Lessons from Pets in the Designing cities for cycling: Placemaking Process ROUTE DESIGNS TO MOTIVATE CYCLING BRITTANY STARES AND REDUCE INJURIES Image: Brittany Stares KAY TESCHKE, MEGHAN WINTERS and ANNE HARRIS

I recently attended a talk in Calgary on permitted pets,3 a trend mirrored refused due to noise, smell or potential placemaking, where a young woman across North America. for damage. However, studies suggest shared her story with the crowd. After that tenants stay longer in pet-friendly The lack of pet-friendly housing in moving from Ontario only months before residences (46 months as opposed to Calgary – at the same time as the North Americans love going to Europe – as separated or protected bike lanes) Three types of bike facilities to accept her dream job in Calgary, she 18 months) and are willing to pay City has invested in pet-friendly public we come back with memories of cafés, are provided along busy city streets, that best motivate cycling and was leaving the city. The reason? She 20-30% more to accommodate their spaces and committed to attracting small shops, people in the streets. serving destinations such as offices, reduce injuries: couldn’t find housing close enough to pets.4 Additionally, pets can increase newcomers – speaks to a broader Danish architect and urban design shops and schools. downtown that accommodated her dog. a building’s security and subsequent occurrence that is all too common in expert Jan Gehl calls these “people desirability. Articulating these benefits, We conducted two studies as part of Placemaking consultant Katherine “placemaking.” Frequently, placemak- places,” and says transportation modes while couching them in placemaking our Cycling in Cities research program Loflin reports a growing trend of young ing projects employ incremental (and are vital to create the atmosphere. discussion, could be useful for all in Canada. One asked the opinions of 1 The best places invite people to walk people choosing place before jobs. This marketable) strategies with such aims 1400 current and potential cyclists about parties involved. and cycle. means that a strong economic profile as making a community more beautiful, what motivated or deterred cycling and may no longer be enough to attract or walkable or usable, but overlook the A quick search of Calgary downtown In Canada and the United States, the what kinds of routes (illustrated with retain new talent. As man’s best friend, foundations of corresponding housing apartment buildings confirmed the walking mode share is about half of that pictures) they would like to cycle on. pets play a vital if not understated role forms or accessibility. At heart, place- difficulty this young Ontario woman in Europe (~10% of trips versus ~ 20%). The second study looked at almost 700 in cultivating place attachment. making is about liveability. As a lack of would have had finding pet-friendly The difference in cycling mode share is injured cyclists and determined which of Pet ownership provides psychological affordable housing can turn a commu- housing close to work. Ironically, Install cycle tracks alongside busy or even greater. In North America, cycling is 15 route types increased or decreased high-speed streets. benefits that can underpin the develop- nity stagnate or drive out the low-in- downtown Calgary otherwise offers a sub-culture dominated by young men, injury risks. ment of positive emotional ties to place. come or creative residents who made it some of the city’s best amenities for and 1-2% of trips are made by bike. In Dog parks in particular engage users attractive in the first place, a shortage What we found is great news for pet-owners: it is the hub of one of the northern European countries such as in public spaces and contribute to a of pet-friendly housing limits the ability transportation planners: most pet-friendly public transit systems Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Neth- sense of community. These benefits of people to engage in urban spaces in Canada and borders an extensive erlands and Sweden, people of all ages • On average, all types of cyclists have not gone unrecognized by urban with their pets, and for some users, river pathway and parks system. and abilities cycle, and 10-40% of trips (regular, occasional and potential) planners; indeed, the City of Calgary to engage in them at all. Without As city officials turn to placemaking to are by bike despite winters that are simi- prefer the same kinds of routes: bike- boasts “the largest number of off-leash adequate attention paid to the availabil- achieve economic objectives, we must lar to those in most of North America. specific facilities, including cycle tracks, areas and combined amount of off- ity of appropriate housing forms (be it remember that the presence of great Importantly, cycling is also safer in bike routes on residential streets and leash space in North America,” and has pet-friendly, family-friendly and so public spaces alone is not enough to these European countries, with fatality off-street bike paths. These routes are engaged in extensive public consulta- forth), the success of any placemaking Make residential streets quiet with traffic create – nor derive the benefits of – rates one-half to one-fifth of those in preferred by men and women, young and tion to expand or improve these areas.2 projects that would reach these diversion and speed limits ≤ 30 km/h. a strong sense of place. For placemak- North America. old. This means that if cities build these populations is limited. bike facilities, they will appeal to existing But while planners have supported ing projects to reach their full potential, We wanted to understand these differ- Successful placemaking not only cyclists and encourage new ones. pet-friendly spaces in the public realm, the constant impact of private spaces ences and see whether they might be requires a more holistic approach, these efforts are undermined by a lack on the use of and experience in public related to the transportation infrastruc- • The routes that people want to cycle but also expanding the range of actors of such spaces in the private realm. spaces must be considered. This is a ture. In North America, cities tend to on are also safer, so building routes recognized as The shortage of pet-friendly housing is placemakers. As city lesson all aspiring placemakers can provide off-street paths for recreational that motivate cycling will also reduce reflected not only in the anecdotal officials work with developers in draw from. cycling. Elsewhere, along the roads to injury risk. Safety concerns are a major experiences such as that mentioned revitalizing sites to achieve placemaking Brittany Stares is the Managing Editor of Curb commuting destinations, there is often deterrent to cycling and cycling is safer above, but also in the numbers: the aims, property management and rental Magazine. no cycling infrastructure at all. Mean- when more people do it, so building safe Calgary Humane Society reports that companies, as well as individual 1 while, in countries like Denmark and infrastructure is a great way to start a Calgary Soul of the City speakers series, Sept 26, 2012 Off street, provide paved paths for bikes only nearly a quarter of its surrenders in landlords, of existing residential sites 2 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/ the Netherlands, extensive bike facilities positive feedback loop. and keep them obstacle-free with clear recent years were the result of owners can be similarly engaged. In the case Dog-off-leash-areas-in-parks.aspx (especially “cycle tracks,” also known sightlines. being unable to find housing that of pet-friendly housing, pets are often 3 http://www.calgaryhumane.ca/document.doc?id=128 4 Ibid

14 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 15 “Building a consistent network of these facilities will promote A Spiritual Space in the Our research points to three types of bike facilities to best motivate cycling and travel to destinations in busy Contemporary World reduce injuries (see previous page). Build- ing a consistent network of these facilities city centres, to neighbourhood will promote travel to destinations in busy MIRETTE KHORSHED, OMAR ETMAN, AHMAD ABOU HENDIA, city centres, to neighbourhood shops and shops and schools, and through schools, and through parks and scenic RANIA JOSEPH, KARIM ANWAR and HOSSAM EL-MASRY areas. This is exactly the approach that parks and scenic areas” northern European cycling countries have Spiritual spaces can create place spaces for congregations, while for city planners would allow for the coher- taken over the last four decades. attachment and cultivate individual purely meditative purposes, the main ent, synchronized inclusion of spiritual well-being, as well as often provide a challenge is creating a peaceful envi- spaces at locations where they would Luckily, cities across North America are Some municipalities worry that building base for programs and services that ronment that de-contextualizes its be most accessible and needed. starting to change. The “complete streets” cycle tracks is more expensive than support community stability. In an users from the hustle and noise of its philosophy is influencing planners to provide painted bike lanes. A few simple changes By creating spaces that emphasize the increasingly fast and stressing world, surroundings. safe and efficient transportation space for common ground between people instead in approach can provide the much safer our connection to these spaces can all road users. Some of the largest cities in Initially envisioned for a specific site of the points of difference, opportuni- and preferred facilities for low cost. erode, and scarce empty land plots in the United States, including New York and in Cairo but applicable to virtually any ties exist to not only overcome chal- busy downtown cores limit the potential Chicago, have set aggressive targets for city in the world, our shortlisted design lenges of limited space, but also to to bring new spiritual spaces to where increased cycling and, to meet them, have accommodated the three main religions nurture emotional ties to place for users people are spending much of their time. launched programs to construct extensive in Egypt – Judaism, Christianity and attracted by the site’s projected concepts networks of cycle tracks. Canadian cities are Challenged by anonymous.d’s Spiritual.d Islam – within a vertical tower. The final of unity and peace. In a time where also changing. Examples include Montreal architectural competition to rede- morphology of the building is the result the diversity of a city’s inhabitants has with a system of cycle tracks throughout its fine and reinterpret the meaning of a of three cores of prayer spaces - repre- increased – and with that, the diversity downtown core and Victoria with old railway spiritual space in today’s contemporary senting the three religions - wrapping of religions practiced – the need for lines converted to off-street bike trails that world, we - a team of graduates from together and interconnecting through accessible spiritual spaces in today’s lead from the suburbs to the city centre. three universities in Egypt - set about bridges and platforms to create a single modern city goes hand in hand with to develop an alternative approach to tower with a single unified purpose: the need to create spaces that promote Cycling presents a huge opportunity for designing spiritual spaces that overcame spiritual connectivity. These cores understanding and tolerance. planners to enhance the vitality of cities; constraints of busy lifestyles and limited distribute users onto platforms through- manage traffic congestion; reduce air pollu- For more information about the land while projecting the concepts out the tower, where they may access tion and greenhouse gases; increase the project, including project design, of unity and understanding between individual prayer spaces. These individ- physical activity and health of citizens; and, please visit: https://www.facebook. religions. The approach we developed ual spaces are of different size, growing of course, make wonderful “people places” Put bike lanes between the sidewalk and parked cars instead com/photo.php?fbid=45480451120 of between parked and moving cars. was two-pronged: first, creating spiritual smaller and scarcer as their elevation where people interact, do business and 8686&set=pb.166168636738943.- spaces vertically over a small footprint of increases. The ground level provides a enjoy the outdoors. Improved routes are 2207520000.1375173476.&type=3&thea land instead of a traditionally large area, main gathering space for congregation the key to change. ter. and second, creating a space that could and prayers, while the topmost levels For more information, including an overview respectfully accommodate multiple provide users with a serene area that The project team consists of recent graduates of our research and links to brochures and religious practices. is more open and connected to the sky. from the Arab Academy for Science, Technol- scientific papers, please visit: http://cycling- ogy and Maritime, the Higher Technological To demonstrate the prospects for this, Realizing that the faiths practiced Institute at 10th of Ramadan City and the incities.spph.ubc.ca we analyzed the similarities and differ- change from city to city, or even district American University in Cairo. They now continue to explore their varying interests Kay Teschke is Professor at the School of Population ences between spiritual practices that to district, this design is adaptable to professionally, in research or through and Public Health at the University of British would need to be considered for a multi- other contexts. The speed of city life, academic work in fields ranging from design Columbia. Meghan Winters is Assistant Professor in faith space. Each spiritual practice, building regulations and existing munici- sustainability and computational design to the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser construction management. University. Anne Harris is Assistant Professor in the whether religious or meditative, has its pal plans are other factors that would School of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson own set of needs; some faiths require have to be taken into account. University. All are part of the Cycling in Cities a specific prayer orientation or larger As with any project, working alongside research team.

Images: Bike Portland, Cycling in Cities Research Install plastic bollards along painted bike lanes to make it Program and Paul Krueger clear that cars are not allowed in the cycling lane. Image: Omar Etman, Ahmad Abou Hendia and Karim Anwar

16 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 17 Missed Opportunities : PlaceMaking by Story-Telling CAROLINE ANDREW

Images: (above) Ottawa’s Rideau Canal and Museum of Civili- zation, May Luong and Kim Quang Luong

The “new” City of Ottawa has existed space or a shared past to form a base agency relating to the region the also includes many other stories - creates multiple possibilities of place. since 2001, when provincially-imposed for a shared future and a greater “Ottawa Improvement Commission.” those of the Community Resource and There is a shared environmental story amalgamation created a geographi- capacity for collective action in the What if their story and the name of the Health Centres providing place-based (the waters that bring us together); an cally huge municipality, combining present. Could we have done better? agency had been “Planning Ottawa services and a sense of community to economic story (lumber as building a the urbanized, the urbanizing and the Together” or “Our Common Future?” neighbours; those of the settlement shared physical and social space); I think so and I have argued that story- rural. There were some missed oppor- Perhaps municipal Ottawa would have sector providing innovative services to a political story (town and Crown living telling might have been the way to go1. tunities during this process that could reacted more warmly to seeing itself generations of immigrants; the story together in collaboration); a cultural Story-telling has rules or norms; there have led to citizen-led placemaking, as the Capital. of the City for All Women Initiative story (the Aboriginal elder as the is a past, a present and a future in such as: an effort prior to amalgama- co-creating with the City an “Equity transmitter of knowledge/wisdom and good stories. There are also multiple Another story that can link the past tion to design a locally-driven gover- and Inclusion Lens” to make Ottawa sense of place); and a social story and diverse voices, and therefore, to the present and to the future is nance plan for the region; efforts at the more inclusive; and finally, to all of the (creating an inclusive and welcoming the potential for different/conflicting/ the story of the Aboriginal presence. end of the transition year to introduce above working together through the community). Wouldn’t that have been contradictory stories that co-exist. Rather than a single sentence evok- youth and diversity representation; Ottawa Local Immigration Partner- a better way to go? There is, for example, the story of ing the Aboriginal presence situated and a summit just after amalgama- ship to build a welcoming community. the rivers: the Ottawa River and the in the past, what about a story of the tion that promised a vision of place. Ottawa has had diversity throughout its Caroline Andrew is the Director of the Centre on Gatineau River, and the period of the Lumber on the river, CSTM Domtar Eddy Booth Collection Aboriginal presence in the city today Governance at the University of Ottawa. These efforts, however, were effectively history and here is an ongoing story of lumber industry with the logs coming through the enduring image/theme of “squashed” or marginalized by the efforts to use our hearts and our heads 1 See Andrew, Caroline. (forthcoming). Ottawa: down the Gatineau to E.B. Eddy and the the community for skating in winter elders passing on the knowledge and provincially-imposed amalgamation, a to be equitable and inclusive. These Would “telling its story” be the right way to go? saw mills on the Ontario side. This is and boating in summer. The irony is stories of the past to future genera- In K.E. Jones, A. Lord and R. Shields (eds.), transition process dominated by Harris efforts cut across the entire city form, a place not divided by the Ottawa River that we built it to protect ourselves tions of knowledge-seekers? This City-Regions in Prospect? Exploring the meeting nominees and provincial down-loading. rural to suburban to urban, and are points between place and practice. Montreal: but united by it. There were bosses and from the Americans and it now serves theme could draw on the Museum of Since then, the City of Ottawa exists placemaking: we have done it together McGill-Queens University Press. workers (the Shiners’ wars), but there to encourage Americans to boat up to Civilization, the Wabano Health Centre but there is little sense of a shared and we can do it again. 2 was a shared physical space around Ottawa in the summer. (also designed by Douglas Cardinal and W. Eggleston (1961). The Queens’ Choice, Ottawa: Queen’s Printer, p.103. a shared economic and social project, concerned with passing on traditional The designation of Ottawa as the and a shared sense that decisions Aboriginal health knowledge) and also National Capital is not always a story would be better if made locally. the Aboriginal Centre at Algonquin that creates a sense of place. But College, the building under construc- Then there is another story about imagine a different story-telling; what tion at Carleton University, and the water and the building of the Rideau if the British representatives who programmatic presence across all the Canal. Here again, there are differ- explained to Queen Victoria the choice post-secondary institutions. ent stories and/or images; standing she was to make had described Ottawa above the beginning of the canal is a as a place of beauty and opportunity, And then there is a story of equity and triumphant statue of Colonel By (not rather than talking about “its wild posi- inclusion with a subtitle of “hearts evoking his troubles with the British tion, and relative inferiority to the other and heads.” It is the story of build- 2 government), and close by but almost cities named?” Perhaps the difficult ing institutions that help to widen the Equity and Inclusion Lens hidden, a touching yet modest memo- relationship between the federal and circle, such as the early Francophone There are many other stories and rial to the workers who died during the the local government would not have presence with Elisabeth Bruyère many other story-tellers. The stories construction of the canal. But there developed if the federal government creating the hospital to Marion Dewar described above could have told a story Construction of Parliament, Library and Archives Canada / are also triumphs – we did build an had not taken on the mantle of the inviting the community to welcome the Samuel McLaughlin / C-018353 (centre left) about placemaking for Ottawa that enduring monument that now unites British and entitled the first federal Vietnamese boat people. This theme

18 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 19 The four pillars of sustainable place Ask Research & Analysis branding and the “ATLAS” process Think Vision & Strategy MIHALIS KAVARATZIS Listen Internal Culture Local Communities Synergies Re-Vision

Developing an appealing place those of us who deal with place stakeholders is very unlikely to be Infrastructure CityScape Opportunities brand is a task that has seized the Act branding application. Thankfully, sustainable, as it is precisely these imagination of planners, municipal we now have the know-how of effective various groups of stakeholders that Re-Vision officials and place authorities across and sustainable place branding, give meaning to the place brand. It is Communications the world. It often goes uncontested and this only vaguely resembles the unfortunate that most place branding Speak that the place brand is formed through branding process as this is applied measures in contemporary practice colorful logos, catchy slogans and in the commercial world. are, in reality, attempts to force on exciting advertising campaigns. the place (from above or from the Adapted from Kavaratzis (2008) Successful place branding is based Treating place branding this way, on four pillars: Analysis, Strategy, however, implies that the place brand Participation and Creativity. Analysis is constructed in newspapers, bill- called creative parts of the branding essence of the place. The second vision for the is perhaps the most significant of boards and TV commercials and that “Place brands are created process, such as the design of logos stage is the stage of deliberation place needs to be re-visited at regular those. Extensive research is necessary it can be created in City Hall meeting and slogans, advertising or the (THINK), in which the core group of intervals in order to accommodate before any implementation of the in peoples’ minds as they rooms behind closed doors. This is development of integrated communica- stakeholders responsible for the changes in the external environment project in order to clarify the elements an unfortunate misunderstanding, tion campaigns. However, the need place branding process (local authori- and to account for the effects of the that constitute the particular place’s encounter all aspects of or even a dangerous simplification. for creativity extends to the remaining ties, tourism offices, directly involved branding process itself, as these identity and image. A brand cannot Place brands are rather created in a place. That means that parts of the process: creative vision, sectors, consultants and experts) will demonstrate themselves in be developed if we don’t know what peoples’ minds as they encounter all creative tools and methods of research discuss and draft a proposition for the physical and social mosaic of the place means for people and what the place brand has many aspects of a place. That means that and analysis, and, above all, creativity a strategic vision of the future. The the place. it could mean. Strategy is simul- the place brand has many co-creators in the seeking of synergies and in third stage is that of consultation taneously a precondition for and a co-creators who co-construct If the four pillars of place branding who co-construct it through a process participation. Creativity is also crucial (LISTEN), which consists of extensive result of the branding process. Isolated are considered, and if the sustainable that can only be conceptualized as a it through a process that can in brand leadership, which, in place discussions with local communities in and fragmented individual measures place branding process is followed, dialogue. Through the exchange of branding, means active initiation and order to refine the vision and strategy, might bring temporary results, but only be conceptualized as a there is a lot that place branding can ideas, experiences, emotions, opinions exemplary participation in the dialogue as well as the seeking of synergies are likely to prove inefficient in the do to help places realize their potential and messages, these co-creators that constructs the place brand. and partnerships with other places long-run if they are not part of a wider dialogue.” for development. If place branding constantly re-create the place brand. that might be mutually beneficial. strategic framework. In other words, What does all this mean in practice? continues to be treated merely as a We - both local authorities and The fourth is the stage of action (ACT), without such framework, even the To put it simply, effective place brand- promotional tool, then there is very consultants - are simply equal partici- which consists of measures improving most creative and seemingly effective ing implementation consists of the five little it can do. pants in this process. When the place outside) meanings that have little to the place’s infrastructure, regeneration measure can only reach a target that interrelated and overlapping stages brand is treated as a promotional tool, do with the reality of the place as is initiatives and the place’s behaviour has never been set. Participation is of the A.T.L.A.S. process (Figure 1). Dr. Mihalis Kavaratzis is Lecturer at the it is called to simplify the place and lived by the place’s residents. The or the opportunities it offers to all University of Leicester and has published the most fragile of the four pillars in The first is the stage of research (ASK), attach to it an easily defined identity necessary feeling of “ownership” of audiences for residence, leisure, extensively on branding places and tourism today’s political and communication which includes extensive investigation destinations, including co-editing (with Prof. that will appeal to everyone. Places, the place brand by the people who are work, education, investment and environment. The need for participation of the place’s resources and the G.J. Ashworth) Towards Effective Place Brand however, do not subject themselves to supposed to benefit from it is a major quality of life. The final stage is that of Management: Branding European Cities and stems from the very nature of the place current and potential perceptions such simplifications. Places do not precondition for success, and it is what communication (SPEAK), which wraps Regions. He also acts as an adviser on place brand itself, which is multifaceted, (image or reputation) of the place branding and tourism development. have a single identity neither a single lacks when the participatory nature up all of the above and aims at making dynamic and participatory. A place by internal and external audiences, image; they are rather incoherent and of place branding is ignored. Finally, all interventions, place features and brand that has been “constructed” utilizing quantitative and qualitative “messy” entities — fortunately for all place branding is based on creativity. opportunities known to the wider without the participation of multiple techniques that help reveal the of us as citizens, but unfortunately for This is obviously useful for the so- public. It is important to note that the

20 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 21 HALIFAX: HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS KATE MACLENNAN

Images: Halifax Regional Municipality

Opportunities to help, dream and build Community Arts Facilitator to bridge owns, so co-purposing their function reinforces to residents that their neigh- The Placemaking Program is now an root us in our community. In a culture the gap between the municipal is extremely accessible, not to mention bourhood is not just a collection of ongoing program in HRM. Neighbour- of self-sufficiency, how do we foster departments and community members low cost, creating high impact per people, but a network of helping hands. hoods can apply to paint their street a sense of collective participation, to find a framework that would satisfy dollar spent. and are coached through the planning The involvement of professional artists generosity and neighbourhood- all parties. process and painting execution. Not only Despite a lack of history with street was crucial to give the community driven identity? are neighbourhoods becoming more co-purposing, the interdepartmental pride in the final product. An experi- colourful, but more importantly, they’re In 2011, a group of community mem- conversations were not as conflicted enced Community Artist can facilitate becoming more generous, more bers approached the Halifax Regional as you might expect. Were there safety meaningful discussion, create an “Streets claim the impassioned and more connected. Municipality (HRM), requesting to concerns from HRM’s Traffic & Right inclusive environment to get residents paint a mural on the surface of their greatest square footage of Way and Risk & Insurance depart- brainstorming and pull key concepts For more information on the original neighbourhood street intersection. ments? You bet. However, their together visually for community of any asset a pilot project and current initiatives: The neighbours were inspired by the willingness to sit at the table and feedback and approval. municipality owns, so placemakinghalifax.wordpress.com/ success of the City Repair project in explicitly list their concerns meant that After months of inspiring discussion, Portland, Oregon, which successfully co-purposing their each element could be thoughtfully For videos from painting day: debate and design, the streets were supported intersection painting researched and planned for. Among www.halifax.ca/Culture/CommunityArts/ function is extremely closed and the neighbourhood gath- projects in partnership with the other things, the painting design Placemaking.html (interviews with accessible, not to ered to put paint on pavement. Artists municipality for over fifteen years. needed to incorporate unpainted project leads) and volunteers chalked the design on The HRM’s Community Arts Program mention low cost“ elements, paint friction had to be the road in the morning. Their roles www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcAHlaft-c had a history of working with commu- measured and silica sand was required then converted into hosts in the (timelapse video of event) nity members and outside partners to between layers of paint. With safety afternoon, inviting all neighbours to support and design unique community- You might imagine traffic engineers checks in place, the pilot placemaking fill in the paint-by-numbers-like design Kate MacLennan is the Community Arts building programs, using the arts as a quickly slamming their doors on the project could begin. Facilitator for the Halifax Regional Municipality. that their community had created. catalyst. It was through the Community idea of co-purposing car-centric city Next came designing a process that The evening concluded with music, Arts Facilitator that the neighbourhood streets. After all, municipalities are would make a lasting impression on ceremony and sparklers, followed saw the opportunity to host a City more well-versed at expanding the the collective identity of the neighbour- by dancing in the street. Repair-like project in hopes that their functional definition of buildings hood. Multiple points of access and success could open doors for similar through mixed-use developments, It was more than just a painting. It was participation were key to ensuring placemaking projects in the region. or creating diverse uses for sidewalks more than just a street party. What the widest audience and impact. with tools such as street furniture. was built was a place - a place where For the project to be sustainable and From making invitations and sharing Our creativity rarely jumps the curb people want to live because they are effective, three elements needed to neighbourhood stories and dreams to to see with fresh eyes how streets can connected to the story of their neigh- be in place: the format needed to take sketching designs or helping paint the offer a venue for culture, recreation, bourhood. By helping to write that a community-development approach; final piece, there needed to be many education, health or enterprise. Yet story, they are more aware than ever artists needed to be in the core team; roles so people could give their time in streets claim the greatest square that they have the agency to write and potential safety concerns had to ways that suited their interests and footage of any asset a municipality what comes next. be satisfied. It was the role of the skills. This visible collective effort

22 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 23 City-Building: Bringing Toronto’s Waterfront to Life WATERFRONT TORONTO

Like many working port cities, urban design and leading technology precinct plan, with 25 percent of the commercial space, schools, child-care Underpass Park utilizes the awkward Toronto’s waterfront sat underutilized infrastructure while delivering on community devoted to public spaces centres and new transit, surrounded by and uninviting space beneath a series and uninviting for decades. It wasn’t important public policy objectives and parks. The area’s two signature nearly 9.3 hectares (23 acres) of parks of overpasses to create an unexpected until Waterfront Toronto was formally such as job creation and affordable parks – Sherbourne Common and and public space. community asset. It is the most created in 2001 that serious and housing options in new waterfront Canada’s Sugar Beach – are already extensive park ever built under an The West Don Lands will also be home committed action was taken to trans- communities. Much has been accom- the heart of the neighbourhood and overpass in Canada and the first of to the Athletes’ Village for the 2015 form large tracks of former industrial plished in the corporation’s first ten have been recognized for their beauty, its kind in Toronto. Pan/Parapan American Games, with land into sustainable new communities years. Today, the first two new water- innovation and sustainability. George Brown College’s first student By leveraging the infrastructure and an inviting waterfront destination. front communities – East Bayfront and Sherbourne Common is a stunning residence, the Canary District condo- project to deliver key economic and West Don Lands – are well underway The project is one of the largest waterfront park that sits on a former miniums and the two affordable rental social benefits, waterfront revitaliza- and over twenty new or improved parks infrastructure projects in North industrial site. It is the first park in housing buildings providing accommo- tion will not only create a sense of and public spaces have been opened. America and one of the largest Canada to integrate a neighbourhood- dations and the new YMCA serving as place and connection for visitors waterfront redevelopment initiatives A key part of Waterfront Toronto’s wide stormwater treatment facility into a training facility. Hosting the games and residents, but will also enable ever undertaken in the world. However, approach to revitalization efforts is its design and features greenspace, offered an opportunity to transform Toronto to compete with other top-tier it is not just the sheer scale of the the development of great parks and a skating rink that doubles as a splash the area years earlier than originally global cities for investment, jobs project that makes it unique; Water- public spaces, which are critical to pad in the summer, a zinc-clad planned. and people. With progress evident, front Toronto is delivering a leading- creating a sense of place and identity Pavilion and a stunning water channel Toronto’s waterfront is starting to be Parks and public spaces also feature edge city-building model that seeks in new neighbourhoods and helping with dramatic art sculptures. Similarly, recognized locally and internationally prominently in the West Don Lands. to place Toronto at the forefront of to demonstrate the area’s potential Canada’s Sugar Beach has trans- as a premier environment within The centrepiece of this new community global cities in the 21st century. to private sector investors, developers formed a surface parking lot in a which to live, work and play. is the newly opened Corktown Com- and future residents. Waterfront former industrial area into Toronto’s Waterfront Toronto is the public mon. At 7.3 hectares (18 acres), it is Toronto’s signature parks - Canada’s second urban beach, distinct for its Waterfront Toronto is the public advocate and advocate and steward of waterfront the largest park in the area and has steward of waterfront revitalization, leading the Sugar Beach, Sherbourne Common, brightly-coloured beach umbrellas revitalization. Created by the City of turned an abandoned post-industrial renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public “Waterfront Toronto’s the WaveDecks, Underpass Park and and iconic candy-striped rock outcrop- accessibility, design excellence, sustainable Toronto, the Province of Ontario and site into a dynamic, year-round, Corktown Common - have all opened pings that welcome visitors. development, economic development and fiscal the Government of Canada in 2001, re-naturalized public space, animated sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront approach from the very to acclaim and have become must-see Waterfront Toronto was given a 20-year The West Don Lands, a 32 hectare by a wide variety of programming. revitalization. landmarks that draw residents, visitors mandate and $1.5 billion of seed (80 acre) former brownfield site in Innovatively positioned atop the area’s beginning has been to and investment to these emerging Images: (top) The uniquely urban Underpass capital to transform 800 hectares the flood plain of the Don River, is flood protection landform, Corktown new neighbourhoods. Park, (right) “Light Showers” art sculptures at of brownfield lands into a beautiful, another emerging waterfront commu- Common is another example of Sherbourne Common North, courtesy of revitalize sustainable and revitalized waterfront. Close to the city’s downtown core, nity. A Stage 1 LEED ND GOLD neigh- Waterfront Toronto’s approach to Waterfront Toronto East Bayfront is one of the first bourhood under the pilot program city-building. The park capitalizes on Waterfront Toronto’s approach from –not simply redevelop– communities being built as part of established by the U.S. Green Building the unique landscape to offer stunning the very beginning has been to revital- the waterfront’s renewal. The 55-acre Council, the area is being transformed views of Toronto skyline and the Don ize – not simply redevelop – the water- the waterfront” parcel will be home to 6,000 new from former industrial lands into a River, leveraging essential public front. As such, Waterfront Toronto’s residences and millions of square feet sustainable, mixed-use riverside infrastructure to deliver a magnificent priorities are simple: put people first of employment space at the water’s community. It will feature approximate- public amenity. and reconnect them with the water- edge. The neighbourhood is being ly 6,000 new market and affordable front. The organization brings together built according to an award-winning residential units, employment and Just north of Corktown Common, sustainable development, excellence in

24 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 25 Placemaking in peri-urban areas of Europe: The PURE Hubs project ANDREAS SCHULZE BÄING and ALEX LORD

Placemaking has often been under- observed in the Netherlands, for contexts and find strategies to space for recreation and leisure stood within the community of urban instance, focus on medium- to promote them while considering the around a landmark piece of public art and regional planners and designers larger-scale settlements, while inter-related issues of the urban called “The Dream.” A third example to be important within cities, particu- Belgium is characterized by a dense fringe as a location for markets, social is the Stadsborderij in Turnhout, larly in the city centre and inner city pattern of ribbon housing develop- and cultural interaction (including the Belgium, where a derelict farm in the “Placemaking is as essential in areas. This is especially the case in ment on individual plots along rural creative arts), agriculture, farm urban fringe is being transformed into Europe, where the ideal of the com- roads. The variations between these diversification, social care and energy a city farm that will serve as a these areas located between city pact and high-density city centre is two neighbouring countries reveal provision. community centre for nearby urban held high. Hence, placemaking differences of approach as to how areas. This particular project supports and countryside as elsewhere, The project includes partners from strategies tend to concentrate on planning might control such develop- rural entrepreneurs, and could, in the local and regional government and iconic architecture and developing ment and contain the growth of urban future, become a node for community- areas which have often been shaped three universities (Liverpool, Wagenin- liveable inner-urban neighbourhoods. settlements. In more restrictive supported agriculture. gen and Den Bosch). It focuses on a This spatial focus, however, has often settings, such as the Netherlands, by processes of urban sprawl and range of case studies, or “Hubs.” These examples give a brief overview been criticized. The German architect land use planning tools such as green These Hubs cover a wide range of of the project and the real-world suburbanization” and planner Thomas Sieverts argued belts, urban growth boundaries and/or themes relevant to peri-urban areas effects of a particularly “European” in his seminal book “Zwischenstadt” farmland protection policies prevail. In and the rural-urban fringe, including approach to thinking about what does, (Cities without Cities)1 that the areas other, more liberal contexts, such as building strategies for regional or should, happen in peri-urban outside of the urban core also deserve Belgium, planning might simply seek marketing of agricultural products, locations. The task of assembling the attention of planners and archi- to accommodate growth by zoning leisure and art development and the disparate activities into a coherent tects. Placemaking is as essential in land and granting development construction of a village community whole, and, by extension, developing a these areas located between city and permissions on greenfield land. We centre, along with strategies for sense of place is perhaps the core countryside as elsewhere, areas which argue that planning should go beyond community-based agriculture and challenge at the heart of planning, have often been fundamentally this restrictive/liberal binary, and urban community gardening, sup- wherever it is practiced. However, transformed by processes of urban should develop placemaking strate- ported by farming institutions. encouraging planners to turn their sprawl and suburbanization, leading gies for these suburban and peri- attention from the bright lights of to a mix of transport/utilities infra- urban areas as well. All of these initiatives represent downtown to the perhaps less glamor- structure, intensive agriculture, placemaking strategies. For example, Our argument emerges from our work ous but no less complex settings housing, strip mall shopping centres the community gardens developed in on behalf of the Department of offered by the peri-urban landscape and business parks. the deprived urban neighbourhood of Geography and Planning at the remains a challenge. The PURE Hubs Luchtbal in Antwerp, Belgium are Sprawl, often associated with North University of Liverpool with a Euro- project represents a start in north- supported by the farmers’ association, American cities, is a major and pean project working on such peri- western Europe to thinking strategi- and create an opportunity for social Images: (top) “The Dream” in St Helens, UK; (bottom) Community gardens in Luchtbal, Belgium, both frequently ignored challenge in urban placemaking strategies. The cally about placemaking in the urban courtesy of Andreas Schulze Bäing interaction/integration in a “receptor” Europe, as studies by the European PURE Hubs project is an £8.6 million fringe; we hope its work will spark neighbourhood that is popular with Dr. Andreas Schulze Bäing is a spatial planner 1 Sieverts, T. (2003). Cities without cities: an Environment Agency have shown2. The project covering the U.K., Belgium, similar interest in other contexts. new immigrants to the country. and Research Associate. Dr. Alex Lord is Senior interpretation of the Zwischenstadt. London: extent and pattern of sprawl, and the the Netherlands and Germany. It is Lecturer. Both work in the discipline of Civic Spon Press. Another example is Bold Forest Park, extent to which it is controlled, varies designed to investigate the range of For more information, please visit: Design at the Department of Geography and located in St Helens between Liver- Planning, University of Liverpool. 2 Uhel, R. (2006). Urban sprawl in Europe – the significantly between different coun- activities that take place in peri-urban http://www.purehubs.eu/. pool and Manchester, which is ignored challenge. Copenhagen: European tries. The patterns of urbanization spaces across these four national Environment Agency. transforming ex-mining land into a

26 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 27 Dialogue Around the Mid-Rise: THE DENSITY Interview with Jennifer Keesmaat “no amount of banners FACTOR or flowerpots on a In January 2013 in Edmonton, Curb Magazine’s Managing Editor Brittany Stares sat down with Jennifer Keesmaat, Chief Planner of “In the European context, there are some the City of Toronto. Their discussion ranged from land use planning streetscape can overcome wonderful pedestrian-only streets. In every small and innovation to citizen consultation and reurbanization. Here, we or every mid-sized municipality in Canada that share some of Jennifer’s thoughts on the role of mid-rises in creating [not having] enough people I’ve worked with, at some point, we’ve had the great cities – and the placemaking challenges that come with them. within walking distance of conversation about a pedestrian-only street. But the reality is pedestrian-only streets really only a main street” work when you have an astronomical amount of density that ensures they are peopled constantly, in a context without even remotely the kind of Q Let’s talk about mid-rise what needs to be done in order to Q Do you think that, with that Q Have you found new actors emerging densities that exist in [Europe], like in Amsterdam developments. I know this is something promote more mid-rise in our cities. opposition, placemaking for some that cities or planning departments or Barcelona. Those pedestrian-only streets are you’ve been particularly vocal about. They’re very liveable forms. comes at a cost for others? need to be aware of and to include doomed to fail.” What are your thoughts on their increasingly in dialogue? A It shouldn’t. If it’s done well, it importance to sustainable planning? Q You mentioned some of the challenges associated with building shouldn’t. And if there’s a perception A Absolutely... I would say [there is] “If I was to make a sweeping generalization about A I think one of the most exciting mid-rise developments. Can you that it’s coming at a cost, then a group of people that I put in the smaller or mid-sized Canadian cities, one of their things about mid-rise developments go into this a little more? that’s when we need more dialogue, category of... I call them “influencers.” greatest constraints is that they’re flattened out is that they build out a street. You because we need to clearly articulate They’re people who have a voice, A There are a couple of challenges. like a pancake. They’re just too spread out, and so can create a neighbourhood with the benefits of mid-rise growth. The whether it’s through Twitter or media, they don’t have enough density to create critical mid-rise developments in a way that One is cost. The other is that we tend challenge is when we don’t have journalists, whatever. And they are you can’t with a tower. We tend to to have very permissive planning enough room or enough space or time very capable of shaping public policy mass. And no amount of banners or flowerpots on shove a lot of density onto one site, frameworks in Canada, and as a result, for those dialogues. And a challenge and the public agenda through the a streetscape can overcome [not having] enough when really, if you took that density developers who own one little plot of is when there is misinformation. We way they influence. people within walking distance of a main street. — if you took that tower and you just land like to squeeze as much density have a planning framework in the City So, there’s only one way to fix that, and it’s through on it as they possibly can. So, what tipped it over on its side — suddenly, of Toronto that’s been very clear for land use planning and infill and reurbanization.” you have a streetscape. You have a this speaks to is the importance of over a decade that we are a growing neighbourhood. You have somewhere strong regulatory frameworks that city. We are going to grow. We protect to walk. It creates a very different kind can conform to a clearly articulated 75% of the urban fabric. That means of feel. I’m very fond of mid-rise cities vision. it does not change – our ravines, our – I love Washington, D.C., I love Paris. parks, our stable neighbourhoods Q I was reading in Toronto about I think that our land economics have are no-growth zones. So, that means some of the opposition to mid- often driven us to a built form that the other 25%, where we will be rise developments from citizen might not be in our long-term interest. accommodating growth, becomes associations. Is that an indicator of One of the challenges is that it can be quite contested. And it’s important a lack of sufficient dialogue between more expensive to build mid-rise, so for us all to understand that driving citizens and the City? we need to find policies and incentives mid-rise growth through our avenues, that are effective at encouraging A No, there’s a lot of dialogue going and driving other growth through our Image: (right) Artistic rendering of mid-rise developments from the Toronto Avenues and mid-rise development. I would like on. Dialogue isn’t the challenge. I think centres, is all part of protecting other Mid-Rise Buildings Study, courtesy of Brook nothing more than to see a national we are experiencing astronomical areas of the city where we don’t want McIlroy. The study identified policies and movement on mid-rise, a collaboration growth, and it’s a reflection of growth growth. Those two things go hand in processes that could catalyze the reurbanization of the City of Toronto’s Avenues through the of planning directors across the happening very quickly and people hand. development of well-designed mid-rise country to identify, strategically, having to come to terms with it. buildings. For more information, see http:// brookmcilroy.com/projects_project.php?pid=39.

28 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 29 Strip Appeal in Practice: Petrolia Mall

Images: CRSC

CONTEXT Petrolia Mall, a 1960s-era strip mall year lease. The lender has foreclosed on closed permanently and has neither and facilitated by the City-Region in discussion. The diagrams allowed residents to bloom. From a design located in south Edmonton, Alberta, the leaseholder and moved into receiver- been reimagined nor demolished. Two Studies Centre (CRSC). University of for participants to explain through perspective, residents were interested once contained vital services that ship. If that was not enough, there is a of the most successful contemporary Alberta H.M. Tory Chair and CRSC writing and drawing what they desired in both renovating the existing structures were supported at large by its three second property owner on the contigu- businesses are a pizza restaurant, Director Rob Shields led a team of to see either change or be retained and demolishing the current buildings surrounding communities (Greenfield, ous property which contains the mall’s servicing mostly to-go orders, and a facilitators and participants in a design at the Petrolia Mall site. in favour of new construction more Royal Gardens and Aspen Gardens). convenience and liquor store that plays video rental business, which, taking charrette to discuss and record through specific to the proposed intended uses. According to the 2009 census, the into the potential redevelopment. into consideration the digitization of the graphical exercises the requirements THE DESIGNS Since the Petrolia Mall site is of medium population of these three communities entertainment rental industry, is living of the surrounding communities for the Based on a synthesis of the collaborative size, it does allow for flexibility of land THE FALLING APART OF PETROLIA aggregated to be 9,024, and over time, on borrowed time. These two businesses site. The founda-tion for this work came designs, some major themes emerged. use; however, all participants agreed Petrolia Mall added substantial annual So why has Petrolia Mall slid downhill? serve as inspiration to the community, in the form of the CRSC’s “Strip Appeal,” Socially sustainable and community- that increased density was required for economic activity to the region. It also A long-standing critical mass has which is demanding a rejuvenated retail a resource for communities to reima- enhancing designs surfaced repeatedly economic viability. Mixed-use building once contributed to social sustainability supported the mall’s stores since the and services shopping centre. gine and re-develop their local strip as participants desired places like cafés programs were unanimously accepted, by providing daycare services, dance 1960s and continues to desire amenities malls based on the winning submis- to meet; food services to sustain their as residents wanted a vibrant community THE CHARRETTE studios and restaurants that helped within the immediate area. The previ- sions of the Centre’s international neighbourhoods locally; green space for hub that is accessible to all demograph- connect people to their communities. ous leaseholder intended to redevelop Recognizing both its vibrant past and its ideas competition of the same name. recreation; and sites for food production ics and makes the most out of the Currently, however, Petrolia Mall has existing space. Petrolia Mall, but that vision never came present decay, it was time to create a A design charrette is a highly interac- and community-building. Inherent to become derelict, falling into disrepair, to fruition; ultimately, the desired ameni- unified vision of the future Petrolia Mall. this was a desire for local small busi- tive and socially engaging event that - Scott Varga for the CRSC bankruptcy and receivership. ties never appeared and the community Many community members are long- explores solutions to the issues at hand nesses owned by (most likely) nearby The solution seems simple: redevelop suffered because of it. Over time there time residents (often over thirty years), by visually describing and explaining the the mall into a contemporary hub that has been a mismatch of businesses as making the refurbishment of the shop- proposed possibilities in a collaborative meets the needs of the neighbour- well as a long-term land caveat that the ping centre mandatory for the populace setting. In the Petrolia Mall design hood. Unfortunately, it is not that easy. previous anchor grocer, Safeway, had in to have retire-in-place options in the charrette, approximately 70 attendees, The financial situation of Petrolia Mall place for many years. Once this was lift- neighbourhood where they have invested with 8-10 participants at each table, is severely convoluted, as Ironwood ed, discount grocery retailers came and and developed roots. This call to action were given an aerial map of the site, STAY have the capacity to retire-in-place through amenities and services in the neighbourhood went in the decaying building. A vehicle came in the form of the Petrolia Mall S TAY Management, a local Edmonton compa- a building massing map of the area ny, owns the land, and has leased it and service garage, a commercial indica- Design Party on February 2, 2013, hosted (Figure 1) and an axonometric of the mall to a company on a one hundred tor of the suburban context of the mall, at Greenfield Community League’s hall modeled, existing buildings for participants to redesign (Figure 2), providing spatial context of the area PLAY createPLAY safe, open greenspace for all generations

115 St

40 Ave 114 St

40 Ave

115a St 115a 39 Ave CREATE CREATEconstruct space that allows for local small business to thrive

114 St

38 Ave

PETROLIA MALL AREA MAP Draw and write how and where you want to see entry points into the site, traffic flow (pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular), open public space and amenities. Comprised of winning and shortlisted entries from the CRSC’s “Strip Appeal: Reinventing the Strip Mall” international Figure 1. The Petrolia Mall Area Map was used to Figure 2. The Petrolia Mall Axonometric was used to display the existing gather information about where participants desired physical elements of Petrolia Mall and provide an opportunity for partici- ideas competition, the Strip Appeal catalogue showcases unique ideas and designs to make strip malls more vibrant, to see buildings located, how the flow of traffic was to pants to draw how and what should be changed from a spatial organiza- sustainable, economically viable and connected to the community. This catalogue is a must for any planner, designer be organized, and where, if any, open space and public tional perspective. or neighbourhood undertaking redevelopment of their local strip mall. amenities should be situated. To purchase a copy of “Strip Appeal: Reinventing the Strip Mall” visit www.strip-appeal.com

30 CITY–REGION STUDIES CENTRE | University of Alberta CURB VOL 4 | ISSUE 1 | 2013 31 About THE CRSC Support Curb Magazine by Subscribing Today The City-Region Studies Centre (CRSC) is a University of Alberta research unit that engages with communities to explore the nature of towns, cities and regions. As one Curb Magazine aims to promote creativity, knowledge sharing and policy development through of the only centres in North America to focus on regional research, our goal is to stories which communicate expertise and community experiences to municipalities, planners increase understanding of the cultural, political and economic interactions and and citizens across Canada. The contributions of our readers are essential to help us meet interdependencies within these social spaces, and in doing so, to inform public these objectives. You can support Curb, and share your passion for planning, design and policy and improve the well-being of citizens. governance, by subscribing today. Thank you. Coming Soon: 2013-2014 Regional Planning Speakers Series Subscribe The CRSC’s Regional Planning Speakers Series (RPSS) is returning for the 2013- 2014 academic year. This year-long program brings together stakeholders in name email regional planning for learning and networking opportunities in order to build capacity for regional thinking. The theme for the 2013-2014 series is Regional Planning and Energy, with lectures, panel discussions and workshops taking place Address credit card no. on such topics as regional identities, disaster management, energy boomtowns, MAGAZINE innovation and climate change. For more details, including information about CITY-REGION STUDIES CENTRE city expiry date PLACES | SPACES | PEOPLE $ .99 podcasts, please visit: http://www.crsc.ualberta.ca/ VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1 | 2012 9

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The Green Acreages Guide Primer Stewardship for Small Acreages

There is so much to think about when you own a rural property – are you managing and maintaining it in a way that protects your investment now and in the future? Land Stewardship Centre has developed the Green Acreages Primer, and more detailed Green Acreages Guide Workbook, for acreage, hobby farm and recreational property owners. With helpful information, advice and tools to plan and track virtually everything associated with your property, it is a must have for all who enjoy country life. Learn more at www.landstewardship.org

Making a Difference. For the Industry. For Alberta. The Alberta Real Estate Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the Real Estate Industry and benefit the communities of Alberta. We, like so many others, celebrate the release of these two important documents which answer so many www.aref.ab.ca questions held by rural property owners.

This project is made possible through a grant from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation as part of our Placemaking in a Growing Economy series.

ISSN 1923-7413 (Print) ISSN 1923-7421 (Online)