On Tuesday, January 28th, Rotary Club on Whyte received a visit from Ward 8 Councillor Ben Henderson. Councillor Henderson, who has served the area encompassing Whyte Avenue on City Council since 2007, spoke about the Whyte Avenue Commercial Area Land Use Study, commonly referred to as Plan Whyte. Old Strathcona Business Association Executive Director Cherie Klassen was also on hand to share her valuable perspective.
Plan Whyte was initiated in 2016, in response to a number of requests from developers for exceptions to be made to the existing Area Redevelopment Plan. The consensus of stakeholders in the area expressed the need to balance intentions to increase the density of buildings, businesses and residents in Old Strathcona with the need to maintain the character and historical significance that sets Whyte Avenue apart. The resulting agreement calls for a maximum building height of four stories at street level along Whyte Avenue but allows for progressively increased height further south, with an emphasis on minimizing the resulting shadow cast on Whyte. The newly approved condos that meet these requirements are all mixed used buildings, with commercial space on the ground floor and residential space above.
While Plan Whyte is primarily a policy document focusing on the height and character of new buildings there are several additional features intended to enhance the neighbourhood’s appeal. There is a proposal to convert the service road running north along Calgary Trail from 82nd to 84th Avenue to a year round multi-use space, much like what is currently done during the Fringe Festival. There are plans to convert an abandoned rail line running northwest from Gateway Blvd and 82nd Avenue to a multi-use trail leading as far as the streetcar tunnel. There is also the intention to convert the parking lot across from the Farmer’s Market, expanding on existing surrounding park area to create a more inviting public space. An accessibly study addresses barriers Whyte Avenue’s public spaces may present to those with mobility issues. And the Strathcona Backstreet Project has seen some very interesting initiatives to convert appropriate alleyways to welcoming active spaces approved.
One factor Councillor Henderson mentioned was still up in the air was what form of public transit will be used to serve the increased population of the Whyte Avenue area. The efficiencies of an LRT line have to be weighed against the logistics and drawbacks if it’s inherent infrastructure. The opportunities and challenges presented if and when CP decommissions their massive rail yard southeast of Whyte Avenue was also mentioned.
We’d like to thank Ben Henderson and Cherie Klassen for an engaging presentation. More information on Plan Whyte as well as the Strathcona Backstreet Project is available on Edmonton.ca