River Crossing: What's Happening

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Find out the latest updates on the River Crossing Initiative and the ongoing projects to implement its vision.

Latest Updates

1. Indigenous involvement in the implementation of River Crossing is foundational to the area's future

We are developing an approach, in response to a Council motion passed on August 15/17, 2022 as follows:

That Administration provides a report to Committee:

Outlining a potential governance structure that empowers Indigenous Memorandum of Understanding partners and communities with historical and cultural connections to Rossdale to provide direct input on the implementation of the River Crossing Business plan, Touch the Water and future developments on the Rossdale flats location.
Summarizing the City of Edmonton’s current approach to private development and land use on locations of special cultural, spiritual or historical significance.

Engagement is underway with:

The City’s Memoranda of Cooperation and Dialogue partners
Representatives from Nations with historical and cultural connections to this territory, including the North Saskatchewan River Valley
Urban Indigenous peoples who live in Edmonton

The next update to Council is expected to be in spring 2024

City Administration last provided an update to the Executive Committee on June 23, 2023.

The historic context of this land is a key component of the vision for River Crossing. Building off the River Crossing Heritage Interpretive Plan which guides sharing stories of the area’s complex and layered past, the River Crossing Business Plan defines a path forward that respects the historical significance and creates opportunities to reflect the area’s history into the future.

2. River Crossing Interpretive Park

A key element of the River Crossing initiative is the creation of a new park that honours and celebrates the long and layered history of the area. The concept design phase for a cultural interpretive park between Rossdale Road and 96 Avenue is funded and is expected to begin in 2024.

It is intended to be a place for cultural celebration, connections and understanding, and where visitors can share stories and learn about the people and cultures connected to River Crossing. It will be co-designed with Indigenous communities to ensure the park reflects their stories and is welcoming to all.

3. Municipal Historic Area Designation

The City is exploring the possibility of designating the River Crossing area as a Municipal Historic Area. The designation represents a new way for the City of Edmonton to consider heritage in the River Crossing area. It would be a unique interpretive project going beyond acknowledging existing historic buildings and seeking to illuminate the area’s layered and intangible heritage.

The designation would be ceremonial and would not attempt to regulate or control the use and development of land or the demolition, removal, construction or reconstruction of buildings within the designated area.

4. EPCOR Water Reservoir Activation

Located south of RE/MAX Field, the EPCOR underground water reservoir has been fenced off from public access for many years. The City and EPCOR are working together to remove the fencing to allow limited public recreation opportunities on the field above the reservoir while protecting the vital water infrastructure underneath.

River Crossing Projects and Plans

These ongoing projects include design work, infrastructure upgrades, transportation and heritage interpretation activities that aim to bring people to the river valley and to celebrate its long and layered histories.

Touch the Water Promenade

To improve access to and within the river valley, increasing space for recreation, celebration, heritage interpretation and social gathering, while improving the ecological condition where possible.

View of traffic exiting Walterdale Bridge

Rossdale Transportation Network

To improve how people move through the River Crossing area and how they access the community by various modes including walking, cycling, transit and vehicles.

Rossdale Power Plant Advanced Assessment and Priority Rehabilitation

To determine the building conditions and prepare a heritage conservation plan. This will inform investment to avoid deterioration of the buildings. Strategic improvements will allow for staged re-use of the power plant.

Ortona Armoury Rehabilitation

We are undertaking lifecycle rehabilitation work on the Ortona Armoury to upgrade structural foundations, replace mechanical and electrical systems and general building repairs.

Completed Work

June 2021: Rossdale ARP Amendment and Zoning Changes Approved by Council

City Council approved amendments to the Rossdale Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) as well as changes to zoning in the area.

Summary of changes:

The updated Rossdale Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) now aligns with the River Crossing Business Plan
Zoning changes that enable the reuse of the Rossdale Power Plant, development of an Indigenous heritage park, design of the Touch The Water Promenade, and increase activation of RE/MAX Field
Zoning changes to recognize that land along 101 Street is parkland, land west of 105 Street zoned is provincially owned, and land outside the future interpretive park is no longer zoned parkland

See the June 23, 2021 City Council Public Hearing Agenda and Minutes (Items 3.18, 3.19 and 3.20) for full details.

October 2019: Rossdale Power Plant Lighting Project

The decorative lighting was turned on for the first time in October 2019 to mark the 18th anniversary of the Rossdale Power Plant’s designation as a provincial historic resource.

The Rossdale Power Plant is unique in Edmonton and one of the most important pieces of industrial heritage in Alberta. To highlight the architecture and history of the structure, the City invested in a permanent lighting display, illuminating the smokestacks and upper mezzanine windows at night.

The lighting project aimed to bring greater attention to the building and its location in the river valley and to activate the area. The illumination also contributes to a more vibrant view of the city during the dark winter months.

July 2017: Heritage Interpretive Plan (Implementation Ongoing)

Approved by Council in July 2017, the River Crossing Heritage Interpretive Plan guides the sharing of stories of the area’s complex and layered past.

Heritage interpretation will be a foundational part of future redevelopment through public art, urban design and architectural elements.

Before the area redevelops, however, its stories can still be told. In 2018 the City, Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Heritage Council partnered to offer Tracing Connections in River Crossing art grants. The resulting work included temporary visual art installations and musical performances. The City will continue to work with interested organizations to activate the River Crossing area through heritage interpretation activities. In the summer of 2020, private tour operators provided tours of the Rossdale Power Plant and the surrounding area.

Contact Us

Email	rivercrossing@edmonton.ca

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