TAMRMS#: B06
7.2
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Millennium Park Project Update
Presented by: Craig Cameron, Manager, Parks & Community Partnerships, Recreation & Parks
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That the agenda report entitled "Millennium Park Project Update" dated April 16, 2024 be received as information.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
This report provides an update on current and proposed actions related to Millennium Park.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
A presentation will be provided to Council on April 16th, that will address:
Project History and Direction
Discussions around the development of Millennium Park began in 2010 as part of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP), with concept planning being completed in 2018. This planning included four phases of public engagement that identified the following site values: Integrating Green, Community, Strategic Program, Scale + Comfort, Food + Engaging Edges.
In 2022, Millennium Park was identified in Council's strategic plan as a priority under Downtown Revitalization. Through this prioritization, Council directed Administration to revisit the 2018 concept plan to also consider 1) increasing the amount of available open space, 2) improving views to the river, and 3) increasing connection to St. Albert Place and Lions Park. Council also asked Administration to bring back to Council concepts that (based on the new considerations) reflected "high", "medium" and "low" levels of site development.
A biophysical assessment was completed as part of the concept update. The assessment concluded:
* The presence of two wetland areas in the forested area of the site, likely introduced by creation of the flood protection berm, that will require Water Act permitting for their removal and, if approved, compensation payment.
* In general, tree stands in wet areas are less healthy. The highest value and most significant trees are found in the upland area (northeast corner) of the park, which includes green alder, a species not c...
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