About 30 people attended an open house on April 11 to discuss the Area Redevelopment Plan for the uptown core at the Royal Canadian Legion. The open house gave the public the first glimpse at a plan that will take about 14 months to complete.
While the plan encompasses all of the uptown core, it also takes in other large plots of land such as the former high school site and others that will form the core of the community over the next 20 to 25 years. The ARP will form the broad outline of how the uptown will grow and change over that time period.
In a presentation outlining the process, Craig Teal, principal of Parkland Community Planning Services, said large plots of land will be looked at around the community, including in the uptown proper.
An ARP encompasses elements such as land-use patterns, activity areas, street furniture, architecture and building appearance, parking, urban design, movement of people and goods and parks and green spaces.
“It's important at the end of the day to be (relevant) to Olds,” he said.
Leon Durand, chair of the Uptowne Olds committee, said he wants to maintain uptown as the business core, while making it pedestrian and bike friendly. He said more garbage receptacles are also needed in the area. He said he would prefer a good mix of uses in the area.
“I think there's a lot to be said for maintaining the core,” he said, noting that in many other communities that haven't addressed the myriad of revitalization issues, the core has died.
Paul Gustafson said he liked the idea that there is so much enthusiasm among business owners in the core to get things done.
“I really think the strength of this town is the partnering that's going on in the town. It's really important and we need to continue that,” added Brian Thompson.
One of the improvements that needs to be made, said one audience member, is more of an urban forest.
Another said an improved pedestrian network, particularly north of Highway 27, needs to be undertaken.
The town is currently working on an Open Space and Trails Master Plan, said Barbara Hill, director of community services, which should be coming forward in the near future.
Following the meeting, Teal said he thought there were a lot of good ideas that the steering committee will have to take into account, from improving lighting, adding more parking and making sure there are better connections for cyclists, among other items.
The town wants to fill out the remaining two spots on the steering committee that are open to the public soon, before the next opportunity for public participation in early summer.
“First, we're going to get the dream in place … and then we'll build a plan on how we're going to move towards getting to that dream. (The first meeting) was very positive. There was a good core of people attending who are genuinely interested in the future of uptown Olds and making sure it continues to be a vibrant, interesting place for future generations … recognizing that there are areas where we can improve. I think we're off to a good start,” Teal said.
"There was a good core of people attending who are genuinely interested in the future of uptown Olds and making sure it continues to be a vibrant, interesting place for future generations."Craig Teal, principal, PCPS
