RECOMMENDATIONS
1. With the City of Edmonton’s commitment of resources in 2013, the stability and security of the Rossdale Power Plant is secure for the time being– at least 3 years and probably into the future. This is a good first step. Now we need to get moving on the process so ideas around repurposing can emerge and develop.
Discussion within Edmonton City Council and within City Administration is focused on the reimagining the entire RIVER CROSSING area (Queen Elizabeth Park, New Walterdale Bridge, Rossdale Power Plant, Telus Field Stadium, the approach to the Legislature and Legislative Grounds) as a major city amenity and attraction.
2. Rossdale Regeneration and others need to work with the City of Edmonton to repurpose the Rossdale Power Plant in a creative, appropriate and sustainable way, as well as connect the Power Plant to other plans and possibilities into the discussion.
This includes creating a larger vision, a design, an organizational structure (including the role of municipal, community, not for profit and private interests) that respects the Aboriginal relationships place, as well as the Power Plant, the West Rossdale community and the river landing to the south (Walterdale).
3. This reimagining project requires a process that draws on and aligns the various plans and visioning previously accomplished for the area – including the new Walterdale Bridge and promenade, the West Rossdale Urban Design Plan, Repurposing Rossdale: Views and Perspectives, Spirit of Edmonton, River Valley Alliance aims, and recommendations of the Rossdale ReGeneration Group – and provide an opportunity for collaboration with the province, federal ministries, national historical groups, and private developers.
This initiative might take the form of an international design competition encompassing the buildings, site, and public access.
From page 5 of your recommendations:
“Imagine a perfect Edmonton evening – a perfect evening, that is, that could
happen only in Edmonton. After a summer or winter stroll along the river valley
trails, you walk through the doors of the Rossdale Power Plant. Here, you enjoy
dinner amidst a 365-degree view of downtown, the Legislature, the newly-lit-up
High Level Bridge, and the North Saskatchewan River Valley”
That’s some view. I wonder what I get to see twice with the extra 5 degrees… I hope its not the Coast hotel.