The way we LIVE CIVIC PRECINCT MASTER PLAN

highlights 2013 2 3

contents

The opportunity 4

The Civic Precinct Master Plan 6

Informed by Stakeholder Input 10 What We Heard - Phase One 11 What We Heard - Phase Two 13 festivals and Events 15 for the Love of Winter 15 Governance 15 15

Best Practices 16

Civic Transformation 18

Guiding Principles 20 1. Amplify Civic Identity 22 2. Balance Everyday Activity and Special Programming 24 3. Create Unique Areas Within the Civic Precinct 26 4. Develop Measures to Animate the Square 28 5. Evolve a Green City Centre and Connect to the River Valley 30 6. Foster the Year-Round Pedestrian Experience 32

Five development areas 34

Partnerships 36 recommended Governance 37 public Art 37

Moving Forward 39

STAKEHOLDERs 40 4

The opportunity 5

Master Plan Context

Downtown is The permanent closure of 102 A The renewal of and Avenue between Sir proposed improvements to the Stanley experiencing a once-in-a- Square and City Hall Plaza, the new A. Milner Library, the at-surface14 southeast to west LRT and the Francis Winspear Centre for generation transformation. Civic Precinct Master Plan | January 16, 2013 line transfer hub at Churchill Station, Music add to the transformation of the The Civic Precinct is positioned construction of the new Royal heart of Edmonton. as a pivotal element to Museum northeast of City Hall, the downtown arena development and The Civic Precinct includes Edmonton’s create a vibrant, pedestrian- proposed performing arts centre public spaces north of City Hall to focused integration of several will attract an increasing number of south of the Stanley A. Milner Library. people into the downtown core. The area includes City Hall Plaza, projects that are transforming Centennial Plaza (south of the Stanley Edmonton’s downtown. A. Milner Library) and the public spaces leading up to the exteriors of the buildings along 99 Street on the east, 100 Street on the west, 103 A Avenue on the north and 101 A Avenue on the south. 6

The Civic Precinct Master Plan The Civic Precinct Master Plan is a long term plan that would be implemented in stages as opportunities arise KASIAN | Gehl Architects | gh3 7 8 The civic precinct master plan

The Civic Precinct Master It recognizes the unique character It charts a course toward achieving of this centrally located mix of major the vision of The Capital City Plan is a long term plan to cultural and civic amenities. It takes Downtown Plan: guide and integrate the the civic core beyond the idea of a hub • Creating a vibrant urban core where to create an open heart that elevates Edmontonians gather year round. development of public spaces these amenities, creating pedestrian • A well-designed downtown. in the heart of Edmonton into priority zones and opening up north- • A green and environmentally south and east-west connections to sustainable downtown that is safe, a lively, year-round place that sustainable transportation, automobile inviting and accommodating to all. connects and inspires, a place traffic and Edmonton’s iconic river, meshing the heart of downtown into It also advances the Winter City that Edmontonians will want the larger urban context. Strategy, a made-in-Edmonton to visit again and again. approach to celebrate our northern It is a vision that starts and ends with climate by creating public spaces that people. are inviting and attractive even on the darkest, coldest days of winter. This plan is about bringing more Edmontonians downtown into the The WinterCity Strategy calls for heart of the city. It’s about: streets and buildings designed with • Meshing the vibrancy of Edmonton’s Edmonton’s climate in mind where festivals with everyday life. light is used to create warmth and • Making spaces that work as well in luminescence and where snow and ice winter as in summer. are considered valuable resources. • Giving people reasons to want to walk outside. • Engaging businesses, politicians and citizens in city-building projects that make Edmonton a greener, more beautiful and welcoming place.

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This is a plan that catalyzes The Civic Precinct Master Plan is a It also is informed by The Capital City long term plan to be implemented in Downtown Plan four principles of connections to public open stages as opportunities arise. creating a that is: spaces...reshaping City Hall • Sustainable: A green and Advancing Edmonton’s Vision environmentally sustainable place Plaza to create a sheltered, The Civic Precinct Master Plan vision • Vibrant: Welcoming and open all all-season micro-climate and for a people-centred city centre builds day, every day, year round on the long range goals of The Way • Well Designed: Robust, lasting redistributing Edmonton’s Ahead: Edmonton’s Strategic Plan. and beautiful renowned festivals along a These goals include: • Acc essible: Safe, inviting and • Improving Edmonton’s livability accommodating to all new ceremonial spine. • Transforming Edmonton’s urban form • Preserving and sustaining Edmonton’s environment • Shifting Edmonton’s transportation mode

Where we are today Strategy CONCEPT Design Build Operate PHASE

The Civic Precinct Master Plan is a This plan is at the CONCEPT phase. long term plan to be implemented in Further public consultations will stages as opportunities arise. inform the phases of implementation. 10

Informed by Stakeholder Input

The Civic Precinct connects The Civic Precinct Master Plan was Framing the future informed by ongoing discussions with Additional interviews, focus groups and touches many private stakeholders throughout its evolution. and one-on-one discussions were sector, civic and institutional conducted with various stakeholders The Civic Precinct Master Plan takes when the Civic Precinct Master Plan groups who have knowledge, an expanded view of the heart of the was initiated in the fall of 2011. This history, experience, as well city to re-imagine it in an integrated input informed the draft plan and its fashion as a larger, consolidated and guiding principles. as a vested interest in the identifiable precinct. quality, vitality and growth This draft plan was presented at This plan looks at a larger boundary a November 6, 2012 public Open of Edmonton’s continually that integrates existing and proposed House at the . evolving city core. civic, cultural and institutional Edmontonians provided their feedback elements. It creates a complimentarily on the draft master plan at the open civic space that is unique in its own house and in an on-line survey. The right and, at the same time, makes draft plan story boards were displayed connections to these places. in the City Room at City Hall from November 19 to November 30 for Building on the past further public input. From settlement to city, this area is the heart of Edmonton, evolving and changing as the city has. The Civic Precinct Master Plan builds on the May 2010 public consultation about creating more everyday use of Sir Winston Churchill Square. 11

What we heard - PHASE 1 Festival use is good, stakeholders >> a democratic precinct, November 2011 to April 2012 said, but the majority of city life room for all is between festivals. Citizens Create a welcoming feel for all, >> Peo ple referred to the area said they wish to use the area for programming that intrigues and as a park their ongoing enjoyment, spring attracts all ages, all peoples. On This comment came from many to fall, in a comfortable manner weekdays. On weekends. At lunch people including those who were that provides more predictable time. A place for people who gather not familiar with Sir Winston recurring activities. together, watch out for each other, Churchill Square’s previous enjoy their experience of Edmonton form that featured grass and >> Perce ption of security, the together. interlocking brick. The Greening of stigma of security patrols the Square in the heart of the city The presence of uniformed security >> create an identity, an iconic was a recurring important feature in the area, from Peace Officers to area for Edmonton in creating daily livability and City of Edmonton Police Service, Times Square in New York. greater variety of spatial uses. sends a signal that the area is Trafalgar Square in London. Palace unsafe. There is also a perception Square in Russia. These are iconic This consistent comment informed that the area is unsafe due to squares — gathering places people the current Civic Precinct Master past incidents and how media has go to, simply to say they were Plan design which features an communicated these incidents. one of the legions of people to urban square that functions as experience that gathering place. green space and has hard a surface. People who look out of the main Give us a central gathering area stream say they are often made to that creates a destination icon of >> Need and desire for day-to- feel unwelcome in the area by one Edmonton stakeholders said. day activity or more levels of security. There was a strong call for regular daily programming so Edmontonians Stakeholders say more people, create the habit of coming to the more eyes on the Square would add precinct to enjoy casual use, visit, to the feeling and the perception see some entertainment or simply of safety. They point to the Alberta sit and enjoy urban life. Legislature grounds which attract scores of people of all ages for casual use with less security presence. 12 Informed by Stakeholder Input

>> L ighting for pedestrians, >> The Civic Precinct needs >> downtown is cool. Hip. bring a walking scale to signage and way finding Communicate that. the area Like London. And New York. Point Get the word out. Campaign up. The lighting on 104 Street downtown people to the river valley, the arts Create a buzz and a really but is pedestrian scale lighting. It district, the entertainment area, meaningfully ‘cool’ aura around the adds to the warmth of the area, the new museum. Let people enjoy downtown being hip. encourages strolling. Rice Howard the walk from place to place rather Way works. So does Whyte Avenue. than struggle to find their way >> west side of the Square Can the Civic Precinct do that too? or miss Edmonton’s attractions. walls off the area Showcase our city’s attractions. Stakeholders expressed a desire to Walking 99 Street when events are Every day. open Sir Winston Churchill Square on is most pleasant, stakeholders and provide an open, welcoming said, though 100 Street feels >> centennial Plaza is an view and access to the Square. like a freeway and an obstacle orphan Reduce the hard edges and walls. to strolling: traffic signals The public space south of the reduce wait times for cars, not Stanley A. Milner Library and north >> edges of the precinct pedestrians. This insight informed of the Westin Hotel is unused, need to be permeable, the suggestion of traffic calming unappreciated, un-owned, a blank transparent so people for 100 Street and 99 Street to space in the heart of the city. connect with the area inspire a more pedestrian friendly No obstructions. No hodgepodge experience in the precinct. The >> sTudents, thousands of collections of plant pots and design also proposes the precinct them downtown garbage containers. Create a be a pedestrian priority zone. Stakeholders said the downtown welcome place to walk through, is home to thousands of post cut across, sit and visit area. secondary students with more choosing to live in the area. What activities, attractions and accommodation in the Civic Precinct approach is being made to address attracting this important, and growing, population to this area? 13

>> The Funnel Effect >> food, Fun, Shopping, Art as the tree canopy. Place hanging Comments were provided about the Offering food services to plants on the Edmonton City area from City Hall to the Stanley attract people was consistently Centre wall on the western edge, Milner Library that tends to feel mentioned. People go where they incorporate community gardens, like a funnel, narrowing activity find food — offer food trucks, consider evergreen trees that will and offering little flexibility of restaurants, casual cups of coffee. add an all-season green, but mix use toward the south end of Sir Edmontonians called for more them up with trees that infuse the Winston Churchill Square. street-level services — from retail area with autumn colour. Add year- stores and restaurants, to places round tree lights. What we heard - PHASE 2 for seniors to sit and enjoy a game, November 2012 to tourist information and history >> c entennial Plaza (south booths, water fountains and water of the Stanley A. Milner >> su pport for the six features, washrooms and casual Library) principles sitting areas. Include more public art Edmontonians embraced the ideas The majority of Edmontonians and encourage buildings facing the to make this a more attractive, support the principle of creating precinct to have more welcoming, used space. Comments included a distinct, pedestrian-focused street-level, active fronts. incorporating more food and downtown area. Having more coffee kiosks, creating a south people in the area, more reasons >> Trees, Greenery, Shrubs library entrance on the plaza, to be there, and knowing you can People welcome the greenery of softening the edges to make it go to the area to simply sit and the tree canopy saying it will help more accessible, and integrating visit at any time are all part of a cool down the area during hot the space into Rice Howard Way multi-faceted approach to making summer days and provide a needed east – west. Add more benches Edmonton’s downtown core a more wind break. They caution against with arms that are not too low vibrant and attractive place. obstructing sight lines between to the ground that are more City Hall Plaza and Sir Winston senior friendly, improve access Churchill Square. Suggestions to public washrooms and provide included greater use of shrubs, programming so that there is a native plants and flowers as well reason to congregate. 14 Informed by Stakeholder Input

>> ceremonial Spine Several Edmontonians asked for >> wINT er Use Edmontonians applauded the idea sound traffic management in the Edmontonians like the idea of of canopy of lights saying keep it all future LRT and bicycle lanes. heated umbrellas for winter use year long and change the colours, and suggested heated pavement perhaps adding animation and >> balancing Everyday Activity as well to reduce snow and ice changing patterns. Designating Edmontonians appreciate the build-up. Winter programming will the area for Edmonton’s festivals idea of creating more every day, help bring more people to the area will change the festival format predictable activity in the area. The but people cautioned that during and allows them to expand. Some addition of the new LRT line will severe cold snaps going outside wondered if the more linear add to the number of people using in Edmonton isn’t that attractive festival experience would be as the area and will provide more regardless of what’s there. inviting, while others raised issues opportunities for kiosks offering about an LRT line running through food, beverages and even flowers. >> s afety and Security the area. People repeatedly commented that More people makes us feel safer. more services, more people and Eyes on the street, eyes on the >> Pedes trian Focus more street-level retail and activity square is what helps people of Most welcomed the idea of a will bring more life to the precinct. all ages enjoy a greater sense of pedestrian focused area and called They support movable furniture, safety and security. Making the for traffic management measures umbrellas and a tree canopy to area more attractive, having more to increase pedestrian safety — make the space more pleasant year people, services and street-level everything from no-car zones to round. Add more games like chess options will make the area more scrambled intersections, longer walk and ping pong. secure. lights and the permanent closure of 99 Street from 102 A Avenue to >> sIgnage and Way Finding cars. Some called for car drop off Rebrand the Arts District. Add zones so that people not taking a huge digital sign in the area public transit or bicycles can access to advertise events. Connect the precinct. Concerns were raised pedestrians to places of interest. about pedestrian safety in the current car-focused environment. 15

Festivals and Events For the Love of Winter • Creating unique zones that provide comfortable all-season micro- The Civic Precinct Master Plan re- The Civic Precinct Master Plan climates. focuses festival activity to the linear advances, and embodies, the goals • Making the most of winter sunshine pedestrian spine along 99 Street, of the Winter City Strategy to and providing wind shelters. extending from 103 A Avenue down make Edmonton a more vibrant and • Using light and colour on the to Jasper Avenue that will be lit from inviting, all-seasons place. It provides Ceremonial Spine. above by new festival lighting. The opportunities to achieve the vision new layout: of an all-season public space that is Placing heaters and umbrellas in the • Increases the area available for welcoming and inviting to all ages. precinct advances the Winter City festivals to a maximum of 13,400 Economy Goal #6 of developing a four- square meters. Each of the six principles of the seasons patio culture. • Uses Sir Winston Churchill Square to Civic Precinct Master Plan integrate provide additional spillover space Edmontonians’ call for outdoor spaces GOVERNANCE for large events. and public places that make the most of • Provides a convenient out-of-the sunshine, block out the wind and create The proposed governance structure way servicing area for deliveries and walkways and bike paths easier to for the Civic Precinct extends waste management. navigate throughout the year. In Winter ownership of the public spaces in the City public consultations, Edmontonians heart of Edmonton to other partners, State-of-the-art infrastructure embraced the idea of heated outdoor creating champions committed to should be introduced to support the patios, using light and colour to enliven seeking opportunities to create a more festivals as 99 Street between the winter evenings and creating more lively, vibrant, welcoming heart of and Jasper outdoor activities for all ages. Edmonton. Avenue are re-envisioned. Design Goal #4 of the Winter City Law Courts The large open plaza at the centre Strategy is: Incorporate Urban Design of Sir Winston Churchill Square is a Elements for Winter Fun, Activity, The City of Edmonton continues to new heart for larger, festival-related Beauty and Interest. work with the Alberta Law Courts to activity and performances, with lots of ensure transformation of the Civic room for stages and anchor events for The Civic Precinct Master Plan Precinct recognizes their unique large attractions. advances this goal by: safety and security requirements. 16

Their people-centred design approach is aligned with The Centre for Public Space Research Quality Criteria. Best Based on research developed over many years and tested around the world, these criteria characterize safe, comfortable and enjoyable city spaces Pr actices from a human perspective. Protection Protection expresses our need to be In addition to Kasian and gh3, kept safe from accident, insecurity Gehl Architects, renowned and discomfort. Protection from vehicular traffic is an important part urban research and design of feeling safe and secure. In high consultants, were part of the quality urban spaces we do not fear being run down. Comfortable city Civic Precinct Master Plan spaces make pedestrians a priority. design team. Crime prevention is another important part of a good city. Residents must be afforded a genuine sense of security as they move about the city. This is best achieved by the presence of diverse activity so that there are people nearby at all times of night and day. 17

Protection also deals with freedom Enjoyment The design team also looked at: from uncomfortable sensory Creating thoroughly enjoyable spaces • Talkscapes: How people use the experiences such as unpleasant smells, is highly dependent on utilizing the space and how intimate spaces are pollution or adverse weather conditions. qualities, attractions and special created through talking distances, opportunities found in, and around, seating arrangements, etc. Comfort city spaces. It is vital to create city • Pedestrian flows: Research shows Opportunities to participate in a spaces on a human scale, with fine people perceive an urban space as variety of activities and experience details, good materials and good lively and safe when it has at least a your surroundings are determined by street furniture. Good city space thousand people passing through it how space is designed. A good urban must also provide opportunities to per hour. space facilitates basic human activities enjoy the positive aspects of the • Existing street elements: A unified in comfortable conditions. Spaces are local climate. City space should offer approach to street elements creates designed to allow pedestrians to move good experiences, fine views and a sense of comfort and unity. freely and to encourage inviting places interesting sensory impressions. • Microclimate: Built form affects to congregate. pedestrian experience and comfort. And last, but not least, all of the Paying attention to potential Careful design of the edges of public qualities of a good urban space should sun shadows and wind shear and space is especially important to city be part and parcel of beautifully creating refuge areas for enjoyment life. People prefer to stay at the edge conceived architectural unity. add to the human attractiveness of a with their backs well protected. The place. edges provide opportunities for looking, listening and talking. Good urban space has multiple uses. It is important to be able to stay and experience city space and to use it for both passive and active recreation. 18

Civic Transformation

By turning design upside LIFE down, the fundamental character of the civic realm will transform from an introverted to an open core, propelled by the idea of life, space, building...

The Civic Precinct Master SPACE Plan consultant team was led by Edmonton-based Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning and included Gehl Architects and gh3.

The design team approached the transformation of Edmonton’s Civic Precinct by turning design upside down. BUILDING 19

LIFE SPACE BUILDING

Looking first at LIFE: the people in SPACE: the scale of spaces, the way BUILDING: the way it scales and and around the space and what they the area invites and designates uses, shapes the civic realm. are doing. the connections made and the green that is connected to and committed to. BUILDING elements can support the LIFE can be enhanced through: vision by: • A new event layout that reclaims SPACE can be improved by: • Removing built obstacles to increase Sir Winston Churchill Square for • Clearly defining the Civic Precinct sight lines and improve accessibility. everyday use and creates new by creating clear thresholds, • Introducing small permanent opportunities for events. reinforcing gaps in the built edges pavilions to increase activity • A vibrant ground plane that creates with planting, cleaning up visual and programming and improve an attractive alternative to the clutter, introducing a palette of microclimate. pedway system sustainable materials and timeless • Providing guidelines and criteria • New programs encouraging all-day, street elements such as lighting, for future projects to ensure that every-day use to attract families, seating, paving and planting. the microclimate and the quality seniors , students and business people • Creating, human-scaled spaces of the precinct is maintained and and improve the perception of safety. and improving the microclimate by enhanced. • Expanded business opportunities introducing permanent pavilions and around Sir Winston Churchill Square creating suntraps by scaling down that improve the sense of ownership open spaces. and generate a more vibrant, urban • Providing more green space to experience. increase leisure opportunities. 20

guiding principles 21

The Civic Precinct Master It builds on the success of attracting The plan has six guiding principles: more than one million people to Sir Plan is a long term plan Winston Churchill Square each year. 1. Amplify Civic Identity to guide the development 2. Balance Everyday Activity and It will be implemented in stages over Special Programming of the areas around City several years as opportunities arise. Hall, Sir Winston Churchill 3. Create Unique Areas within the The plan is based on extensive Civic Precinct Square, City Hall Plaza and consultation with Edmonton’s growing 4. Develop Measures to Animate downtown residential, business and Centennial Plaza over the the Square student community who said they next few decades into lively, expect more every day activity in 5. Evolve a Green City Centre and year-round gathering places the heart of the city and that they Connect to the River Valley look to the Civic Precinct as the place Edmontonians will want to to gather, visit, celebrate and be 6. Foster the Year-Round Pedestrian visit again and again. entertained. Experience 22 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Amplify Civic Identity A new civic axis, a green ceremonial spine, a sustainable transportation corridor and new pedestrian priority measures extend the cultural carpet of the core to amplify civic identity.

The plan proposes to clearly define Transforming 99 Street into a the Civic Precinct visually as a unique, Ceremonial Spine will connect several special place in the heart of our Edmonton cultural institutions — the downtown by creating a cultural carpet Royal Alberta Museum, The Art Gallery — a visual cue that signifies that you of Alberta, Winspear, Citadel and the are in the heart of Downtown. Stanley A. Milner Library. Creating a more pedestrian-focused 99 Street The term cultural carpet is a along with traffic calming measures conceptual notion that defines the at key intersections will add to the Civic Precinct as a particular, unique vibrancy of the area. On 100 Street public space in the heart of Edmonton the plan proposes traffic calming and — engaging, iconic and instantly pedestrian priority areas. A green recognizable in its boundaries’ visual/ transportation corridor running east- spatial character. Unified surface and west on 102 Avenue will bring LRT and graphically distinctive paving patterns bicycle traffic downtown. and other three dimensional urban elements, will create a consistent and This will create an east-west dignified character which also extends connection to Edmonton’s arts, financial, beyond the main civic realm in select civic, entertainment, residential, and locations. shopping districts. 23

Civic Precinct Cultural Carpet Select precinct elements extended beyond precinct realm Traffic calming measures at intersections Ceremonial Spine

East to West connection

LRT route

Bicycle lanes area

Law Court access lane 24 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

2. Balance Every day Activity and Special Programming Redefining festival zones creates a better balance between daily use and the festivals for which Edmonton is known.

A new event layout creates a better of 13,400 square meters and includes organized festival zone along the spill over areas for major festivals Ceremonial Spine and in Sir Winston and ceremonial use. Churchill Square. This reclaims 102 A Avenue (connecting Sir Winston Redefining the festival zones makes Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza) the festivals a more considered, and for everyday use. organized, part of the public realm and frees up space in the urban The new layout expands the area rooms of the squares and plazas for allocated for festivals to a maximum everyday use. 25

Civic Precinct Cultural Carpet Select precinct elements extended beyond precinct realm Traffic calming measures at intersections Festival area

Festival expansion

LRT route

Bicycle lanes area

Law Court access lane 26

3. Create Unique Areas Within The Civic Precinct Within the territory defined by the Civic Precinct’s cultural carpet, a series of more defined areas will be delineated.

The cultural carpet defines the Civic functions related to Edmonton’s Precinct as a specific, visibly and renowned festivals are focused in a spatially unique and engaging public T-shaped area, apart from the civic space in the heart of Edmonton activities in front of City Hall (such as that is inclusive and social. This is a Remembrance Day) or the more casual people-focused area that integrates gathering activities of Sir Winston connections to cultural activities and Churchill Square. amenities. The major areas defined within the cultural carpet include The plaza framed by the Royal Alberta City Hall Plaza, Sir Winston Churchill Museum and the proposed performing Square, Centennial Plaza as well arts centre is beyond the plan area. as a rationalized festival area that However, due to its proximity to the occupies the new Ceremonial Spine on core area and its potential to extend 99 Street and extends into Sir Winston the Ceremonial Spine northward, it Churchill Square. should be designed using the principles of the civic precinct. At each of The clear delineation of use between the connection points to external everyday and ceremonial is a key influences beyond the precinct, a design feature of the Civic Precinct consistent language of traffic calming Master Plan, so that festive measures is introduced.

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Civic Precinct Cultural Carpet Select precinct elements extended beyond precinct realm Traffic calming measures at intersections Festival area

Everyday use / festival spillover Centennial Plaza everyday use / programs / festival spillover City Hall Plaza everyday use / ceremonial use Royal Alberta Museum/ Performing Arts Centre LRT route

Bicycle lanes area

Law Court access lane 28 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

4. develop Measures to Animate the Square The plan includes several measures to promote an exemplary pedestrian realm and create a vibrant winter city.

The Churchill LRT transfer point, east of City Hall Plaza to a single point with the addition of the new at- acts as a visual beacon and further surface Southeast to West LRT line, animates the Square, adding a sense becomes a hub of activity, providing of increased safety by providing eyes opportunities for casual and on the Square. spontaneous programming. This LRT pavilion also provides services Reducing the number of LRT entry and amenities that likewise encourage points and access points to the people to put on their coats and Pedway will encourage pedestrian choose the more convenient outdoor use of Sir Winston Churchill Square. option over the underground network Consolidating LRT entries in the south of the pedway. 29

Currently proposed LRT Station entrance - by itself no pedestrian movement contribution to the square) Potential consolidated entrance to LRT - encourages pedestrian movement through the square - acts as visual beacon in the square - adds program and activity to the Square (extended hours, magazine stands, etc) Potential existing pedway / LRT entrance to remain Resulting pedestrian movement between surface-level LRT and underground LRT station entrances Existing underground LRT

Proposed surface-level LRT

Existing underground LRT station 30 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

5. Evolve a Green City Centre and Connect to the River Valley The greening strategy addresses sustainability at many levels, by promoting non-vehicular transportation, adding trees and using green materials.

The Civic Precinct Master Plan winter, the serene beauty of shadow contributes to the greening of patterns on the precinct’s surface. Edmonton by: • Re-defining Sir Winston Churchill • Introducing a landscaped connection Square as green space that is a to the river valley, adding trees and hybrid of an urban plaza and a park, green spaces, using trees to create where more intimate urban rooms a microclimate (including evergreen framed by trees support everyday planting on 100 Street to shield use of the Square. Sir Winston Churchill Square from • Creating convenient, sustainable prevailing westerly winds). ways for commuters to get • Re-introducing trees to the public downtown by LRT and bicycle, and realm in a way that is both urbane privileges these methods over and park-like; a new open tree canopy automobile traffic. gives the precinct a sense of intimacy • Using sustainable, recycled, long- and place, a human scale, shade in the lived materials. summer and sculptural form in the 31

1 Coordinate with Royal Alberta Museum and Performing Arts Centre

2 Define street edge

3 New Winter Pavilion - positioned to create a sun trap of City Hall Plaza and provide amenities

4 Enhance Winspear frontage

5 Connect North Saskatchewan River Valley to precinct - indigenous plant species

6 Bring Citadel into green network

7 Green Sir Winston Churchill Square 8 Ceremonial planting on 100 Street 32 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

6. foster the Year-Round Pedestrian Experience Tempering the winter experience with transparent structures that give shelter and create suntraps adds amenity to the precinct and provides eyes on the Square.

The Civic Precinct Master Plan Additional pavilions are placed to Specific design features include: improves pedestrian enjoyment of provide everyday amenity, service • Re-grading the civic realm to the area by improving human scale, and shelter, create suntraps and create a continuous, barrier-free making logical connections between enhance the sense of safety. Sheltered surface unimpeded by stairs, grade the places people want to go, creating microclimates make the area more changes and obstacles. the perception and reality of safety, attractive in all seasons. • High-contrast pavement improving universal access and patterning for the visually implementing measures to improve the Festival lighting over 99 Street impaired. winter experience. provides an animated winter presence. • Transit stations for universal Temporary huts along the precinct wheelchair access. Consolidating the LRT entry into a edges offer opportunity for winter • Intersections signalized with visual new, transparent pavilion provides markets. Improving access for people and audio aids. eyes on the Square, and a sheltering with mobility limitations is central to arm for City Hall Plaza. the recommendations. 33

1 New Pavilion and consolidated LRT entry

2 Proposed new Churchill Square LRT station

3 3 Bananas Cafe

4 TIX on the Square

5 Kids in the Hall LRT route Bicycle lanes area Law Court access lane 34

The Civic Precinct Master Plan re-imagines and expands the view of the heart of Edmonton from one specific square to a more integrated and encompassing view of the public realm. Five Development

99 Street Areas Ceremonial Spine

Enriching the attractiveness and into three areas: north, central and south. vibrancy of five specific areas, while ensuring each is integrated into a The Ceremonial Spine is a distinctly whole, creates a choice of experiences. branded pedestrian priority zone The five development areas are: that runs north-south along 99 1. 99 Street Ceremonial Spine Street. As the main zone designated 2. 100 Street for festivals, the Ceremonial Spine 3. Centennial Plaza introduces common features including 4. City Hall Plaza a meandering paving surface that 5. Sir Winston Churchill Square evokes the river and new, signature festival lighting. 99 Street Ceremonial Spine The festival lighting extends from 101 A Avenue to 103 A Avenue and takes The Ceremonial Spine along 99 Street the form of a net of wires from which will serve as the new armature for the lanterns of light are suspended. By city’s renowned festivals. It is divided day, this net is virtually invisible. By 35

Centennial Plaza City Hall Plaza

night, this river of lights provides 100 Street City Hall Plaza flexible, even, illumination from above for all festival activities. This festival Priorities for 100 Street are Changes to City Hall Plaza encourage lighting creates a sense of celebration re-defined, with pedestrian year-round pedestrian use, stronger and a sense of focus north toward enhancements and traffic calming connections and continuity between the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) emerging as the twin ambitions. City Hall Plaza and Sir Winston Churchill forecourt. It also connects Edmonton’s Square through the integration of cultural and civic landmarks — the Royal Centennial Plaza 102 A Avenue between 99 Street and Alberta Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta, 100 Street. Changes to Centennial Plaza focus on Winspear Centre, Citadel Theatre and improving access and transparency City Hall. Sir Winston Churchill and creating stronger connections to the library to inject life into this space. Square Suspending the lighting along 99 Street is part of the larger strategy to The re-conceived Sir Winston Churchill de-clutter and rationalize the ground Square is framed by trees strategically plane, removing elements such as used to provide a series of different- street fixtures, parking meters and scaled outdoor rooms for everyday, extraneous signage. non-festival use and enjoyment by Edmontonians. 36

Partnerships

Public spaces within the Civic Precinct are owned by the City of Edmonton. Currently, this is where events and programming takes place. Private spaces within the Civic Precinct include spaces such as retail stores, offices, etc. owned by private entities and over which the City only has indirect influence through planning policies. Edmonton’s downtown pedway system is a mixture of public access to private spaces. 37

Recommended Management and Operations Public Art Governance Managing, operating and maintaining the Civic Precinct public spaces There are 22 existing public artworks The Civic Precinct Master Plan requires the engagement of several and urban installations (plaques, recommends a governance structure areas of Civic Administration — from commemorations and other works that includes citizens-at-large, area drainage and waste management not designed by artists) within the businesses, property owners and to security, sidewalk and road Civic Precinct. The Civic Precinct is public institutions along with City of maintenance to parks and forestry, Edmonton’s living room, its public face Edmonton Administration. traffic operations, zoning and permits, that welcomes residents and visitors, to name a few. demonstrating what Edmonton is all Special Advisory Board about. Created to focus all stakeholders on The governance structure suggests a the whole Civic Precinct, this advisory single office to oversee, co-ordinate Public art is highly effective in board made up of citizens, Civic and integrate the various administrative illustrating who Edmontonians are Precinct private property owners, area functions required to manage, operate and what is valued. It is important that businesses and public institutions will and maintain these public spaces. Edmonton tell its story well and that set and support strategic direction. This would include the Edmonton the city demonstrate this through The Advisory Board will focus on Arts Council and the Edmonton Police the excellence of public spaces and advocacy, supporting management’s Services. the quality and content of the objects performance in achieving the vision for given pride of place in Edmonton’s the Civic Precinct and the principles of living room. the Civic Precinct Master Plan. 38 partnerships

Grouping installations together City Hall Plaza could be the site that relate to similar interests or of artwork and installations of philosophical concerns allows a deeper over-arching human concern or and more meaningful examination of commemorating or celebrating events works within each area. of international significance.

Installations within the revitalized Sir Winston Churchill Square could 99 Street Ceremonial Spine on the have artwork and installations of east side of the Civic Precinct (as it regional and local importance and passes through City Hall Plaza, Sir recognitions such as plaques and Winston Churchill Square past the modest scale elements intended Library and to Centennial Plaza), may not to overshadow the Sir Winston respond to questions of larger human Churchill sculpture. concern and their context within the City of Edmonton. Centennial Plaza could serve as a location for permanent work The 100 Street Civic Axis on the west relating to First Nations and an ideal side of the Civic Precinct, may bring location for future contemporary art together works donated to the city, commissions of significance. donor plaques, and other installations of regional or local interest. 39

Moving Forward

The Civic Precinct Master Plan serves as a framework to guide and integrate the development of public spaces in the heart of downtown.

It is a long term plan that will be implemented in stages as opportunities arise. It incorporates and builds on the approaches of The Capital City Downtown Plan.

It advocates the creation of pedestrian priority zones in the civic precinct and traffic calming measures on the roadways around the precinct to create a safer, more welcoming atmosphere for Edmontonians and visitors of all ages and abilities.

This call for more people and eyes on the street, greater accessibility and safety for pedestrians and the need to create an oasis of calm in the heart of Edmonton was consistent throughout the public consultations and conversations with Edmontonians. 40 stakeholders

The following stakeholders were • Downtown Business Association consulted with, and provided ongoing • Downtown Edmonton Community updates on the evolving Civic Precinct League Master Plan : • Downtown Vibrancy Task Force • Aboriginal Serving Agencies • Edmonton Arts Council • Advisory Board on Services for • Edmonton Opera Persons with Disabilities • Edmonton Performing Arts Centre • Alberta Courts •  • Alberta Infrastructure • Events Edmonton • Art Gallery of Alberta • Festivals: • Bent Arrow (Aboriginal Welcome - The Works Services) - CariWest • Bentall Kennedy (Sun Life Building) - Taste of Edmonton • Bissell Centre/Bissell Hope Mission - edmonton Street Performer’s • Boyle Street Community Services Festival • Three Bananas Cafe - downtown Farmers Market • L’ E s p r e s s o • Hokanson Capital (ATB Place/Sun • CBC Life) • Edmonton Chamber of Commerce • Katz Group • Citadel Theatre • Made in Edmonton • City of Edmonton • McCauley Community League - Community Services Advisory • Next Gen Board • Oxford Developments - Corporate Properties • REACH Edmonton - Corporate Security • Residential (McLeod Building) - edmonton Transit Services • Royal Alberta Museum Advisory Board • Westin Hotel - Transportation Services • United Way - Winter City Strategy • Wicihitowin • CKUA • Winspear • YMCA 41 Information on Edmonton’s Civic Precinct Master Plan is available online: www.edmonton.ca/civicprecinctplan

Inquiries may also be directed to: City of Edmonton Community Strategies 7th Floor, CN Tower 10004 104 Ave. Edmonton, AB T5J 0K1