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The following information is based off of the 2015 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment, Streetscape Enhancement and Rehabilitation Project Final Design Recommendation Report prepared by Morrison Hershfield. Details are subject to change based on availability and functionality. A full copy of the report is available here.
Phasing Information
Utilities
Streetscapes
Phase 1: Adjacent to Revolution Place on 101 St. north to 102 Ave. (2016/2017)
Phase 2: 101 Ave. from the Golden Age Centre to 100 St. (2017)
Phase 3: 100 Ave. from 102 St. to 100 St. (2018)
Phase 4: 100 Ave. from 100 St. to 98 St. (TBD)
This phasing option was approved by Council on April 20, 2015 with the following justifications:
A subsurface utility assessment of water, sanitary sewer and storm sewers was completed for the area of the project and was based on:
It is recommended that where any one utility is replaced and where surface infrastructure is being replaced, all three deep utilities should be designed and constructed to maximize the long term capital and operational cost effectiveness.
Sanitary Sewer Assessment: Currently, vitrified clay tile (VCF) pipes are used downtown and they have been deemed past their serviceable life. Replacement is recommended with PVC pipes in locations where surface infrastructure is slated for major enhancement. Other areas that do not need immediate replacement can be scheduled for replacement as needed.
Water Distribution Assessment: The pipes that presently serve downtown were installed between the 1940s and 1970s. These types of pipe have an estimated lifespan of 70 years but this is impacted by pipe condition and work environment. A pipe condition assessment is recommended to determine a replacement plan. Design interventions such as sprinklers are currently being built to improve the current water network capacity to insure it is adequate. Other recommendations include installing a connection line on 101 St. between 102nd and 100th Ave., as well as upgrading the 100 mm diam. line to 150 mm diam. in 99th Avenue east of 98th St.
Storm Sewer Assessment: Overall, the system currently accommodates flow adequately. A few locations have been identified to troubleshoot on an individual basis.
Before construction, a Surface Infrastructure Assessment was conducted to review existing information for roads, sidewalks and curbs and gutters; a visual inspection and documentation of existing conditions; and high level cost estimates to repair, rehabilitate or replace sections of roads.
The study concluded that while the roads are all of varying age, they are still in fair to good condition and may continue to be serviceable with regular maintenance.
The curb and gutter assessment noted similarly that these surfaces remain in fair to good condition and can continue to be serviceable in the foreseeable future. Some areas that have been identified as being in poor condition should be programmed along with adjacent roadworks.
Much of the downtown sidewalks are made up of pavers which are listed in varied condition. The prevailing issue is settlement and heaving as a result of frost or subgrade failure. Other options such as conventional concrete sidewalks with an aesthetic treatment are being explored to be more climate-friendly and cost effective. Sidewalk ramps are also being redeveloped to enhance accessibility for all pedestrians.
The Downtown Enhancement Area Redevelopment Plan (DEP) has identified thematic areas to develop the core downtown roads:
Based off of the Complete Streets for Canada concept, street design for the downtown aims to incorporate transportation, aesthetic, pedestrians, cyclists and an overall vision for the area to make it accommodating for users of all ages, abilities, and modes of travel.
Using this model the following road hierarchy for downtown has been proposed:
Urban Avenue:
Shared Avenue:
Transitional Avenue:
Urban Arterial Street:
Urban Collector Street:
Urban Connector Street:
Residential Avenue:
Standard Arterial Street:
Standard Collector Street:
Standard Connector Street:
Basic Local Upgrade:
Blending Grande Prairie’s past, present and future the design theme of the project aims to represent an authentic look at Grande Prairie, promote modernization and vitality and retain a unique design integrity.
Key to this theme is a visual incorporation of Grande Prairie’s main industries: agriculture, oil and gas, forestry, retail and manufacturing.
Here is a quick overview of how this is being done:
A fundamental part of realizing the vision for downtown is the streetscape kit of parts, which has been divided into five categories: lighting, street furniture, planting, paving and transitional components.
Lighting:
Street Furniture:
Planting:
Paving:
Transitional Components:
All of these features also help to fulfil the Winter City recommendations. Read more about these recommendations on the Urban Design page.