The City of Edmonton is setting a new precedent for sustainable communities. The Blatchford redevelopment has already begun; transforming the heart of Edmonton and the previous site of the City Centre Airport into a world-leading residential development.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Mark Hall, Executive Director of the Blatchford Redevelopment. He shared his insights on the project and what role it will have in shaping Edmonton’s future.

The Vision

Conceptual image created by Perkins+Will

The City of Edmonton’s collection of strategic plans, “The Way Ahead”, sets out a framework for Edmonton’s future urban growth. The Blatchford redevelopment has been able to bring in many innovative environmental, social, and economic ideas from Edmonton’s strategic goals into one plan:

• Blatchford’s sustainable technologies — ensuring 100% renewable energy.
• Mixed-use open spaces — optimizing walkability, public transit, and cycling.
• Economically-sustainable amenities — creating approximately 10,000 jobs onsite.

As Mark expresses, “The Blatchford project is a good opportunity to demonstrate how Edmonton’s strategic plans can all come together.”

The Residents

Conceptual image created by Perkins+Will

Mark described the Blatchford community to be an “equal opportunity for all”. The development will attract Edmontonians of all ages, including student housing for the post-secondary institutes that are close by.

The community is designed so that residents can “live, work, learn and play at various times of their life.” Blatchford is intended to be a gathering space for the community, filled with opportunities for residents who lead an active lifestyle and would like to live in a family-oriented space. The development’s design will also include community garden plots, so that residents can enjoy growing their own food and contribute to the sustainable vision of the area.

The Impact

Conceptual image created by Perkins+Will

Edmonton has taken the lead in developing a community that successfully brings together environmental, social, and economic sustainability — without any limitation on demographics. The project will bring Edmontonians together in the center of the city, and transform 217 hectares into a state-of-the-art urban development; host to 11,000 dwellings. The first residents could be living in the area as early as 2016.

“We haven’t found any other development that has everything in one,” Mark commented. “This is something that people will come to Edmonton to see.”

For more information about the Blatchford project, send a message to your councillor.