14.3 Downtown

Creating a more vibrant place

Downtown St. Albert is well-loved by residents who enjoy festivals, performances, high-quality restaurants, and shopping in all seasons and the very popular outdoor farmers’ market in the summer and fall. As the most urban neighbourhood in a growing city, Downtown will evolve to accommodate new buildings that make efficient use of existing infrastructure in a central and well-connected location. Intensification will bring well-designed housing and commercial amenities that will make Downtown a more exciting and vibrant place for a diverse community.

Policies

14.3.1.

Plan and support the growth of Downtown as a high-density, urban neighbourhood.

14.3.2.

Explore opportunities to facilitate new residential and mixed-use development.

14.3.3.

Encourage the development of shared and affordable workspaces that foster opportunities for collaboration and provide access to business resources for small business owners.

14.3.4.

Collaborate with developers and utility providers to ensure utility infrastructure adequately supports residential intensification Downtown in a timely manner.

14.3.5.

Support lot consolidation for high-density residential, office, and mixed-use development.

14.3.6.

Incorporate a mix of unit types, sizes, and tenures to meet the needs of people of all ages, incomes, and abilities.

14.3.7.

Enhance the urban character and walkability of the Downtown by prohibiting drive-through establishments and other vehicleoriented uses.

14.3.8.

Maintain the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) so that it adequately guides future development and reinforces Downtown as the city’s civic and cultural heart, a thriving business district, and a dynamic neighbourhood.