Council approves Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan

New plan focuses on the region’s overall vision for a vibrant downtown

On Tuesday, Council of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo approved the new Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) – Bylaw No. 23/016.

The new bylaw will guide future development and facilitate the downtown’s revitalization over the next 10 years, aligning with Council’s Strategic Plan (2022 – 2025) and supporting downtown visualization. Amendments to the existing City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan – Bylaw No. 12/003 was also approved.

Reflecting a community vision for downtown

Public engagement sessions in 2019, 2020, and again in 2023 confirmed residents’ top priorities as safety, year-round accessibility, urban design, and beautification.

These sessions also helped to shape the plan’s goals and objectives based on five foundational categories:

• Land use
• Built form
• Parks and open spaces
• Transportation and mobility
• Heritage, culture and public art

The new plan recognizes the historical and cultural importance of downtown for all communities throughout the region, and its role as the centre for governance, education and medical services, social profit organizations, and a commercial and retail hub. 

Implementing the Downtown ARP

The ARP will be complemented by a separate Action Plan which will identify specific municipal actions necessary to deliver the plan’s policies. Each action will have indicators to monitor their progress and achievement of the plan’s goals and objectives.  

The Downtown ARP is also informed by other municipal plans, programs, and policies such as Flood Mitigation, Parks Master Plan, Heritage Resources Management Plan, and the Wood Buffalo Wayfinding Strategy. 

Visit rmwb.ca/downtown to review the plan.