Abstract Manager

Designing sustainable, complete streets within urban environments requires overcoming significant challenges, particularly in achieving accessibility and advancing Vision Zero goals. Through a series of neighbourhood renewal projects, Al-Terra has partnered with the City of Edmonton to transform car-centric roadways into safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces that support all modes of transportation while aligning with progressive city policies.

Projects such as the Garneau neighbourhood renewal have integrated features like protected bike lanes, curb extensions, raised crossings, increased street lighting, Tactile Warning Surface Indicators (TWSI), bike signals, missing sidewalk links, and chicanes.

In Pleasantview, improvements included protected bike lanes, continuous crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, a roundabout at an oversized, and otherwise awkward intersection, and enhanced crossings around an elementary school, directly addressing safety for vulnerable road users.

In Boyle Street and McCauley, Al-Terra focused on accessibility and safety through the installation of TWSIs, continuous crossings, a comprehensive street lighting review, and a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) analysis.

These projects were guided by Edmonton's policies, such as the City Plan, Vision Zero, the Complete Streets Design and Construction Standards, and the Safe Mobility Strategy, which provide a framework for prioritizing traffic safety, accessibility, and green infrastructure. Policies like the Active Transportation Policy, Bike Plan, and Winter Design Policy further ensured that neighbourhood renewals were designed for all ages, abilities, and seasons, fostering sustainable and equitable mobility options.

Looking ahead, Al-Terra is collaborating with the City on the Wîhkwêntôwin neighbourhood renewal in the downtown core. This project explores measures such as traffic diverters, continuous crossings, and two-stage crossings, pushing the boundaries of urban design to further advance Vision Zero goals.

By aligning design with progressive policies and incorporating innovative features, Al-Terra's neighbourhood renewal projects illustrate how Edmonton is transforming its urban environment to prioritize safety, accessibility, and sustainability. These efforts showcase the critical role of thoughtful planning and design in creating streetscapes that support Vision Zero and complete streets principles.