Downtown Edmonton Hopes to Flip Parking to Parks

Land covering 1.25 hectares (approx. 3.09 acres) is slated for new park space in downtown Edmonton, if city officials get there way. CBC News reports that the city is negotiating with the four property owners who own 18 downtown parcels to determine purchase prices. The city would seek to combine the parcels into a new downtown park "large enough for festivals and gatherings" and also dog friendly.

The fact the owners are considering selling all the lots provides a unique opportunity for the city, said Duncan Fraser, an urban planner for the City of Edmonton.

"You don't find an open space this large in the downtown. It doesn't exist," he said. "[We're] taking gravel and turning it into green."

Fraser said the city is expecting the population downtown to skyrocket over the next several years, and the green space would add to the quality of life for downtown dwellers.

The city will consider the park proposal at a Planning Commission meeting in February. Meanwhile, while Fraser notes that Downtown Edmonton has plenty of parking, an underground lot beneath the park may be considered if the park plan goes forward.