Part 2 of 2
Katie Soles, president and owner of Soles and Company, and Susan Holdsworth, strategic planner for the City of Edmonton, share what they have learned about a winter strategy for Edmonton. They talk about the impact that such a strategy has on city planners.
They focus their discussion on four themes that influence city design: winter life, design, economy and story. Winter life is about getting outside and being active: this could mean skiing or skating. Health and activity is important. RoWs for sleds and cross country skiing are opportunities. Such activities create discussions about city decisions such as how snow removal should be prioritized. Warming huts are needed; outdoor winter markets are extra infrastructure that needs to be thought about. Outdoor winterized washrooms need to be thought about. Transit planning for bus shelters, cycling and pedestrians needs to be added. Wind-scaping to reduce winter winds effects is exemplified by the planning for the new community of Blatchford on the old municipal airport. Boulevards are important for reducing winter snow clearing costs, Raised crosswalks improve walkability. Wind-scaping of buildings and landscaping to reduce wind problems are part of the winter city design as well as associated lighting to enhance winter scenes. Creative use of light is part of winter life.
Edmonton's Winter City strategy
The city’s economy can be strengthened and diversified with winter focused activities such as an outdoor winter market, or a winter fashion show. This encourages people to get outside and share events with others, and allows for community events to happen even in the colder months. And finally, by telling an engaging story about a city, it can be marketed to those who already live there, and people who may be interested in moving there. It is about capturing the attention of people and showing the benefits of a city that others may not be aware of. Livability will drive the economic growth of any city and improve the quality of life of its citizens.
This presentation was a part of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute Annual Conference in October, 2013.
