Exploring the Past, Present and Future of Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona Dr. Kevin E. Jones and Vanessa Zembal City Regions Studies Centre, University of Alberta May 6, 2017
About This Walk Edmonton s story is of a city which is being perpetually made and remade. Driven by development and evolving trends in urban design, there has been little room to find inspiration in the past, or to ask how heritage and culture might provide inspiration for the future. Amidst another cycle of urban renewal, the city is again undergoing a significant transition, perhaps nowhere more evident than in Old Strathcona and along its historic prairie main street. Touring Whyte Avenue we will collectively explore how heritage and culture inform how we experience both tangible and intangible elements of its heritage. We will consider the Avenue as a home for a diverse range of communities and place narratives. And, we will learn about current development in the area and consider how heritage and culture might support successful place-making and communities into the future. As we walk through the streets and alleys around Whyte Ave you will: Explore how urban form, community and heritage come together to inform our experience of the street; Learn from key stakeholders about the changes reshaping development on Whyte Avenue. Participate in a conversation about how Whyte Avenue s past informs its present and future. Reflect upon and talk about your own experiences on and around the Ave. Share your thoughts and experiences of the tour, by contributing to an online catalogue of photos and captions from the tour (see below). And, of course, enjoy a stroll on a beautiful spring day (fingers crossed) along this magnificent street.
A Conversation We are hoping this tour will contribute to a conversation about the ways in which we experience and value Whyte Avenue. Imagine what it s like to spend time there, what you like about it, what you wish would be changed, and how you see the Avenue in the future. You might consider the following: 1 What is the character of the street? What aspects contribute positively, or negatively, to your experience? 2 How do you imagine the street changing as Edmonton grows? How can development support it as a vital and vibrant urban space? What are your concerns for the future? 3 An important part of Edmonton s heritage, how can the street s past inform a successful future? 4 How does the diversity of communities which come together on Whyte Ave. contribute to its success as a public space and social hub in the city? Share your pictures and thoughts with us! We are hoping to collect the images and captions to further the conversation around the past, present, and future of Whyte Avenue. We will compile your photos together and present them online at www.curbtalks.com You can share your pictures by: Posting them to the CRSC Twitter account (@CityRegions or hashtag #JanesWhyte). Emailing them to crsc@ualberta.ca
Tour Stops and Guest Presenters We will meet behind the Tipton Arena in the park. 1 Location: Tipton Arena/Park (10828 80 Ave) Who: Kevin Jones Topic: Welcome & introduction to the tour 2 Location: SouthPark Car Dealership (106 St & 82 Ave) Who: Michael Strong, Senior Planner, City of Edmonton Topic: Planning for the future of Whyte Avenue -- Plan Whyte (edmonton.ca/projects_plans/design_studies/plan-whyte.aspx) Who: Kim Petrin, Senior Associate, Stantec Topic: Changing urban landscape - the Southpark on Whyte (southparkonwhyte.com/) 3 Location: Chianti s Restaurant (105 St and 82 Ave) 106 St. 107 St. 108 St. 109 Street 85 Ave. 84 Ave. 83 Ave. Whyte Avenue (82 Ave) 2 81 Ave. 1 SouthPark Car Dealership 80 Ave. 109 Street Tipton Arena 108 St. 107 St. 106 St.
103 Street 4 Location: Blues on Whyte (82 Ave, between 103 & 104 St) Who: Murray Davison, Executive Director, Old Strathcona Business Association Topic: The value of heritage and diversity to the Whyte Avenue retail economy 5 Location: Connaught (Strathcona) Armoury (10310 85 Ave) Who: Mohamed Derouge, Community Engagement Coordinator, YESS Topic: An inclusive community - heritage and supports for at risk youth 6 Location: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park (8303 104 St) Who: Kevin Jones Topic: Conclusion, and opportunity to visit the Old Strathcona Farmers Market 105 St. 104 Street Connaught (Strathcona) Armoury 5 103 Street 85 Ave. 84 Ave. 6 83 Ave. Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park 102 St. 3 4 Whyte Avenue (82 Ave) Chianti s 81 Ave. Blues on Whyte 105 St. 80 Ave. 104 Street
Worksheet Here is a worksheet, if you would like to keep track of what you see and talk about: Photo Description (what is the picture of) 1 Caption (What thoughts does the photo provoke?) 2 3 Notes Heritage, history community streetscape cars architecture walking cycling lifestyle retail relaxation shopping public space trees parks sounds smells people play diversity sustainability accessibility security vibrancy lights art welcoming beautiful ugly concrete grass culture construction welcoming private memory experience
Researching Heritage and Cultural Landscapes Researchers at the University of Alberta s City-Region Studies Centre (CRSC), in collaboration with the Edmonton Heritage Council, are exploring new ways of thinking about heritage planning and urban development in Edmonton. Adopting cultural landscape approaches, we are interested in how heritage and cultural resources can support sustainable and prosperous communities today and for the future. To do so requires a better understanding of the ways in which communities experience and value urban culture and heritage. We are also exploring the ways in which communities, heritage and culture can come together to contribute to place, and inform urban design and development. If you are interested in learning about this research, or being part of future workshop and engagement activities please send an e-mail to: crsc@ualberta.ca. www.uab.ca/crsc The Idea of Place Conference This walking tour is an active session of The Idea of Place, Space and Culture 20 th Anniversary Conference. This conference welcomes challenges to the idea of place, along with new ways of thinking about place, space, location and the relationship between individuals and communities to place and history. For more information on the conference please visit theideaofplace.com
About CRSC City-Region Studies Centre (CRSC) is an innovative research and community engagement centre dedicated to sparking meaningful conversation and action in city-region planning, community development, governance and placemaking. Housed at the University of Alberta s Faculty of Extension, we engage rural and urban stakeholders to build sustainable, resilient communities. Engaged Research We use an interactive and participatory public-research model that connects community expertise with academic knowledge. We work with stakeholders and members of the public to identify research questions and develop collaborative solutions to the challenges our communities are facing today. Engaged Communities As a public-research centre, we place a strong emphasis on community engagement. We regularly host public lectures and community events featuring research and innovations in sustainable housing and transportation, municipal governance, inclusive community development, urban placemaking and other issues affecting rural and urban stakeholders. Engaged networks We are building and strengthening a local and global network of researchers, planners, industry partners and communities for sustainable community decision-making, planning and development. We provide the space for stakeholders of all levels to explore common goals and lead innovation across sectors. CRSC is guided by the Faculty of Extension s commitment to a scholarship of engagement that focuses on Learning, Discovery and Citizenship. Special thanks to our Guest Presenters and their organisations, Edmonton Heritage Council, Edmonton Historical Board, and Alberta Culture and Tourism.