| Category | Community Group |
|---|---|
| Status | Recipient |
| Year | 2009 |
| Nominee | River Valley Alliance |
| Project | Capital Region River Valley Park |
| Summary Of Activity | The River Valley Alliance (RVA) has prepared "A Plan of Action for the Capital Region River Valley Park", which was unanimously approved and adopted by its seven RVA Municipal shareholders. It provides the framework to create one of the world's great metropolitan parks and a lasting legacy for future generations: a continuous integrated river valley park connecting 18 000 acres of land over a distance of 88 kilometres. The ecological features of the river valley provide the foundation on which the Capital Region has grown, evolved and developed. The RVA recognizes the North Saskatchewan River valley is one of the few remaining natural areas in a major urban region. The plan integrates strategies to retain the natural green character of the river valley and to protect and maintain its ecosystem in a way that contributes and provides benefits to the social and economic well-being of the region and its residents. |
| Barriers/Challenges To Success | The Capital Region River Valley Park has such breadth and scope it affects many stakeholders, each with different perspectives on the Park's path forward. Wanting to ensure that the park would well represent the views of the multitude of stakeholders, the RVA consulted with over 400 user groups as well as the public at large through telephone and web site surveys, forums and open houses. These were held throughout the Capital Region in each RVA shareholder municipality prior to preparation of the Plan of Action, and again prior to finalizing the Plan of Action. The RVA received in excess of 5 000 responses from the public during this process and 88% of those respondents were in favour of creating the Capital Region River Valley Park. Most importantly, there was a resounding opinion to "do it all and do it now." The growing Edmonton Capital Region population presents a specific challenge: the Capital Region now houses over a million residents--one third of the province's population--while forecasts project this regional population to grow to 1.25 million by the year 2025. This will place increased demand for access and utilization of the river valley, and careful management of river valley resources will be required to maintain its nature-based character. Other potential barriers include residential subdivision developments currently in the planning and development stages adjacent to or in close proximity to the river valley. In many locations there is limited public access to the river valley due to topography and private land ownership. The RVA will work with municipal officials and developers to incorporate river valley public access points, trails, protected areas and parks into top of bank and river valley planning. |
| Contact |
Mr. Sol Rolingher Chair River Valley Alliance |
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2800 - 10060 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 3V9 |
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| Telephone | 780-441-4310 |
| Fax | 780-428-9683 |
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Contact through Email |
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http://www.rivervalley.ab.ca |
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