The River Valley Planning Modernization (RVPM) project is renewing our strategic planning for the River Valley and the processes and tools for evaluating and regulating development that is proposed within the River Valley and Ravine System.

North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan

The River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (River Valley ARP) was approved by City Council on August 18, 2025. The new plan is the culmination of many years of work, conversation, and learning, across City departments and with the community.

In order to give City staff and project proponents time to prepare for implementation, the River Valley ARP will not come into effect until November 17, 2025. In the coming months, City staff will prepare guidance documents to help people understand the processes and requirements outlined in the new plan, and what will change once it comes into effect.

Read the newly-approved River Valley ARP (31.84 MB).

Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan

We are planning to take the Ribbon of Green to Council for information in early 2026, as part of a report that will also seek Council’s approval to rescind (or retire) the original Ribbon of Green Concept Plan (1990) and Master Plan (1992). We will share more information on this web page and through the project newsletter as it is available. 

Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan (61.44 MB)

Looking for a shorter overview of the plan? Read the Ribbon of Green Plan Guide

Next Steps

Now that the River Valley ARP is approved and the Ribbon of Green is complete, we will shift our attention to implementation of the plans. Many implementation actions will include opportunities for public input, and we will share those opportunities as they come up. 

Priority implementation actions include completion of a River Valley Trail Strategy, updates to the process and procedural guidance to support the updated River Valley ARP decision-making process, development of an Open Space Monitoring and Management Framework, and a Ribbon of Green Capital Program Prioritization Framework.

About the River Valley Planning Modernization Project

Edmonton’s City Plan, approved by City Council in 2020, describes the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System as “the most important feature of our city.” It is a vital ecological corridor, a valued recreation destination, a place of incredible cultural significance and a draw for visitors throughout the region.

The question at the heart of the project was: How will we ensure that the River Valley, the backbone of our open space network, remains vibrant and ecologically resilient as the city grows?