HILLSIDE APRIL 2013
INNER CITY VISION 2050
BRIDGELAND -RIVERSIDE CRESCENT HEIGHT RENFREW
UBST 591 - Group B
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CONTENT
MOBILITY
INTENSIFICATION
14
17
4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
6
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTEXT
10
SWOT ANALYSIS
12
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
26
SYSTEM PERSPECTIVE
29 CONCLUSION 30 BIBLIOGRAPHY
PUBLIC SPACE
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
20
23
CONTRIBUTORS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Steven Peterson Laura Whittingham Marcus Desireau Mark Hosford Zachary Moe Aidan Rice Jackson Wiebe Joel Thompson Susanne Brzezina Anthony Eagle Kristen Harder Julian Mena Trevor Strong Ho Kong Yung
The success and final outcome of this project required guidance and assistance for which we would like to thank oir professor Dr. Ghitter. We would also like to thank the Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights and Refrew Community Associations for their involvement, cooperation and invaluable input and suggestions guiding the insight and inspiration for this project. Our team would like to gratefully acknoledge the involvement and organization of the Federation of Calgary Communities for their spport and encouragement.
Executive Summary The purpose of this project was to allow University of Calgary Urban Studies students to become familiar with hands on experience in urban planning. Our task was to compose a comprehensive neighborhood redevelopment plan for the Edmonton Trail corridor between 16th Avenue and Memorial Drive as well as the surrounding communities of Bridgeland-Riverside, CrescentHeights and Renfrew, bounded by 4th Street to the West and Deerfoot Trail to the East.The fundamentals of this plan were drawn from a community visioning session held February 2nd with the Crescent Heights, Bridgeland-Riverside and Renfrew Community Associations initiated and organized by the Federation of Calgary Communities. The community visioning session introduced four questions to encourage discussion among association members in alignment with their individual communities. These 4 Hillside Connected
responses were documented and the concerns addressed within the boundaries of the project. The four questions and some of the responses are as follows: 1. What are the strengths of your community? The members of each community discussed aspects and features of their neighbourhoods that they thought were strong characteristics. These include: close proximity to downtown, easy access to main road networks, a strong sense of community, cultural diversity and historical roots. 2. What blocks potential in your community? Community members were concerned with particular threats to future development in their neighbourhoods. These include: presence of vacant land
attracting litter, developers and their accountability for the empty spaces and little follow through on the vision with these spaces. 3. What would you like to improve in the community? The communities are looking to implement a sense of identity within their communities to showcase the heritage and history of the area. The community members showed concern for pedestrian access and connectivity, especially along the Edmonton Trail Corridor, so improvements in transportation infrastructure and walkability are desired. Some other options that may work towards improvements in the community are public art and community gardens. 4. How would you describe your community? All
three
communities
share
similar characteristics that make it a desirable place to live within Calgary. Community members expressed appreciation of the community’s historical background and feel that there is significant potential for the area for future development. This session provided the base for our analysis of the neighborhoods and the guiding principles of our redevelopment plan that focus on: 1. Mobility: Connect the three communities to one another as well as other areas of the city via major thoroughfares by expanding existing public transit through the implementation of the LRT along Centre Street, and a neighborhood street car providing residents with multiple connections to Northeast and Central LRT lines, 1st Avenue NE and Edmonton Trail. Extension of bike lane infrastructure, bike and car share infrastructure, and the encouragement of shared space are features explored in the project. 2. Intensification: Encourage commercial and economic development through the implementation of mid to high density mixed-use developments along Edmonton Trail. Incorporate retail and commercial centers with a multitude of residential options. 3. Public Realm Improvements/ Public Spaces and Services:
Maintain and improve urban and public spaces to through the incorporation of public art, public toilets and improved pedestrian maneuverability and connections. Ensure that community needs are met through the accommodation of public services and public housing developments.
3. Opportunities
4. Green infrastructure: Implement alternative energy generating technologies in developments including solar energy, small scale wind power, green roofs, and community gardens.
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Barriers
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High Speed Traffic
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Increased Land Value
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Non Transit Supportive Land Uses
Project research was directed by an analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats present in the current community form, otherwise known as a SWOT analysis. The outstanding factors considered were; 1. Strengths •
Proximity to Downtown
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Core Sense of Community Public Areasy
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Public Areas
2. Weaknesses •
Underutilized Areas
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Poor Pedestrian Connectivity
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Inefficient Lanes
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Interconnected Streets
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Heritage
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Underused
4. Threats
Goals of this project were to introduce concepts that could ensure the success of BridgelandRiverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew communities through future developments by maintaining the desirable and functional aspects of the communities and providing options for the improvement of weak or threatening issues. Applying sustainable concepts ensures that future developments not only benefit the communities individually, but allow them to become integral to the functioning of the greater city, acting as a subsystem repairing and improving itself while building to the success of Calgary as a whole.
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Neighbourhoud Context Site Boundaries
The three communities of Bridgeland, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew are situated just north of the Bow River, opposite downtown Calgary. As a group, the communities make up the area within 16th avenue to the north and Memorial Drive to the south. They are bounded by Center Street to the west, and extend to Deerfoot Trail to the east.
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History The origins of these communities can be traced back to the late 19th century. The opening of the Langevin Bridge in 1888 spurred initial development. A significant boom and expansion of the area north of the Bow River occurred in the early 20th century, sparking development and growth in these three communities (City of Calgary, 2012). Bridgeland-Riverside, was established during the 1880s, when Calgary underwent a significant economic and population boom. Early on, Bridgeland was characterized by having a significant proportion of European immigrants, especially Germans and Italians. Many cultural establishments and small businesses catering to these ethnic groups were es8 Hillside Connected
tablished in the community. Although many of these businesses have been shut down over the years, there is still a prominent sense of cultural diversity in the community. The Calgary Zoo, the Bridgeland LRT station and the Calgary General Hospital, which was controversially shut down in 1998, are the central features of the community in Calgary (City of Calgary, 2012). Crescent Heights was originally considered a small village in 1908, but officially became a part of Calgary in 1914. The construction of Crescent Heights High School sparked much of the community’s growth and development, because the school became a destination for many students in the city’s northeast com-
munities. The Center Street Bridge, built in 1915, also played an integral role in shaping the community. It connected the community to downtown, and is the city’s second oldest bridge. Today, Crescent Heights is known for its beautiful homes and exceptional views of downtown. It is the home of Peter’s Drive-In and the North Hill Curling Club (City of Calgary, 2012).
roots in the city. The Rutledge Hangar is one of the few remaining physical memories of the community’s aviation past, and is now home to the Calgary Boys and Girls Club (City of Calgary, 2012).
Renfrew’s roots date back to World War II, when much of the area’s land was used as a training area for the Canadian military’s air force. At one time, the area was used as Calgary’s airport, but was eventually relocated, allowing for community development. Mostly catering to war veterans, residential and commercial developments ensued, founding the community’s Hillside Connected 9
DEMOGRAPHICS
There are some demographic trends that should be addressed as part of future redevelopment. Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew are relatively similar demographically. Each community has a population between 5,000 and 6,000 residents. The majority of residents are between 25 and 44 years of age in all three communities. However, Bridgeland also has a significant elderly population, with 17.1% of its residents being over 75 years old, compared to the city’s overall proportion of 4.3%. Also notable, the proportion of children and youth under the age of 19, is much lower than the Calgary average. Each of the three communities is ethnically diverse, with immigrants making up approximately one fifth of each community’s population. Visible minorities make up 13% to 18% of the area’s population. The population of each community is expected to double by the year 2050. This emphasizes the importance of increasing density in these neighbourhoods moving into future. 10 Hillside Connected
SWOT ANALYSIS STRENTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPURTUNITIES AND THREATS
Proximity to Downtown Core Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew communities are all connected by Edmonton Trail, which serves as an important artery to the downtown core. The road provides easy access to commercial and business facilities as well as contributes to vast job opportunities.
S.
Sense of Community Diverse amenities and facilities such as Community Associations, various religious and educational institutions, not only add visual interest to the area but also provide
social cohesion among the residents in the neighbourhood. There is also a mix of housing types that support mixed incomes and a multi-cultural population. Public Areas Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew are favorable locations to partake in outdoor activities because of the large number of public parks available. There are also numerous playgrounds and sporting facilities, such North Hill Curling Club, which allows citizens to engage with one another.
W.
Underutilized Areas Along Edmonton Trail there are numerous vacant lots that make the landscape seem disjointed. These plots of land could be utilized more efficiently.
Poor Pedestrian Connectivity There is an absence of pedestrian friendly links across Edmonton Trail due to the auto oriented nature of the street. High speed traffic and narrow sidewalks along Edmonton Trail and 8th Avenue N create a dangerous environment for pedestrians.
Vacant lots offer great development opportunities and if developed, would result in a more pleasant atmosphere, benefiting businesses. Vacant lots can also be turned into community gardens. High Speed Traffic Automobile commuter routes and high speed traffic along Edmonton Trail and 8th Avenue discourages pedestrians and residents from crossing and pose a threat to walkability along the street. Increased Land Value Gentrification in these communities is causing a change in the social composition. Inflated housing prices are pushing out residents that cannot afford to purchase homes in the area. Gentrification poses a threat to social mixing and could lead to a loss of community.
T.
Non Transit Supported Land Uses Along Edmonton Trail there are land uses that are not conducive to public transit, walking or cycling. These uses include: auto repair shops, large parking lots and drivethru restaurants. These establishments only promote more automotive activity in the area.
Inefficient Lanes Despite the close proximity to downtown and walkability within the neighbourhoods, Edmonton Trail is primarily a car oriented street with narrow sidewalks and parked cars, which make it difficult to travel. The narrow sidewalks are visually unappealing and are lacking adequate lighting at night. Interconnected Streets The grid patterned streets provide a desirable foundation for potential redevelopment and easy access to major road networks. Improvements to the pedestrian realm along Edmonton Trail would result in a more pleasant atmosphere which would benefit businesses by attracting more people.
O.
Heritage Rich history and a variety of institutions in the area create opportunities to brand these communities as a destination for Calgarians. There is potential for this area to host festivals and events in the future. Historic buildings, such as Bud’s Used Office Furniture, can be restored and revitalized in order to make the area more appealing. Underused Spaces
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Mobility Better connect these communities to each other and to the rest of Calgary with an emphasis on walking, cycling, and public transit.
Guiding Principles This project will abide by the following Guiding Principles which have been chosen from existing City of Calgary documents, including Area Redevelopment Plans. These principles encompass the most relevant aspects of these documents with respect to the future sustainability of BridgelandRiverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew.
Intensification Adding density to target areas in anticipation of future population growth
Green Infrastructure Implementing innovative green technology to promote environmental sustainability.
Public Realm and Services Establish these communities as a destination for Calgarians by creating a unique sense of place that draws on community heritage. Provide necessary public infrastructure to meet the needs of future residents.
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Mobility When it comes to transportation the communities of Bridgeland/ Riverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew have great roots. They were part of Calgary’s early development and having been serviced by street car during the first half of the
twentieth century the fabric of the area is conducive to a variety of modes of transportation. Being part of the city’s initial development also optimally situates the communities in proximity to the downtown. The three communities are connected
Transit Currently there is regular bus service through the neighbourhoods along Centre Street and Edmonton Trail. Circuitous routes: 17, 9 and 19/119 also find their way through the community. Better connectivity could be achieved by eliminating these complex routes, offering straight routes with connections at cross-streets, and ensuring frequent service (Walker, 2012). A rapid cross-town route following 16th Avenue would provide faster travel not only for residents of the study area, but for all Calgarians. This route would also foster intended intensification along 16th Avenue including transit oriented nodes as part of the city’s overall development plan of nodes and corridors (Calgary, 2009). Running a streetcar parallel with a Centre Street alignment for the LRT, for the entirety of Edmonton Trail, may or may not be practical. In the proposed scenario, a street car runs a short route along areas designated for redevelopment. It achieves multiple functions: providing residents with connections to the Northeast and Central LRT lines, serving retail shops along 1st Avenue NE and Edmonton Trail, creating accessibility for less mobile individuals by traversing the hill on Edmonton Trail, and helping to regulate traffic speeds in what will be a highly sought after walkable retail corridor. A rail based transit mode provides the benefit of being understandable for visitors; it is obvious where the route is, where it is going and provides a greater sense of reliability than buses. This will be advantageous to business in the area by attracting tourism. The installation of the streetcar will also require maintenance facilities. This garage will be situated at the former site of the Calgary General Hospital. It will be multi purposed, providing an opportunity for a 14 Hillside Connected
to other areas of the city via major thoroughfares including Centre Street, Edmonton Trail, 16th Avenue, Memorial Drive and Deerfoot Trail via Memorial and 16th.
community serving place of interest. Ideally a fresh produce market or eclectic grouping of independent shops would be installed, but a chain supermarket or a conventional shopping centre could also serve as a community gathering place. Cycling Bike lanes will connect the communities with the downtown, areas to the north and communities east of Deerfoot. A bi-directional bike lane will be implemented on 8th Avenue, separated from automotive traffic by a parking lane. Its edge will be defined by regularly placed stanchions, providing a highly visible cue for drivers, alerting them to the presence of the cycling lane and its users. 8th Avenue is an excellent candidate for such a route providing access to areas of the city on either side of Deerfoot Trail without engaging traffic of the busy freeway. It also assists in dealing with residents’ concerns of automotive traffic by reducing car use, deterring non-local traffic and encouraging reduced speeds thanks to narrower lanes. Additional cycling infrastructure will be implemented on 2nd, 6th and 10th streets with a connection to downtown via Langevin Bridge. In order to take full advantage of the newly developed bike lanes a wide network of bike sharing facilities will be implemented throughout the community. Individuals who do not own bikes will be afforded the opportunity to take advantage of the cycling infrastructure. The bike initiative goes in hand with efforts of creating more environmentally sustainable communities, decreasing car dependency of residents. Bike share infrastructure will integrate with public transit, producing greener modes of commuting. Maintenance and storage of bike share equipment would be housed in the streetcar garage.
In 2050 Calgary’s bike network has become an effective means of navigating (manoeuvring) the city. 8th Avenue North is a vital cross-town link in this network, connecting communities east and west of Deerfoot Trail. Not only has the installation of bike lanes enhanced the cycling initiative, it has also assisted in the reduction automotive traffic levels and speeds on the family friendly street. With funding arriving from the increased portion of gas taxes distributed to municipalities, the city was able to install a street car line in the area following the completion of the planned Green LRT line. This street car line has enhanced the retail development along 1st Avenue NE and Edmonton Trail, south of 8th Avenue. It has also provided accommodation for elderly and physically disabled residents and visitors, assisting them up and down the incline on Edmonton Trail.
Top Right Dual Direction Bike Lane Top Left Tram Middle Right Shared Space Middle Left Sidewalk Store Display Bottom Sketch of Tram Along Edmonton Trrail
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Mobility continued Shared Space Shared Space removes barriers and accommodates pedestrians, cyclists and cars. This arrangement is in use at the University of Calgary and has proven to be an effective use of space. Rather than having designated lanes or intense traffic controls, the organic space makes travel more casual and increases attentiveness of users. Using a different paving treatment gives haptic feedback to drivers, encouraging them to slow down. A sense of inclusion and an inviting atmosphere are a product of implementing Shared Space. It is an ideal environment for both retail shops and residences. The length of 1st Avenue east of Edmonton Trail is not a major commuting route and already features a mixed-use development, The Bridges. It is an excellent site for implementing a Shared Space. Sidewalks Thanks to the grid structure of streets in the area, connectivity for pedestrians is easily achieved with sidewalks on all streets, on both sides of the street. Sidewalks in residential areas will feature tree canopies and be buffered from traffic by parking lanes and appropriate landscaping where feasible. This will create boulevard styling and pleasant walking conditions. Sidewalks along the designated retail corridors: Edmonton Trail, Centre Street, and 1st Avenue, will be a minimum width of three metres.
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This can be achieved with mandatory setbacks for any redevelopment of properties on these roads. Buildings would also be required to abut the sidewalk. This arrangement promotes a walkable retail district as is currently found in Kensington and allows shops to extend their product space into the public realm. Wider sidewalks along retail corridors will be a key component, increasing foot traffic, accommodating patios for restaurants, storefront displays for grocers, and special events such as sidewalk sales and festivals when they are coordinated by business and community groups or the city. Parking Presently surface parking is not overwhelming in the area, but it is unsightly and reduces the level of walkability. While projecting reduced levels of automotive traffic, parking will still be necessary and can play a beneficial role in the communities when implemented correctly. Street parking can be used as a buffer between automotive traffic and pedestrians or cyclists. This would be implemented along the 8th Avenue cycling lane and on Edmonton trail outside of the streetcar route. When alternated from side to side, street parking can also serve to create a chicane effect, calming traffic. This technique would be used on narrower residential streets. If additional parking is still required a parkade would be integrated into the streetcar garage.
INTENSIFICATION Bridgeland/Riverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew now integrate well with the downtown core area. These areas experienced many intensification measures as new high density apartments and commercial facilities were developed. To accommodate additional green space, many rooftops were converted, incorporating gardens and leisure areas. Policies promoted and upgraded existing infrastructure to incorporate more high density commercial and residential facilities. The three communities continue to possess the highest levels of walkability in the city, but these are substantially higher than what existed in 2013, rivalling neighbourhoods in Toronto and Manhattan. Intensification is part of the equation that makes systems like walkability, efficient transit, and social environments functional. To ensure a vibrant and viable community core, densification is needed to connect all current commercial and high density residential centers. This is possible by increasing the intensity along major current and future transit areas. This includes Center Street, 16th Avenue, Edmonton Trail, and the streets that will be used for the proposed tram line that will connect the communities. These areas for intensification will also have proposed zoning which will include mixed-use throughout much of the communities. This ensures more housing and busi-
ness options within the area. The increase in population will also necessitate change in public services such as schools and public housing. Commercial and residential intensification is a concern along Centre Street, Edmonton Trail and 1st Avenue. There are a variety of residential, business and commercial centers scattered along these roads. Existing commercial infrastructure lacks density and is often difficult to traverse by foot due to distances between destinations and the hilly terrain. This forces patrons
to use cars. The proposed tram line will promote connectivity and commercial growth in the area. Stops along the line will define the location of commercial and residential nodes, and areas of intensification. Similarly, C-Train stations along Centre Street will serve the commercial and residential districts along this corridor.
Commercial Intensification To maintain the commercial character of Bridgeland, high density mixed-use buildings are needed along Edmonton Trail and 1st Street, with medium density mixed-use commercial areas along 4th Street NE. 16th Avenue’s existing low density commercial centers are to be replaced with medium density commercial areas. High density commercial facilities should be located at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Centre Street, with several high to medium mixed-use zones to the south. The gradient of commercial activity and infrastructure decreases with distance from the major corridors.
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Housing types Housing in the mid and late 20th Century in these communities was defined as single detached. These low density residential areas have generally not undergone any intensification. Instead these properties maintained their statuses as single family when renovated or redeveloped. Subsequent high and medium residential facilities built in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries were sparse and scattered throughout the communities. In order to promote high density residential facilities with many destinations in close proximity, residential development should occur within the high-density mixeduse commercial areas. Areas next to these major commercial centers will be intensified to a lesser degree to ensure a continuous gradient and provide a variety of housing. This includes high density apartments and condos along major corridors with medium to low density housing within the communities. Medium density residential development will also be encouraged along major corridors. To ensure connectivity, high density residential and mixed-use will be required in the vacant lots that presently plague various portions of these communities. Zoning: Retail, Commercial and Residential Development Zoning in Bridgeland/Riverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew is quite limiting, restricting uses of lots to the functions from when buildings were first constructed on them. Such zoning restrictions will need to be loosened in order to produce a functional and efficient community. Centre Street is one of the two corridors that link the area to the downtown core. Many of the zoning bylaws along this street are oriented toward commercial uses rather than residential. This is also true of 16th Avenue. Designations along these streets are C-COR1 (Commercial – Corridor 1) or C-COR2 (Commercial – Corridor 2), that are high to medium high density commercial areas with the exception of DC (Direct Control Districts) and R-C2 (Residential – Contextual One/Two Dwelling). Unfortunately there are discrepancies between current properties and the allowable height and floor ratios within these areas. For example, existing commercial facilities south of 16th Avenue have limitations of one to three stories in height, with the exception of major intersections, where land-use documents state they can go over 30 meters. Beyond 10th Avenue most facilities have the allowable height of 12 meters but are developed at a height of only one storey. To ensure intensification for these areas, minimum heights of three storeys will be adopted, while adhering to existing building bylaws and urban policies on commercial development in that region. Also medium density mixed-use zones will be applied in low lying areas away from major commercial centers. This will not only provide additional
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commercial space but has the potential of creating additional apartment and condo units. Edmonton Trail and 1st Street will also benefit from these applications. Land uses vary throughout the course of Edmonton Trail. From 16th Avenue, south to 8th Avenue, most of the corridors property is C-COR1 or C-COR2 with scattered DC, MC-1, MC-2 and CN-1 land use designations. Between 8th Avenue and 6th Avenue, most properties are under the DC land use designation. Beyond 5th Avenue and up to 1st Avenue, they are mainly designated as M-C1 (Multi-Residential – Contextual Low Profile), MC-G (Multi-Residential – Contextual Grade-Oriented) and C-COR2 that either cover major land use designated areas or are scattered throughout much of the area. Areas along 1st Avenue and 9th Street are mainly designated as DC and R-C2 with scattered S-CS (Special Purpose – Community Service) designated areas. Due to the variance of land uses along this route, simplifying the layout of land-uses will enhance vitality in the area. To achieve this, several land uses are proposed for these areas. To start, a usage of medium to high density mixed-use zoning will be used from 16th Avenue the fork at 4th Street. Between Edmonton Trail and 4th Street land uses are to be intensified to have high density commercial uses with high to medium density mixed-use infrastructure on adjacent blocks. Along 1st Avenue, medium to high density mixed-uses will occupy the locations currently designated for commercial use. 9th Street will contain some medium density mixed-use with two DC (Direct Control) land zones to be used by Calgary Transit as the maintenance facility for streetcars in combination with a market space. Land-Use Zoning By-laws Most of the current uses in the Direct Control Zones are low to medium density commercial buildings. Increasing commercial densities along these corridors and adapting some urban form base policies will result in commercial and residential development becoming more predictable. Currently there are only two land uses allowing mixed-use buildings, M-X1 and M-X2 . Both are multi-residential with low to medium density profile commercial uses. A third profile, M-X3, will be created enabling future high density mixed-use development, resulting in a greater diversity of facilities for this region. While this designation may give the impression that overbearing high rises will be installed in the communities, this is not the case. Three to Five storey buildings are all that are required to achieve the desired densities. This creates a much friendlier environment that can be considered human-scale. The M-X3 profile does allow for some higher density construction, but it will be focused around major transit nodes, similar to ‘University City’ under construction in Brentwood.
Top Left Indoor Market Top Right Sketch of Retail Area Middle Left Mixed-Use Area Middle Right Medium Density Residential Bottom Proposed Zoning
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Public Space
Public spaces are integral to the success and identity of a community. Public spaces are equitable, open and accessible to all people and multiple uses ranging from parks, libraries, paths, and even government buildings. Despite the different functions, these spaces all contribute to creating a vibrant and social atmosphere. Calgary’s Northeast inner city boasts many public and park spaces offering
residents spectacular downtown views, open green space, an extensive network of walking paths, athletic fields and playgrounds. With the improvement of transit, bike lanes, pedestrian friendly streets and increased the intensification of key corridors it is important to ensure public spaces and parks are well maintained. Well kept spaces evoke feelings of safety and comfort ensuring continuous use while
providing a desirable gathering spot for community residents and visitors alike. Crescent Heights Park, Rotary Park, Bridgeland Park and Renfrew Park, Murdoch Park, and McDougall Park currently provide recreational space for the communities, and their preservation and maintenance is crucial if they are to be successful and attractive urban public areas.
Left - Public Toilet Top Right - Pedestrian Zone Middle - Affordable Housing Bottom - Public Art
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Art
The City of Calgary’s Public Art Policy (2009) lists several initiatives in the incorporation of in the urban landscape. Building a visually rich environment would attract creative businesses and workers to the area as well as provide artistic opportunities to reflect cultural diversity. City of Calgary’s’ policies currently state that 1% of capital for each development must be dedicated to public art, however future developments are encouraged to participate further. The Centre Street LRT would provide a canvas for public art creating an attractive and inviting experience for transit users. Public art not only generates aesthetic appeal but encourages the use of public space and promotes social interaction. Public art, if correctly applied is a tool that can enhance and attract the public to an otherwise mundane and forgettable space.
Toilets Generally, Calgary has neglected to implement
public toilets in urban areas with the exception of two locations on 17th avenue and Riverwalk in East Village. Public toilets provide convenient access to users of public space and encourage sanitation in highly frequented areas. Successful public toilets provide lighting, accessibility, proximity to pedestrian traffic, little maintenance, universal access, and safety (City of Melbourne, 2008). Public toilets would benefit commercial and retail areas on Edmonton Trail and 1st Avenue and if demand requires potentially highly frequented community parks.
Pedestrian Zone
Pedestrian zones or auto-free zones are areas and corridors reserved for pedestrian use only in which all or some automobile traffic may be prohibited. These streets often utilize traffic calming methods, provide wide sidewalks, and increase walkable access to shops, businesses and homes. Pedestrian free zones are socially inviting and enhance the vibrancy of neighborhoods as they facilitate safe pedestrian connections. Gridded street patterns are dominant in Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew facilitating the implementation of a pedestrian zone. One potential location could be on First Avenue NE. This location is desirable as medium density mixed-use developments are already in place. Southern 4th Street provides an alternative, with potential for intensification and commercial, retail and residential development and little traffic flow.
Schools
The vision for the community is to expand on existing school networks and ensure educational needs are met within the community. Future population increases due to immigration and natural growth have the potential to strain educational facilities and services in the area. Crescent Heights High School and Colonel Macleod Middle school currently service the communities’ children. Forecasting the impacts of anticipated population growth by 2050 will ensure sufficient education infrastructure is provided.
Public Housing Increasing housing density provides an ideal opportunity to implement public housing. A current example is the public housing development brought forth by The City of Calgary’s Office of Land Servicing & Housing is to be located 16 Avenue in Crescent Heights. The development will have the capacity for 27 suites and will provide sufficient housing to low to medium income households. This development will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, incorporating sustainability features reducing energy consumption and future operational costs. Ensuring Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew remain equitable communities planning for future public housing is essential. Enforcing a minimum of 15% public housing per major development would allow for the mixing of people, incomes and cultures, contributing to the social success of the communities while minimizing polarization and slowing the process of gentrification. Building multi-family dwellings also contributes to the desired intensification and vitality of the neighborhoods. Mixed-use environments also provide individuals heightened personal interaction and close proximity to a multitude of employment opportunities creating benefits for all residents.
Libraries Libraries are a fundamental institution providing not only educational opportunities but an ideal public shared space. Facilitating the link to the new Central Library downtown by improvements to Edmonton Trail through bike paths and public transit would allow residents to benefit the library as well as other downtown amenities. Alternatively, providing services such as book delivery and online library services could provide a viable solution to making the journey downtown.
Public Services
A discussion of public services is critical as Calgary has an expected population increase of 70%, and these three communities are expected to double in population by 2050. Hillside Connected 21
Energy consumption has been significantly reduced since 2013. The majority of homes have photovoltaics installed, many of them contributing electricity to the grid and Crescent Heights High School is a net-zero complex. Wind energy is a by-product of a public art installation overlooking Nose Creek Park on the east edge of Renfrew. Insert image (4 wind turbine public art or equivalent) Many properties in Bridgeland/Riverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew have installed green roofs, not only gaining insulative properties but improving the aesthetic qualities of the area. The pride of the communities is discovered travelling down Edmonton Trail. In addition to the view of the downtown skyline, beautiful foliage adorning the roof tops is found on the buildings lining the street.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY Green Infrastructure emphasizes the importance of the natural systems and the natural environment in decisions regarding land-use planning (Condon, 2010). Energy Sustainability is the provision of energy which meets the needs of the current population without compromising the needs of future generations. Technologies that supply or promote sustainable energy consist of: solar energy, wind power and green roofs (Dale and Newman, 2009, 675).
net-zero energy building. Instillations at transit stops can also be implemented throughout all the communities, Crescent Heights, Renfrew and Bridgeland Riverside. These small solar panels can power nearby street lights and provide Wi-Fi hotspots like the ones installed on top of bus shelters in San Francisco (Drop Your Energy Bill, 2011).
Solar Energy is an inexhaustible fuel source that is pollution and noise free, it can be used with renewable solar technologies to replace conventional energy systems that consume fossil fuels. The Solar photovoltaic system (solar panel) has the ability to take energy from the sun and convert it into electricity which can be used in residential or commercial buildings. Electricity that is not being consumed can be stored in large batteries or distributed onto the existing electrical grid (National Geographic, 2013).
Wind power is an alternative to fossil fuels as it is plentiful, renewable, and a clean source of energy. Wind Power is the conversion of wind energy by using wind turbines. As the blades of the wind turbine turn, the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into mechanical energy which is transmitted through a drive shaft to an electrical generator. Large amounts of wind energy are already being reliably and cost-effectively integrated into cities in combination with existing electrical grids. Small installations are available so residents within the communities can install them on their homes, or they can be integrated into forms of public art (CanWEA, 2012).
Crescent Heights High School would make a viable place to implement solar panels in the parking lot as well as on top of the school to create a
Green Roofs Are an extension of an existing roof which involves high quality waterproofing, root repellent system, a drainage system, a lightweight
growing medium and plants. Green roofs can provide a wide range of benefits when implemented onto existing structures such as those along the Edmonton Trail Corridor. These include: beautifying the area, offsetting carbon emissions absorbing rainwater, providing insulation, creating a habitat for wildlife and helps to lower urban air temperatures through mitigating the heat island effect (Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, 2013). Crescent Heights, Renfrew and Bridgeland: Implementing these green infrastructure systems into the communities is a significant possibility. Solar communities already exist within Alberta and there are a number of energy companies such as Enmax that are able to supply the means of incorporating solar and wind energy into communities and homes (Enmax, 2013). Green roofs are a viable option and they currently exist in Calgary; though mainly exist on storage sheds and garages. There is, however, research being conducted to understand what vegetation will survive on residential homes through our city’s variable weather.
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Community Gardens
Greenspace Preservation
Community gardening is simply a plot of land gardened by a group rather than an individual. Advocates promote their role in increasing social cohesion and improving the neighbourhood, as well as for their environmental benefits (Harris, 2009). Community Gardens enhance the health and wellbeing of neighbourhoods by providing fresh produce, and a venue for exercise. Community gardens allow citizens to become closer to their source of food while connecting people of differing ages and backgrounds, creating social cohesion. Community gardening has a long, fruitful history in Calgary. The Vacant Lots Gardening Club, founded in 1911, was once a thriving, city supported, organization. At its peak in 1943, it was operating over 3000 lots around the city (City of Calgary, 2008). Due to an increase in development, the club officially disbanded in 1952. Today, the last remaining plot linked to the Vacant Lots Gardening Club is in the community of Bridgeland-Riverside. This example of long standing gardening interest in the area needs to be explored and encouraged. Renfrew, Crescent Heights, and Bridgeland-Riverside, currently have many vacant lots that are likely to be used for residential and/or commercial development. Taking an alternative approach and turning these lots into community gardens could be the simplest solution to increase interaction with the environment, beautify the area, and grow social capital.
Community gardens allow for the implementation of preserving natural areas - otherwise known as Green Space Preservation. Green Space Preservation is the conservation of urban open space that may include natural landscapes, manicured urban parkland and green belts. These green spaces provide important community space, recreational opportunities, and protect the habitats of plants and animals (Condon, 2010). Preservation of open space benefits the environment by combating air pollution, reducing noise, controlling wind, providing erosion control, and moderating temperatures. Green space preservation also protects surface and ground-water resources by filtering trash, debris, and chemical pollutants before they enter a water table (Condon, 2010). Additionally, green space preservation removes the development pressure and supports smart growth goals by bolstering local economies, improving community quality of life and guiding new growth into the existing communities (Smart Growth Online, 2013). Important green spaces to preserve in the communities are: Crescent Heights Park, Renfrew Park, McHugh Bluff, Sunnyside Bank Park, Bridgeland Riverside Park, Murdoch Park and the Rotary Park.
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Left Community Garden Top Right Solar Colelctors Bottom Right Green Roof
Permeable Surfaces Typical drainage practices in cities today consist of impermeable surfaces, such as concrete, which direct water into pipes where it is then redirected into nearby water bodies. This sudden inflow of water from the surrounding area can overwhelm rivers, causing erosion and damaging ecosystems of fish and other animals reliant on the river (Bean, Hunt, & Bidelspach, 2007). As a city with a close relationship to its rivers, the effects of an abrupt rise in water levels are experienced firsthand by citizens. Impermeable surfaces are an environmental concern as they alter urban air and water resources. Impermeable surfaces are mainly synthetic structures such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots) that are covered by impenetrable materials like asphalt, concrete, brick and stone. These pavement materials seal the natural soil surface which eliminates rainwater infiltration and natural groundwater recharge (Condon, 2010). Additionally, Impermeable surfaces collect solar heat. When this collection of heat is released, it raises air temperatures, producing an urban heat island effect. As a result energy consumption increases as buildings moderate their temperatures. Permeable surfaces allow rainwater to pass through them and soak into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains. Permeable surfaces clean filter pollutants out of the water better than pipe systems. The biggest advantage to using permeable surfaces instead of traditional
asphalt or concrete is they enable the improvement of water quality and protect wildlife habitats by reducing the amount of polluted storm water runoff that enters sewers, streams and rivers. Furthermore, permeable surfaces allow greater flexibility in design, improve durability, reduce the urban heat island effect and enable the groundwater and aquifers to be replenished (Condon, 2010). There are a variety of permeable materials available allowing for easy incorporation into any neighbourhood or community. Some of these materials include: pervious concrete, pervious asphalt, permeable pavement, recycled glass pavers, clay bricks, stone, wood chips and tumbled glass. Research suggests that an added benefit of the use of permeable surfaces, such as pervious concrete, is the reduction of slippery surfaces (Kevern, King, & Bruetsch, 2012). As water is able to soak through to the ground rather than remain on top of the concrete, the amount of ice is reduced, thus making it safer to walk on. This is important in all areas but is particularly important in neighbourhoods with a higher percentage of older adults, such as Bridgeland-Riverside, who are at a higher risk of slipping and suffering slip-related injuries.
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A System Perspective Complex systems are composed of elements, interconnections and functions (Meadows, 2008, p.11). Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights, and Renfrew exemplify all of these criteria. These neighbourhoods can be thought of as elements within the larger hierarchical complex system of Calgary. In a complex system there are fuzzy boundaries meaning that all elements are well integrated. These communities fit well within the context of Calgary; they are well integrated into their surroundings. The hippodamic 26 Hillside Connected
street pattern, a remnant of the old streetcar system, ensures that this connection is relatively seamless. The neighbourhood serves a greater function in the city as it provides affordable housing and radiates diverse culture into the city. It draws an input of people and investment and at the same time, outputs culture and investment out into the city. However, Edmonton Trail is currently functioning as an efficient connector route for Calgary at the expense of these neighbourhoods.
Residents feel that the high level of automotive traffic acts as a barrier to the integration of these neighbourhoods. Therefore, a main focus of this redevelopment plan is to reunite these neighbourhoods so that they can function more efficiently as a whole Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew, on their own can be thought of as a complex system. They may be able to function to some extent if taken out of the hierarchical
context of Calgary. Their elements are the individual households and businesses which are interconnected through investment and provision of goods and services. They are selforganized and all function to support each others’ households and businesses. The concept of resilience and self-organization has been demonstrated where each new wave of immigrants has acted as a shock to the system. In each case, the neighbourhood has adapted and continued on, in response to new cultures. This is
a testament to the way the urban form allows the integration of new people. The interconnected streets help to facilitate social mixing rather than isolation of community members, resulting in a stronger and more resilient population (Meadows, 2008, p. 76).
which in turn creates more local jobs and thus more demand for local businesses (Meadows, 2008, p. 25-26). Redevelopment in the future should focus on adding more mixed-use so that capital stays within these neighbourhoods, allowing them to become even more vibrant.
The mixed-use nature of these communities can also be thought of as creating a positive feedback loop. The jobs that are currently in the neighbourhood create the demand for retail and services, Hillside Connected 27
Conclusion Bridgeland-Riverside, Crescent Heights and Renfrew are communities deserving of a bright and successful future. By incorporating the four Guiding Principles discussed above in future redevelopment plans for these neighborhoods it is possible to ensure sustainability goals are met. Improving mobility is an essential aspect to future sustainable planning. Enhancing public transit through the construction of the Centre Street LRT, a connecting street car with access to current transit routes and commercial and retail corridors, and providing designated areas for shared space or pedestrian zones will benefit the community in a variety of ways. Encouraging the use of sidewalks and walkability will not only increase social interaction but will lower automobile dependency. Intensification of the public realm and raising residential densities, by encouraging mid to high density mixed-use developments, will draw economic investment and prosperity to the communities. Ensuring public spaces and parks are well maintained, as well as the continued accommodation of needs through public services, will both attract new residents and ensure current residents are satisfied. Finally, investing in green infrastructure such as solar and wind energy is critical to economic sustainability of future neighborhood design. Furthermore, social, economic, and environmental benefits are possible through the implementation of community gardens, green roofs, and green space preservation.
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City of Calgary. 2012. Community Social Statistics: Bridgeland/Riverside. Calgary: City of Calgary City of Calgary. 2012. Community Social Statistics: Crescent Heights. Calgary: City of Calgary City of Calgary. 2012. Community Social Statistics: Renfrew. Calgary: City of Calgary City of Calgary. 2011. Banff Trail Station Area Redevelopment Plan. Calgary: City of Calgary City of Calgary. 2009. Municipal Development Plan. Calgary: City of Calgary City of Calgary: Parks Department. (2008). Vacant Lots Garden Club. In Bridgeland–Riverside Vacant Lots Garden Management Manual. Retrieved from http://www.cip-icu.ca/_CMS/files/2010%20HM%20-%20Neighbourhood%20 Planning.pdf City of Melbourne. (2008). The city of Melbourne public toilet plan 2008-2013. Melbourne, VIC. CanWEA. (2012). http://windfacts.ca/why-wind-works Condon, P.M. (2010). Seven Rules for Sustainable Cities: Design Strategies for the Post-Carbon World. Washington: Island Press Dale A., Newman L.L. (2009). Sustainable development for some: green urban development and affordability. Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability, 14(7), 669-681 Drop Your Energy Bill. (2011). http://dropyourenergybill.com/5111 Enmax. (2013). http://www.enmax.com/Corporation/Clean+Power/BrighterFuture.htm) Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. (2013). http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/about/aboutgreenroofs Harris, E. (2009). The Role of Community Gardens in Creating Healthy Communities. Australian Planner, 46(2), 24-27. doi: 10.1080/07293682.2009.9995307 Kevern, J., King, G., & Bruetsch, A. (2012). Pervious Concrete Surface Characterization to Reduce Slip-Related Falls. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 26(4), 526-531. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary. ca/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000263 Meadows, D, (2008). Thinking In Systems. White River: Chelsea Green. Print Bean, E.Z., Hunt, W.H., & Bidelspach, D.A. (2007). Field Survey of Permeable Pavement Surface Infiltration Rates. Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, 133(3), 249-255. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9437(2007)133:3(249) National Geographic. (2013). http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/ global-warming/solar-powerprofile/ Smart Growth Online. (2013). http://www.smartgrowth.org/principles/open_space.php Walker, J. (2012). Human transit : how clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives. Washington, DC: Island Press.
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