Stony Plain Road and Area Guide 2018

THE ROAD AWAITS YOU

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The Road Comes Alive YEG Market more than just shopping

Art for the People Building a community through murals

Graffiti Street Art or Tagging?

Flower Power Street planters brighten Stony Plain Road

In with the New The neighbourhood gets a makeover

A Day In the Life Morning to night on Stony Plain Road

Infill Housing One more reason to call Stony Plain Road home

PUBLISHER, SALES Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212

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he Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association (BIA) is a group of business owners and entrepreneurs working to maintain and enhance the local business community. Established in 2005 by a small group of business owners with a unified vision, today the association boasts more than 600 businesses from various industries, professions and services.

The purpose of the BIA is to provide an interesting and active place to shop, dine and conduct business. This is achieved by identifying resources for the business members and the wider community and

also by coordinating beautification projects and events within the commercial corridor.

The BIA is proud of how far the commercial area has come since the BIA was first established. This booklet was created to share with neighbouring community members some of the successes, future plans and opportunities that exist within the business area. The BIA sincerely appreciates your patronage and looks forward to your continued support.

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THE ROAD

COMES ALIVE YEG Market more than just shopping eattle has Pike Place, Vancouver has Granville Island. Inspired by these examples, YEG Market is beginning to take shape in Edmonton’s west end.

The city’s newest Alberta Approved Farmers Market is just another sign of Stony Plain Road’s revitalization and growing appeal. With over 600 businesses, a popular farmers’ market to explore and other exciting events, there’s something for everyone along Stony Plain Road these days.

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Located the past couple of summers in the newly revitalized 152 Street Plaza and minutes from downtown, the location offered an oasis of public gathering spaces where families and friends could meet.

Running every Wednesday between late May and September, the market offered dozens of choices of farm products, artisanal crafts and food—lots of it. On any given Wednesday, hungry shoppers could pick up almost everything they were craving: fresh fruits and veggies, chocolate and coffee, frozen homemade dinners—even fresh pies, donuts and green onion cakes. There was entertainment on tap, too—from musicians and other

street performers to face-painters and gymnasts!

TASTE OF STONY PLAIN ROAD

If good food and fine wine are your idea of a good time, then mark May 4, 2018 on your calendar. That’s when Taste of Stony Plain Road will be returning for another year. The annual wine and food tasting event is the perfect way to explore the many fine restaurants in the business area. For full information check out the event page at www.stonyplainroadbia.ca.

Just take a look at what the 2017 season had to offer. Homemade food? Check.

Handmade Goods? Check. Food Trucks?

Of course. Visitors could choose from many tasty cuisines. To top it all off, there was even a $200 YEG Market photo contest that patrons could enter by taking a photo of any item they purchased at the market and posting it on social media for others to vote on. And that’s just a snapshot of the year. 2018 will be bigger and better. For a full rundown of what you can expect for 2018 visit www.yegmarket.ca. stonyplainroadbia.ca

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It hardly stops at the outdoor market, though. The Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association is a diverse collection of shops and services just waiting to be explored.

STOREFRONT CINEMA NIGHTS It’s coming back! Stony Plain Road’s very own mini-film festival is returning after a decade-long absence. On October 13, 2018, Stony Plain Road between 151st and 156th Streets will see short films projected onto storefronts along with the added attraction of unique illuminated light shows. Large-screen cinema, firepits, horse-drawn carriage rides, a light bike parade and performers will also be featured. For full information check out the event page at www.stonyplainroadbia.ca.

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Of course, a vision isn’t realized overnight.

The Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association is working relentlessly with investors, businesses, landlords, surrounding neighbourhoods, stakeholders and anyone who will listen to create a trendy, urban, exciting destination. Want to get involved? There are plenty of ways to do so. Businesses can take advantage of the area’s well-connected location, affordable commercial space and new commercial developments, as well as the active support of the Business Association. And, of course, the market is a great venue for smaller vendors and performers alike to connect with the public (visit yegmarket.ca for applications and information).

Possibly the best way to help out, though, is simply to visit the businesses along Stony Plain Road and the market vendors.

You’ll be promoting urban renewal, sustainable lifestyles and a proud community spirit—and you may just find that treasure you didn’t know you were looking for. n

The

DANCE THEATRE

Performing Arts Centre

DANCE SING ACT The Dance Theatre Performing Arts Centre is a performing arts school offering Children’s and Adult’s classes in dance, drama and voice.

Classes are taught by highly qualified and experienced instructors and performers in the disciplines offered.

Call today to learn more!

201–15505 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton, AB Call: 780-443-0226 E-mail: contact@edmdancetheatre.com Visit: edmdancetheatre.com stonyplainroadbia.ca

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ART FOR THE

PEOPLE

Building a community through murals ver the past few years, a virtual art gallery has been taking shape in the alleys around Stony Plain Road.

Using blank, colourless walls as their canvas, artists Agnieszka Matejko and Colleen Ulliac have created a number of playful murals in the area. It’s an art project that’s not only bringing new colour and life to the neighbourhood—it’s bringing an entire community together.

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Where Community & Art Meet Matejko and Ulliac’s ethos is not just to create community art—it’s also to build relationships within the neighbourhoods where they work. One of those budding relationships is with the business community along Stony Plain Road that provides the “canvases”where they paint. Bringing businesses on board, however, can sometimes be difficult because street art is still often associated with graffiti and vandalism. Occasionally, store owners are “afraid it will devalue their property and increase the amount of graffiti in the area,” says Matejko.

The good news is that many businesses and residents are on board. One of the reasons is because they get a say in what the murals will look like. Some even get to appear in them. For example, the eight figures in Kung Fu, the mural that

fills the entire west wall of the Chiu Lau Kung Fu College, are all modelled after real people. Seven were students of the college, while the eighth (the one nearest the street) was based on their teacher. Ditto for Portals, located at Teachable Moments Early Childhood Center, which features several of the daycare’s children.

Likewise, the skateboarders in Kickflip on 162nd Street are based on local skateboarders. “A lot of the murals are intended to appeal to youth or to work with youth,” says Matejko. “It creates a family-friendly community.”

How It Began The murals developed out of a project in 2015 that involved MacEwan art students from the nearby west-end campus led by Matejko, a former MacEwan instructor.

Titled Art in the Alley, the project used money raised through student galas co-hosted by the Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association. “With that money, we paid students at MacEwan to do those murals,” says Matejko.

One such student was Colleen Ulliac, who has collaborated with Matejko ever since. Asked about her long-time interest in street art, Ulliac says it’s all about community and connecting with people. Like Matejko, she loves the physical aspect of the work. A spirit of adventure also helps. stonyplainroadbia.ca

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WHERE TO LOOK Visit these locations to discover a selection of murals in the Stony Plain Road area: Kung Fu, 15302 Stony Plain Road

Connect, 15308 & 15206 Stony Plain Road Kickflip, 16220 Stony Plain Road Portals, 10054 158 Street Art in the Alley, Back alleys from 152nd to 155th Street south of Stony Plain Road Garden, 10136 149 Street

Abstract, 10008 156 Street

Rustlers, 14836 Stony Plain Road River Valley, 10010 168 Street

“I love exploring spaces in this city, and it’s really exciting to find a space and just think of a design that could work really well there,” she says. “I notice blank walls everywhere.”

Painting the Town Once the artists collect the necessary input, turning those blank walls into art is a fairly straightforward process. “We always have a pretty good general idea,” Ulliac says

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of her and Matejko’s vision for each mural.

“When it comes to making our composition, I don’t know. Sometimes we just kind of start.” Most murals take just a few weeks to finish, though the exact time frame can be hard to judge, as Matejko and Ulliac tend to work on different pieces simultaneously. Another factor is Edmonton’s predictably unpredictable weather. Rain obviously causes delays, and heat can be a problem, particularly around south-facing walls. Wind, meanwhile, can make it difficult to spray and dangerous to operate the scissor lift that otherwise makes the job much easier.

So far, the feedback to the murals has been overwhelmingly positive, both from business owners and residents. It’s easy to see why. Cheerful and accessible are two words Matejko and Ulliac often use to describe their art, and it’s an accurate assessment. Bright images of young people playing and having fun abound in the murals, and it has possibly injected some youthfulness into a mature community. When working, Matejko and Ulliac estimate some 30 people a day stop to talk to them, with many expressing their thanks. As Matejko puts it, “I don’t think I’ve ever worked in a community, on the street, where so many people said ‘Thank you.’” n

GRAFFITI Street Art or Tagging?

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raffiti means different things to different people. Graffiti is a complicated business with several nuances and styles that range from intricate, arresting graffiti art on shop storefronts, which brings life into neighbourhoods, to illicit tagging and vandalism on garbage bins in back alleys, which encourages crime and disorderly conduct.

What many people do not realize is that both sides are technically right.

Unfortunately, every time someone sprays their ‘tag name’ on private property without permission, they continue to give graffiti a bad name. Currently, 94 per cent of graffiti in Edmonton is tagging, so more people only consider tagging when the word graffiti is mentioned, despite its deep roots as an art form.

However, if street artists work with property owners, they can create a mural that can help an area feel more inviting and inspire conversation. Murals are typically off limits for taggers, which is an incentive for property owners who are constantly

tagged to put up a mural. While the recent tagging of Edmonton murals are examples of disrespect in the tagging community, there are many community advocates working to ensure these remain exceptions to the rule.

Street murals take a lot of collaboration between the community, business owners, property owners and the artists who also support these murals financially. As an advocate for street art, Capital City Clean Up continually builds partnerships with artists, street artists, graffiti artists and youth organizations to support art opportunities. In 2017, Capital City Clean Up collaborated with artists and property owners on 17 murals, including seven murals that involved youth.

Graffiti does not have to be a bad word.

Let’s work together to create more art and less tagging. n For more information, visit www.edmonton.ca/ graffiti stonyplainroadbia.ca

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FLOWER

POWER

Street planters brighten Stony Plain Road f you noticed a little more colour than usual along Stony Plain Road this past summer, there’s a good reason why—two, in fact: Bonnie and Keith Harvie. Both spent the 2017 growing season looking after the three dozen or so planter boxes installed around the roadway. The work has been both a job and a labour of love for the couple, who are also proud residents of the area. “It does lift up the community,” Bonnie says.

“That’s what I really experienced, sensing that the community felt a lift.”

skills came in handy for building some of the boxes, and Bonnie used her gardening know-how to select the flowers and foliage that go into each planter.

The Harvies have lived nearby since 2010, though their ties to Stony Plain Road run even further back. Bonnie attended grade school in the neighbourhood, and some time later, Keith graduated from the music program at MacEwan’s old west end campus. They also have a history of volunteering in the community, at both the Jasper Place Wellness Centre as well as Fusion Fellowship’s collective kitchen. And although looking after the street planters is a paying job, it also lets the Harvies use their talents to give back to the neighbourhood—Keith’s woodworking

Keith agrees. “Bonnie was really good at figuring out how many and how much to put in.”

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The work was a lot harder than some might realize. Especially early on. The Harvies worked 80 hours a week between the two of them as they tried to get the plants established. “Planting took quite a bit of time,” Bonnie says, estimating it took at least two and a half hours to plant a box, depending on its size. “I was really particular.”

As it was a time consuming process, not all the plantings were done at the same time. That meant the Harvies had to store and maintain dozens of plants at home until it was time to plant them.

And the work hardly ended there.

All through the summer, they were responsible for deadheading and watering the plants, and at the end of the season, many of the plants had to be removed. stonyplainroadbia.ca

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“Small things make a difference.”

—Bonnie Harvie

In the end, though, the hard work paid off. The flowers have added colour that complements the streetscaping on Stony Plain Road, creating a sense of a neighbourhood on the rebound. “It’s really nice to see the changes in the sidewalks and the lights in the last two or three years,” Keith comments. “It looks really good.”

Others in the area seem to share Keith’s sentiment. As the Harvies worked, they received compliments and even thankyous from locals, including marginalized

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residents, who appreciated that someone cared for the neighbourhood.

As for the future? The Harvies aren’t sure yet if they’ll be able to do the same work next year, but they hope to see the street planter program expand. “It does lift up the community,” Bonnie says. “That’s what I really experienced, hearing accolades from all walks of life in the community and seeing that extra spring in their step.” n

IN WITH

THE NEW

The neighbourhood gets a makeover ore and more, developers and building owners are looking at Stony Plain Road and Area as a place to invest in. With new buildings going up and older buildings getting facelifts, change is all the rage in the west end these days. The following buildings are perfect examples of the ongoing evolution of the area.

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Jasper Place Centre at a Glance Location: 10114 156 Street NW Interesting facts: From 1953 until the late 60s, this location was home to Jasper Place Cinema, a single-screen theatre with seating for 500.

• The theatre then changed its name

to Jasper Cinema Centre when it was twinned; it closed in the mid 90s.

• The building housed other businesses until it was demolished in June 2016.

In with the new: Investor and entrepreneur Jey Arul purchased this property a few years ago, with the goal of building a new home for businesses, including Coldwell Banker Venture Realty and Davies Property Management. But Arul had other motivations, too, including the neighbourhood’s ongoing revitalization.

“I wanted to do more infill projects, and this was a perfect one for us,” says Arul, citing the City’s transit and infrastructure plans for the area. With the Lewis Farms extension of the LRT’s Valley Line coming down 156th Street in a few years, the location was perfect for transit-oriented development. As for the building, one of Arul’s major goals was to create a visually striking structure that would add value to the neighbourhood. One way he achieved this is with high-end LED lights, installed by the same company that lit up the High Level Bridge, which now add some nighttime colour to the street. Arul hopes the building is a sign of greater things to come. “I’m bullish on that neighbourhood, and that’s why we invested,” he says. “I’m not going to put that money in there if I don’t feel confident.” stonyplainroadbia.ca

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Revolution Plaza at a Glance Location: South side of Stony Plain Road, between 151st and 152nd Streets

Commenting on the reaction, Kennedy says it’s all been good so far. “People see that somebody’s caring for the property.

It’s only been positive.”

Interesting facts: This building is the long-time home of Revolution Cycle.

• The property was purchased by Calgary developer Ayrshire Group in February 2017; renovations began immediately thereafter, and Revolution Plaza was born.

In with the new: “Our goal is to find properties in the community that are struggling,” says Ingrid Kennedy of Ayrshire Group, which owns Revolution Plaza.

We really enjoy going into a property and revitalizing it… [and] just making it human.” The Calgary developers gave the aging strip mall a much-needed overhaul after taking it over in early 2017.

The work was extensive and included revamping the electrical system, replacing HVAC units and repairing drainage lines.

Among the most visible changes are the new trees and landscaping, signage, lighting fixtures and paint job, all of which have rejuvenated the structure. “It was an old building, and it was being neglected,” explains Kennedy. “We came along and said, ‘Let’s take care of this thing.’”

The new look has been attracting tenants new and old—one former tenant recently decided to return to the building.

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Glenwood Health Centre at a Glance Location: 16045 Stony Plain Road Interesting facts: The property was formerly a 4-acre brownfield (abandoned commercial property).

In with the new: This location was turned into an infill development and is now the site of west Edmonton’s largest medical clinic. It hosts a range of physicians and specialists dealing with family care, women’s health, dental care, weight loss, physiotherapy and much more. It also has an on-site pharmacy and a drive-thru Tim Hortons next door.

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West End Tireland at a Glance Location: 15941 Stony Plain Road Interesting facts: The original tire shop at this location was opened in the mid-70s.

• The business was at various times a Goodyear Go Centre and a Fountain Tire before becoming a Tireland location 14 years ago.

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In with the new: Waiting to get your tires done doesn’t have to be a drab experience. Just take a look at West End Tireland. The tire shop just east of the Glenwood Health Centre did a great job upgrading its building last year, adding a new roof, a striking blue exterior and a modernized interior. The renovations were carried out over two months, wrapping up in September. A grand reopening was held on October 20th. In the year since, people have appreciated the difference. “Customers that are waiting are more comfortable,” says owner Garth Hough, whose father-in-law started the business back in 1974. “There are TVs to watch and coffee machines and water. It’s just a relaxed atmosphere.” The changes are part of a new look for the Tireland brand, and the west end location is first store in Alberta to get the upgrade. n stonyplainroadbia.ca

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

Morning to night on Stony Plain Road ooking for somewhere new to spend a day of shopping, dining and fun? Stony Plain Road may be just what you’re looking for. With over 600 diverse businesses along one of Edmonton’s major roadways, there’s no shortage of things to do, see and sample here. Even better, most of it can be covered on foot or bike. Come in the morning and stay till night, and be sure you bring a sense of adventure… and your favourite walking shoes.

Here’s what’s waiting for you.

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Rise & Shine With more than 10 gyms and fitness studios in the area, Stony Plain Road has all kinds of options for starting your day off with a healthy dose of exercise— yoga, bodybuilding, martial arts, crossfit, Zumba… you get the picture. There’s something here for all fitness levels and interests. Swing by for drop-in classes or schedule an informative 1:1 session with an experienced personal trainer.

And don’t forget to work up an appetite; you’ll need it to sample Stony Plain Road’s many dining choices.

Did Someone Say Lunch?

Fabulous restaurants await you on almost every block, serving up a wide assortment of cuisines. Check out such trendy and popular stops like Mucho Burrito (Mexican), Guru (East Indian), Dan Shing (Chinese), Pho Binh (Vietnamese), Hap’s Hungry House (classic diner), Il Forno (Italian), or any of the nearly 50 dining options in the area. With everything from fusion to authentic fare, this is not a place you’ll go hungry.

Antique Afternoon Once you’re full of food, you’re going to want to walk or bike it off. Stony Plain Road is a great place to go for a shopping stroll—especially if you’re into antiques. If you’re around 152nd Street, pop into Blue Jar Antique Mall for your retro fix. You’ll find dozens of antiques and collectibles including home furnishings, vinyl, china and glass, toys and other oddities and treasures.

When you’re done there, walk a block over to Salvage Reclaimed Furniture, a non-profit retailer that reclaims and sells donated furniture and re-invests all stonyplainroadbia.ca

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proceeds. It’s shopping that gives back to the community—what more could you ask for?

ENJOY THE PARKS Canora Park is located in the Canora neighbourhood, a short walk north of Stony Plain Road. It has a playground, exercise equipment and a walking trail.

MacKinnon Ravine Park is large and beautiful, with stunning views of the river and downtown. This river valley park can be accessed at 149th Street and Stony Plain Road. A wonder ride for the cycle enthusiast.

St. Anne Park is a small park with shade trees and benches, just a block north of Stony Plain Road on 153rd Street.

Butler Memorial Park is the halfway point with conceptual plans well on the way to improving the park for everyone’s enjoyment.

152 Street Urban Plaza North and South is specially designed for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine and/or watching entertainment provided by the BIA or other community groups.

Coffee Break At some point you’ll want to stop for a hot pick-me-up and some conversation with friends. Wherever you are on Stony Plain Road, coffee is brewing somewhere nearby. All the usual chain coffee shops, such as Second Cup, Tim Hortons and Starbucks are present here, as are some trendy independents. If you’re down around 142nd Street, check out Café Rista. The family-owned and operated

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business offers quick and friendly service and an inexpensive breakfast and lunch menu. Heading west, Celebrate Gluten Free is a find for anyone who’s looking for gluten-free bread and baked treats.

Wherever you go, a hot drink and a snack is the perfect way to recharge your batteries for some more shopping.

DIVERSITY—WE’VE GOT IT COVERED! A diverse range of business call Stony Plain Road home: Art & Studios: Art Supplies, Performing Arts, Children’s Dance Studio Health & Wellness: Medical Clinics, Fitness Studios, Massage Therapy, Pharmacies, Health Supplies, Weight Loss, Medical Tourism Professional Services: Bookkeeping, Advertising, Insurance, Architecture, Financial, Funeral Services, Landscaping & Gardening, Legal Services, Accommodations, Photography, Realty Restaurants & Nightlife: Bakeries, Cafés, Restaurants, Pubs Shops & Services: Appliances, Auto Services, Bike Shops, Car Washes, Comics, Music, Daycares, Clothing, Computer Services, Flag Shop, Florists, Footwear, Groceries, Home Furnishings, Pet Services, Sporting Goods, Second-hand Goods & Antiques

Hobby Time Now that it’s time to hit the pavement again, indulge your inner nerd at some of Stony Plain Road’s specialty and hobby

GETTING HERE’S EASY

By Car: located just 5 to 10 minutes from downtown, both 102nd and 104th Avenues are popular and convenient entry points. If travelling north or south, 149th, 156th and 170th Streets are useful.

By Bus: Jasper Place Transit Centre is currently being renovated but provides many useful bus connections to downtown, Westmount, the U of A, West Edmonton Mall and beyond. shops. Just for Fun is the place to buy, sell and trade old-school video games for practically any console, and they can even repair scratched DVD and video game discs. Comic book fans have an impressive selection to look through at Ultimate Key Issue Comics and Variant Edition Comics & Used Books. If beads and stones are your thing, be sure to check out Bead World’s huge selection.

Meanwhile, drum and percussion enthusiasts should pay a visit to Brandenburg Music.

Evening at the Market There’s plenty to enjoy on Stony Plain Road on any day of the year, but Wednesdays in the summer are a special treat.

That’s the day for YEG Market—Stony Plain Road’s outdoor market, a.k.a. Edmonton’s newest Market District! Starting in May and going all summer until September, the market lasts from 4 to 8 pm and features vendors selling fresh food and cool craft goods, while artists and musicians entertain the crowds. It’s a perfect way to wind down an eventful day on one of Edmonton’s up-and-coming hot spots. n stonyplainroadbia.ca

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INFILL

HOUSING

One more reason to call Stony Plain Road home

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nfill has become something of a buzzword here in the Capital Region. The City of Edmonton is actively promoting infill development as a way to fill vacant lots, make more efficient use of infrastructure and rejuvenate aging neighbourhoods— such as the ones that border Stony Plain Road. In a city long known for low-density sprawl and empty spaces, it’s a bold move and one that promises to give Stony Plain Road and other mature areas of the city an inspired makeover.

Infill 101 But what exactly is infill? The word can mean different things to different people.

As defined in The Way We Grow, Edmonton’s municipal development plan, infill is development “in the existing areas of a city, occurring on vacant or underutilized lands.”Rather than expanding ever outward, infill focuses development within the heart of a city, where it can take advantage of existing infrastructure and services. By concentrating development, a number of things tend to happen. The cost of land and housing becomes more affordable, and the increase in population makes services and infrastructure more efficient.

It’s exactly this sort of urban planning that

Edmonton recently has come to embrace through its Area Redevelopment Plans (ARPs). These include the Jasper Place ARP, which is guiding development in four neighbourhoods surrounding Stony Plain Road: Britannia Youngstown, Canora, Glenwood and West Jasper Place.

A Fast-growing City The new emphasis on infill comes at just the right time for these and other central neighbourhoods. According to City of Edmonton statistics, over the last 40 years the population in its mature neighbourhoods has dropped by 73,000. Yet, in that same period of time, the Edmonton region has doubled in population. In other words, a good chunk of this city’s explosive growth has come at the expense of its central core. And Edmonton isn’t done growing, either. In fact, as many as 1.5 million people are expected to call the city home by the 2040s. Where will these people live? If past trends are allowed to continue, it will be in new suburbs farther and farther from downtown.

It isn’t too hard to see the pressures this puts on the city. More sprawl means more infrastructure to build, maintain stonyplainroadbia.ca

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A TOWN BY ANY OTHER NAME

Various colourful names were considered for Jasper Place over the years, including Boomtown, Dogpatch, Oil City, Opportunity and Westmonton.

Visitors and residents alike apparently preferred Mud City, due to the town’s unpaved roads and lack of sidewalks. and constantly replace. For those living on the outskirts of the city, it means longer commutes, more traffic and more vehicle pollution. Sprawl also has serious consequences for those who remain in the city’s central core. As inner-city neighbourhoods age and depopulate, buildings and infrastructure break down and spaces open up, which can in turn lead to increased crime and blight. That, however, doesn’t need to be the case.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JASPER PLACE

1876: The area was homesteaded by Henry Goodridge 1910: The land was subdivided and named West Jasper Place 1949: West Jasper Place incorporated as a village March 1950: The name was changed to Jasper Place November 1950: Jasper Place incorporated as a town 1964: Jasper Place was annexed by the City of Edmonton

Building Better Neighbourhoods One of the great things about infill is that it helps bring old neighbourhoods back to life by replacing underused land and buildings with a range of housing and services. This makes neighbourhoods more attractive and vibrant places to live,

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especially to young professionals and families, who may prefer being close to downtown and other amenities. A larger population base, in turn, can attract and support an attractive variety of businesses within a walkable distance. Affordable housing, healthier lifestyles, easy access to services, youthful energy… there’s a lot to like about this picture. Of course, it’s a transformation that takes time to pull off. But with careful planning and nurturing, infill development can breathe new life into run-down neighbourhoods, revitalizing them into innovative, sustainable communities.

So what does this mean for Stony Plain Road and its surrounding area? The vision of the Jasper Place ARP gives some hints as to what the community could look like a few years down the road. The plan’s goals include turning Stony Plain Road into a popular shopping district, improving housing choices, promoting the attractiveness and safety of surrounding neighbourhoods and improving the connectivity, walkability and livability of the area. Infill development isn’t just a jumping-off point for this ambitious vision—it’s an inspiring opportunity to restyle the spaces we live in and share. Because, ultimately, what it all comes down to is people. By making Stony Plain Road an attractive, vibrant place for people to visit and call home, infill will help bring a buzz of excitement back to this community. n

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