CSCE Annual General Meeting and Dinner Presentation: Jasper Ave New Vision

Join us for dinner and presentation at the University Club!

Project Abstract

Jasper Avenue is both an important destination and a main commuter corridor in Edmonton’s downtown. With downtown development on the rise, now is the time for transformation. The underlying principle is the revitalization of Jasper Avenue’s streetscape so it can serve as a catalyst for private section reinvestment, continued renewal and positive change throughout the corridor.

The Jasper Avenue New Vision project extends from 92 Street to 109 Street using a complete streets approach to feature an enhanced pedestrian experience that will support area businesses, attract visitors and create a liveable downtown. The project had to tie to an initial Jasper Avenue streetscape project from 100 Street to 102 Street, completed in 2013. Extensive consultation with businesses, the public and other stakeholders was completed as part of the project.

In addition to Edmonton’s Complete Street Guidelines, the Jasper Avenue New Vision project had to consider adjacent approved neighbourhood plans including, The Quarters Overlay, Main Streets Overlay, Capital City Downtown plan, and existing Truck and Dangerous Goods Routes.

As a result, the design process was a balance between modal priorities, functionality of the corridor, stakeholder expectations and vision for the project. One challenge in implementing the Complete Streets Guidelines was agreement on vehicle lane width. The Jasper Avenue right-of-way is constrained by development on both sides, historical buildings, and underground structures. The vision for Jasper Avenue was to have increased space for the pedestrian realm gained from narrowing vehicular traffic lanes. This proved to be a challenge as Jasper Avenue is a core transit route, and the lane widths had to safely accommodate buses. Universal accessibility and design for the disabled user also had a significant impact on the corridor especially as relating to removal of mid-block parking. Another challenge was the design of the streetscape elements. In the previously constructed section, several architectural streetscape elements were not universally supported to be carried forward, from both a cost and functionality perspective. As such, the team had to undertake a new design for the remainder of the corridor while complimenting the existing infrastructure.

The City of Edmonton and the Al-Terra / Dialog Joint Venture consultant team brought a collaborative approach to the project, ensuring that all partners in the process had a voice around the table. At times the discussion was animated, but proved important to ensure the City implements a multi-modal complete street while maintaining the vision of Jasper Avenue as a vibrant destination for the present and future.

The presentation will provide an overview of the process, challenges, lessons learned and cooperation in redesigning Jasper Avenue, Edmonton’s main street. The presentation will also include a brief discussion about the use of a CCGC (Construction Consultant General Contractor) procurement model for construction delivery of the project.

Presented by: Corry Broks | Al-Terra

Corry has over 40 years of related transportation engineering and urban development experience in the Edmonton area. His experience includes project management of numerous large and complex transportation planning, and design and construction projects, which often have required management of large multi-disciplinary teams of technical and specialist consultants. Corry’s broad experience allows him to see the big picture of a project, while recognizing the small details that require necessary attention to bring a project to successful completion. He has been very effective in developing staging, traffic accommodation and management plans for construction projects based on a thorough understanding of road and utility construction. Corry is well respected throughout the industry and was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2014.

Corry has project managed over 20 major (complex) transportation planning studies involving urban freeway interchanges, river crossings, multiple roundabouts, and complex retrofits. He is very familiar with the typical requirements and expectations for major transportation infrastructure projects, particularly planning projects and he has a knack for developing innovative and practical ideas to complex problems. On many of his past transportation planning projects, these ideas often produced solutions that resulted in added value in the delivery and operation phases

Dinner Location

University of Alberta

The University Club

11435 Saskatchewan Drive

Dinner Schedule

Registration and Networking 5:30

Buffet Dinner 6:30

Annual General Meeting 7:15

Presentation 7:30

Closing Remarks 8:30

Dinner Rates

Students $20

Members & Sponsors $35

Non-Members $50

Sponsoring companies can redeem their complimentary dinner tickets by registering for sponsor dinner ticket option. Please note pre-registration is required so we can have headcount for the dinner.

Note: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please refrain from attending. We will be happy to refund your ticket.