The city’s plan for West Park’s redevelopment might make a great neighbourhood even better, says the community association’s president.
“I think it’s very positive and works with what West Park already is and what it could be,” said Keira Rudge.
Residents can comment on the city’s draft redevelopment plan at an information meeting on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m., with a presentation at 5 p.m. at the West Park Activity Centre at 3811 57th Ave.
The plan, as well as feedback, can be seen online at www.reddeer.ca/westpark.
At a similar meeting last year, West Park residents said a major issue is the many secondary suites in single family homes and resulting parking shortage. Boarding house regulations and licensing were also a top priority.
“Maybe we could reconfigure some of the streets that might be rezoned in the future,” proposed Rudge.
City Coun. Paul Harris, who got council to fast track the plan, said West Park is a neighbourhood in transition.
“It’s changing to multi-family dwellings because of its proximity to downtown and the college.”
Rudge wants to maintain West Park’s single family home character — the draft plan’s first objective — but “hopefully not add that many more rowhouses and duplexes.”
“It would be nice to see to tie it into Riverlands with some of the multi-family (development) down there. It would be nice to see some development for seniors.”
Limiting future apartment and rowhouse multiple family buildings, as residents have identified, isn’t a solution, said Harris.
“We’ve got to change our whole philosophy to build our communities for people, not vehicles.”
Rudge praised proposals for changes to 57th Avenue, West Park’s main street.
“I like that plan. With the changes, maybe more people would realize what we have here.”
Developing a marketing plan between the community association and West Park Shopping Centre merchants is also positive.
“They’ve been very supportive of (the community association) and we of them. We could let people out there know of the amenities we have.”
Harris encouraged West Park residents to have their say so action can begin shortly after.
“People need to come out to this. You have to get out and participate in the planning process.
“Once the consultation is done, we need to whip ahead and get it done.”
rfiedler@www.reddeeradvocate.com