Touch the Water Promenade

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The City is developing a new design for the central stretch of the river valley in 2 distinct project areas: Rossdale and the North Shore.

Project Update - Spring 2022

The preliminary design report for the Rossdale Area has been completed. The concept for the project has been further developed and refined based on the results of technical studies, City policy and Council direction, Indigenous engagement feedback, and what we heard (13MB) through the third stage of public and stakeholder engagement.

At this time, design for the North Shore Area has concluded with the completion of the concept phase.

Project Recognition

Touch the Water Promenade won an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects in 2022. The award recognized the project as a preeminent example of Canadian landscape architecture and how landscape architects are helping to reshape our communities by defining the places where we live, work, and play.

Project Overview

The river valley is a place people have been drawn to and gathered at since time immemorial. The City is exploring ways to improve access to the central river valley with the Touch the Water Promenade project. If the project moves forward, it would include opportunities to celebrate the area’s multi-layered heritage, encourage recreation and connect people with nature.

The final Concept Report (39MB) provides a vision for both the North Shore and Rossdale project areas. The concept design acts as a blueprint for future development that reflects a shared vision for the central river valley and serves as a long-term plan to be implemented in phases over time.

There are two distinct project areas.

The Rossdale Project Area has completed the preliminary design phase.
The North Shore Area has concluded with the concept phase. The North Shore Area may be revisited for future opportunities to complete project design as funding allows.

The Touch the Water Promenade project is not funded for construction at this time.

Project Background

The Touch the Water Promenade will focus on a central stretch of the north bank along the North Saskatchewan River Valley in 2 connected areas. One area is adjacent to the Rossdale neighbourhood and the other is upstream of the river, along River Valley Road to Government House Park.

Design work will focus on 2 distinct and connected project areas and will align with, and build on, the policy direction from Breathe: Edmonton’s Green Network Strategy, Ribbon of Green and River Crossing.

This project includes a wide range of technical studies, expertise and considerations as well as landscape architectural design and engagement. The technical studies and expertise include archaeology and paleontology, geotechnical and hydrological engineering, civil and structural engineering, fish and aquatic biologists, environmental scientists and biologists, and cost estimating consultants.

This project is in the planning and design stages. It is not yet funded for construction. The planning process for Touch the Water, including engagement, is essential to ensuring that we “get it right”, and will give us a blueprint for future development that reflects a shared vision for the north shore of the river valley between Government House Park and Rossdale.

Project Roadmap

Locations

The Rossdale area is proposed to extend from 94 Avenue northwest to the Walterdale Bridge. The project will consider design elements to connect the historic Rossdale Generating Station and pump houses, the Walterdale Bridge and surrounding pathways, and create a series of spaces that can be used for public gatherings or individual enjoyment of the river and river valley.

As guided by the River Crossing Heritage Interpretive Plan, this project will link and reflect the rich history of the site with a dynamic urban future.

The North Shore Area will extend along the northern bank of the North Saskatchewan River from the western edge of the Walterdale Bridge to Government House Park, west of Groat Road Bridge (alongside River Valley Road). Development of the North Shore Area will enhance the riverwalk experience.

Potential development would include gathering nodes, viewing decks, active transportation corridors, integrated seating and enhanced access points. It will also become a destination that will draw citizens and visitors to the river valley and support non-automotive transportation connections to the downtown core.

Project Fly-over Video

aerial map of north shore and rossdale area

see larger view (23MB)

Project Timeline

Project Life Cycle "Design" Chevron

2021

Summer and Fall

What We Heard Report (13MB) - Stage 3, November 2021
Additional preliminary design for Rossdale Area only: further development of preferred concept
Continue to complete technical studies and approvals as required
Engagement Stage 3: Indigenous and public engagement opportunity to review the preferred concept and advise on adjustments for the Rossdale Area
Development of Environmental Impact Assessment and Site Location Study for future Council review and approval as required by the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 7188)

Spring

Complete 1 preferred concept design for both project areas from engagement feedback received and technical study results
Completion of concept phase for both project areas

2020

Fall and Winter

Engagement Stage 2: Indigenous and online public engagement opportunities to review and refine the draft project vision, design principles, and 2 concept design options

Spring and Summer

Develop draft project vision and concept design options

2019

Fall

Indigenous engagement begins: it will be ongoing throughout the project with First Nations, Metis, Indigenous communities and Urban Indigenous peoples and organizations
Engagement Stage 1: project vision, design principles, and potential program/use preferences

Summer

Project start-up and beginning of initial project design research and studies

2018

Winter

City Council approved funding in 2019-2022 Capital Budget
Concept work for both project areas
Additional design for the Rossdale area only

2012-2017

Preliminary exploration of the project site, including initial public and Indigenous engagement; the project did not advance to a final concept design
Information and learnings have been incorporated into current project

Indigenous Community Engagement

The City is committed to engaging with Indigenous Nations and Peoples on projects that may be of traditional, cultural, historical and/or environmental interest. The City acknowledges that projects within the North Saskatchewan River Valley in particular are of significant interest to regional Indigenous Nations and Communities. It is important that Indigenous Peoples are part of conversations about the past, present and future of Edmonton’s river valley.

The project has invited 31 regional Indigenous Nations and Communities to engage with the project. Elders, Community members, Knowledge Keepers and Technicians from 24 Nations and Communities have participated over the 3 phases of engagement that have been completed so far. Activities have included site visits, workshops and feedback sessions.

Cultural protocol was offered at the engagement sessions and the input shared has been summarized in reports for Indigenous Nations and Communities to review. Ongoing advice, wisdom, and input from Indigenous Nations and Communities will continue to help guide the project as it moves forward.

Additionally, Indigenous organizations and people living within Edmonton are welcome to participate through stakeholder and public engagement activities throughout the project.

This engagement process is part of the City’s commitment to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Nations and Communities with current, historical and cultural connections to the land where Edmonton is now located.

Project History

June 2021: Project Update

The What We Heard report and the Concept Design (19MB) from Stage 2 of the Touch the Water Promenade’s public engagement is now available for you to review. We thank everyone who provided feedback on the last stage of engagement in November 2020. Your input, along with wisdom and advice shared by regional Indigenous Nations and Communities, results from technical studies, and City policy direction helped us to refine, adjust and improve the draft concept design options in order to develop a single final concept design.

The concept design will act as a blueprint for future development in the project area that reflects a shared vision for the central river valley, and will serve as a long-term plan that could be implemented in phases over time.

The Touch the Water Promenade project is currently in the planning and design stages and is not funded for construction at this time.

Rossdale and North Shore Areas

The Rossdale Area has been approved for additional design and this work will get underway including the next phase of Indigenous and public engagement this summer. This engagement will help the project team shape the preliminary design for the Rossdale area, including the site surrounding the Rossdale Power Plant and pump houses.

At this time, design for the North Shore Area has concluded with completion of the concept phase. However, additional engagement opportunities will be provided should funding be approved for the next phases of design.

Next Steps

Completing this planning and design work now will prepare us to provide recommendations to Council to move the project forward when the time is right. If the project moves forward, it would include opportunities to celebrate heritage, encourage recreation and connect people with nature.

For more information regarding Council and Committee meetings, and opportunities to request to speak, please visit Council and Committee Meetings.

November 2020: Draft Vision and Concept Options Review

Thank you to everyone who engaged with us virtually as we adjusted our engagement practices as a result of COVID-19 to share their feedback on the draft project vision, design principles and 2 draft concept design options. We appreciate your input to help us refine, adjust and improve the concept design options in order to develop one preferred concept design.

The online engagement closed on November 30, 2020. We appreciate everyone who took the time to provide their feedback online and through emails and phone calls received by the Project Manager.

The feedback gathered will be used to develop 1 preferred concept design. The Touch the Water Promenade project is currently in the planning and design stages and is not funded for construction. The planning and engagement we do now will ensure that we have a blueprint for future development that reflects a shared vision for this very special area.

What We Heard Report

Public Engagement Video

Event Materials
Draft Vision and Concept Options Review
Frequently Asked Questions

Fall 2019: Creating a Vision

Thank you for joining the conversation and sharing your vision for the Touch the Water Promenade Project in fall 2019. We received valuable input that will help inform the development of concept design options for the project.

We engaged with the public and stakeholders on:

The project location, local ecology, design inspiration and examples and how this project relates to other City plans and policies
We asked people what their favourite thing is about the project site, how they would like to use the 2 areas - Rossdale and North Shore - in the future and their overall vision for this project

What We Heard Report

Event Materials
Display Board
Project Information Booklet

Image depicting existing conditions including amenities and buildings, water access, trails and more.

Existing Site Conditions

A view of the existing conditions including amenities and buildings, water access, trails and more.

Related Documents

Design Packages

Preliminary Design Report
The refinement of the single concept, reflecting inputs from stage 3 engagement in 2021, with emphasis on materials, site alignment and phasing.

Single Concept Design Package - 2021 (19MB)
The single concept design was developed by refining, adjusting and improving the draft concept design following engagement in November 2020.

Draft Concept Options Design Package (14MB)
The full concept options design package developed by Dub Architects, Stoss Landscape Urbanism, and ISL, provides additional design drawings, connections to project heritage and historical inspiration, and more.

Project Newsletters

Fall 2020

Spring 2020

Concept Technical Studies and Reports

Here are the initial technical studies and reports that have informed the Touch the Water Promenade concept design. Please note that personal information has been redacted (personal addresses, emails, signatures and stamps) in accordance with Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Phase Two Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) (17MB)

The purpose of a Phase II ESA is to confirm the presence of and characterize any substances of concern or contamination at a given site. The Phase II ESA also provides any relevant recommendations regarding further assessment and risk management.
This report is also publicly available at esar.alberta.ca (Alberta Environment & Parks)

Preliminary Geotechnical Assessment Report Rossdale Area (22MB) and North Shore Area (18MB)

The preliminary geotechnical reports summarize the review of relevant existing, desktop-level information, interpret the geological setting, and identify the geotechnical constraints and hazards.
Based on the review data and findings presented in this preliminary geotechnical assessment report, the proposed promenade development is considered geotechnically feasible provided that the geotechnical constraints and concerns presented in this report are appropriately addressed.

Hydrotechnical Report (20MB)

This report summarizes the study of the river characteristics and forces within the project area, measures and models flood and ice freeze-up levels along the river bank, and provides design recommendations for the management or prevention of the damaging effects of water and ice.

Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan - Rossdale Area (40MB)

The Risk Assessment evaluates the feasibility of in-situ risk management for legacy site contamination from historical sources associated mainly with the historical power plant, rather than more disruptive physical remediation. The results and recommendations of the assessment inform the design and possible future construction methods for the project, and establish future monitoring requirements for the Risk Management Plan.
Based on available evidence, the report concludes that in-situ risk management is a feasible approach to address the area-wide Rossdale fill and its associated soil and groundwater contamination. There may be very little net benefit if a large-scale physical excavation remedial approach is pursued.

Environmental Overviews - Rossdale Area (11MB) and North Shore Area (18MB)

The report provides an overview of environmental and ecological opportunities and constraints within the project site, and a high-level review of the concept design, based on a desktop analysis of existing reports and datasets. The Environmental Overview forms the high-level outline for the future Environmental Impact Analysis and Site Location Study reports that will be required by the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 7188).

Contact Us

Touch the Water Promenade Project Team

Email	touchthewaterpromenadeproject@edmonton.ca