North Block Redevelopment Strategy
Update: On Aug. 4 a report on the North Block District Community and Business Enhancement Opportunities [PDF: 7.4MB] will go before Council.
At a two-day public workshop in June of 2008, stakeholders in the North Block area provided input for what consultants later developed as five design-element concepts for the area. A recommended concept was put forward early in 2009.
QUESTIONS
What are the City's plans for the North Block?
What elements are under consideration?
Can I influence how the North Block is redeveloped?
Who else is involved in this project?
What will happen to the heritage buildings in this area?
What is going to be done about parking?
ANSWERS
Q: What are the City's plans for the North Block?
A: The City is undertaking a public consultation to help determine the shape of this area as major sections of it have recently changed. Since the last study, the Police have moved their headquarters to Division Street and, of course, the K-Rock Centre has been built and opened. While previous studies offer a lot of information on this area, these changes are substantial and offer a new opportunity for the public to work with the City to redevelop this area to take full advantage of this under-utilized area and the new K-Rock Centre.
Q: What elements are under consideration?
A: The public is being asked to consider such questions as land use, density, retail and residential, built form, open space, streetscape, parking, transit and heritage in establishing various visions for the North Block. Attention is also being paid to issues that will impact the sustainability of the development, such as environmental and economic concerns.
A June public workshop generated five working concepts that are now available for review.
Q: Can I influence how the North Block is redeveloped?
A: Yes. There will be a number of opportunities — like the June 5 public workshop — for residents to offer their ideas and input to make the redevelopment of this area successful. Watch here for notices of upcoming public consultation and online Your Opinion surveys as plans progress.
Q: Who else is involved in this project?
A: Planning Partnership will help City Council, City Staff, stakeholders and other members of the public to define and express their various visions.
Q: What will happen to the heritage buildings in this area?
A: Development opportunities will include the integration of the heritage buildings in the district.
Q: What is going to be done about parking?
A: There are currently 450 parking spaces on the North Block. Any design for the North Block will be required to include at least this number of parking spaces — one way or another. Certain proposed developments may require additional parking spaces.
