Today, Council directed Administration to develop a formal neighbourhood development strategy for the greater downtown and Railyards neighbourhoods, and to make recommendations for Council’s consideration as part of the 2024 and 2025 budgeting process.
Working collaboratively, multiple City departments developed and presented a report to identity neighbourhood development strategies for the Railyards and greater downtown neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods face unique challenges and are considered neighbourhoods in need. The report identifies challenges, opportunities and potential solutions to improve mobility, connection and safety for everyone in the neighbourhood.
Through the report, Council was asked to consider the scope of a future neighbourhood development plan for this area, including priorities, phasing and budget considerations.
“A wholistic approach is required to balance the social and economic development needs of the greater downtown,” said Mike Olesen, General Manager of Growth and Finance. “What we learned today was the scope and appetite for how we influence this area going forward and how we can work to enhance the social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being of the greater downtown and our city as a whole.”
With today’s direction, Administration will now develop a comprehensive strategy that incorporates community neighbourhood development approaches, policing, addiction and health supports, economic development approaches, investment in the built environment, land use planning, recovery focused initiatives, and work on urban encampments.
Administration will provide an update on the strategy during the 2024 budget review.