The Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan passed third reading at council last night. It was an interesting night to sit in the gallery and hear both sides of the issue. It can get a bit heated up in the crowd on such a polarizing issue. For the most part the crowd was considerate with few outbursts

DARP was supported by such groups as the Chamber of Commerce, Seniors Center, SAEDAC, a few business owners from the downtown and individual residents. Arguments in favour included:

1. We need a PLAN and this is a good starting point

2. It is a living document to only guide future councils

3. It offers opportunities for partnerships

4. It will prevent inner city decay

5. investment in the downtown will drive more businesses to come

6. It is "Inspirational", "Bold" and "Modern"

7. This just updates an older version of DARP and brings it into the present

8. Offers housing options and options for seniors who want to downsize

9. Reduces urban sprawl

10.   a "vibrant" downtown will help attract the age bracket of 25-35 (which our city lacks)

11.   Pedestrian friendly

12.   Allows for outdoor dining

13.   Higher density is good for our tax base and helps us achieve the target set out by the Capital Region Board. I believe higher density is more appropriate in the downtown than in the outskirts as was the plan with Smart Growth earlier this year

14.   I also like the idea of having 70% of the ground floor store fronts reserved for retail and restaurants and the upper floors for professional use.

All of these are excellent points and get me very excited regarding the long term future of our downtown. For the most part I am behind the concept of DARP

Darp was opposed by some of the professional businesses in the downtown, the St. Albert Tax Payer Association, individual residents as well the Lions Club and Cornerstone Hall expressed concern.

Arguments not in favour of DARP included:

1. First and Foremost $$$$. Who is going to pay for all this and how?

2. Existing ground floor professional are now limited from expanding. They are grandfathered in to the new plan by future growth will need to be off the ground floor

3. Increased traffic with more people and narrower streets

4. Why do we encourage pedestrians and bikers when we are a winter city?

5. Poor soil in the river valley. Will it support such large structures

6. The Lions Club is concerned that the extension of St. Anne street is right through the playground and their plans for upgrading the playground are on hold

7. St. Anne Street extension goes right through Cornerstone hall and the Legion which will affect many community groups. How will they be compensated?

8. High-rises just don’t fit in St. Albert

9. Will we lose our small town feel?

If elected I will remember all these concerns. I understand that any plan will not satisfy everyone, but I also believe elected officials need to listen to the people! Future decisions will be driven by the market and available resources.

I am looking forward to the detailed implementation strategy coming in March of 2011.