Your turn: Jasper Ave, street labs, and biz census

This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes a survey about the proposed redesign of part of Jasper Avenue's streetscape, feedback opportunities for street safety solutions, and the annual Edmonton business census.

The City of Edmonton released its proposed design for the next phase of the Jasper Avenue New Vision Project. Focusing on the sidewalks and LRT station entrances on the stretch between 102 Street and 109 Street, it's the first major refresh of this section in about 40 years. The project builds on past phases that removed some parking and widened sidewalks on Jasper Avenue east and west of the downtown core.

Administration is looking for feedback until June 10, and there will be a drop-in feedback session on June 3 at the Matrix Hotel from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. The downtown community revitalization levy is funding the planning and design, which is expected to be complete in 2029, the city told Taproot. There is no timeline for construction, and funding is expected to be considered in future budget cycles.

The city will consider improving and rehabilitating nine LRT station entrances — five for Corona Station and four for Bay/Enterprise Square Station. The stations would be redesigned to maximize visibility into stairwells and exposure to sunlight, and use materials that are durable and easily replaced, the plans say. Business leaders and downtown advocacy groups have been calling for the station entrances to be redesigned to be more welcoming and inviting.

Four lanes of vehicle travel, as well as dedicated left-turn lanes, are maintained in the proposed design along this portion of Jasper Avenue. The city is aiming to remove many parking spots along the avenue and allocate the space to landscaping and benches.

The proposed design would relocate some bus stops and remove one westbound stop. Bus stops would be redesigned so that buses no longer have to pull out of and into traffic, similar to plans for parts of Whyte Avenue as part of the transit priority measures project.

There is also a separate design booklet for 107 Street between 99 Avenue and Jasper. Funding for 107 Street will be debated in the 2027-2030 budget cycle. The city proposes converting the bi-directional bike lane between 99 and 100 Avenues to one-way lanes on either side of the street. The booklet says most on-street parking will be removed for landscaping and seating areas. The two northbound bus stops will be consolidated, and the bus bays will also be removed.

The survey asks what the city should consider as it finalizes the designs for the renewal. Feedback will be used to help inform, shape, and refine the plans, the city said.

Garbage at an entrance to Central LRT station in downtown Edmonton.

The Jasper Avenue New Vision project could include the rehabilitation of some LRT station entrances to be more welcoming. (Stephanie Swensrude)

Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:

"Your turn" is Taproot's weekly collection of public engagement opportunities in the Edmonton region. Watch this space every week for opportunities to make your views known. If you know of a request for public input, send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca.