Whitemud Park Integrated Plan
News
An open house on the Whitemud Park Integrated Plan - Amendment Proposal submitted by the Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Circle Society (IECRCS)was held at the John Janzen Nature Centre, Wednesday, June 3rd.There is an exit survey available on the web: Whitemud Park Integrated Plan Survey
Introduction
The Whitemud Integrated Plan area encompasses a very important area of Edmonton's southwest river valley.
The area is home to several popular recreation destinations:
It is also a popular destination for joggers, nature lovers, fishermen, canoeists, kayakers, toboggan riders, and cyclists.
Vision Statement
The Whitemud Integrated Plan Area is a special part of Edmonton's river valley. It is a place where the natural environment is protected and carefully managed while permitting a diversity of low impact recreational and interpretative opportunities for the public. These opportunities will build upon and complement the natural landscapes and existing cultural features.
Concept Plan
The Concept Plan proposes low impact development in several areas as described below. Detailed design, environmental review and public input will be required for each component of the plan, prior to implementation. All work must meet the requirements of the River Valley Bylaw.
The Whitemud Park Integrated Plan - Concept Plan
Current Development
The 2003 Whitemud Integrated Plan has resulted in a number of park development projects. This includes:
- Keillor Trail Redevelopment
- Ft. Edmonton Park Multi-use Trail
- Whitemud Creek Footbridge
- Ft. Edmonton Park Footbridge (completion Spring 2010)
What remains to be completed is the development of amenity buildings on the east side of Whitemud Creek, and the demolition and restoration of the farm site. Funding was approved in the 2008 Capital Priorities Plan to complete a number of these projects.The Amenity Building and Trailhead Building project is in the final stages of design.
Fort Edmonton, Whitemud Equine Center, John Janzen Nature Center
- Existing facilities would continue to follow their existing approved Master Plans, ensuring that all development is in accordance with recommendations outlined in this study.
Whitemud Park Integrated Plan - Amendment Proposal
In 2008 a proposal was submitted to the City Administration from the Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Circle Society (IECRCS) for a project at the Farm Site within Whitemud Park. This group has been holding cultural ceremonies at the farm site for a number of years and is now interested in creating a permanent licensed site for Aboriginal cultural events and programs. The group is interested in creating an outdoor and an indoor centre for their programs.
The benefits of this proposal would include providing cultural opportunities to deal with social disparities in the community and creating a sense of place for the Aboriginal community within the river valley park system for cultural ceremonies and spiritual guidance.
City Council Direction and Guiding Documents, which support this initiative, include:
- City Council’s Declaration Strengthening Relationships between the City of Edmonton and Urban Aboriginal People.
- Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord Relationship Agreement between City Administration and Aboriginal Communities.
- Urban Parks Management Plan.
- Focus Area - Social and Cultural: Vibrant and Inclusive Communities.
The Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Circle Society (IECRCS) proposal was not part of the Whitemud Integrated Plan. If there is support for this project proposal, a Plan amendment must be prepared and return to City Council for approval.
The study area is located at the base of the Farm Site on the map below:
In July, 2008, City Council supported a review of the Whitemud Integrated Plan to consider the proposal by the Society.
Following Public Consultation (May/June 2009), the City will report to Councils Transportation and Public Works Committee in September, and present recommendations back to Council in Fall 2009.
