River Valley Parks Master Plan

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Click here to view the final plan 

About the Study

Background

What's in the Study

• A comprehensive River Valley Assessment 
• Current conditions (Biophysical, Recreational Programming, and Historical) 
• Gap Analysis 
• Public engagement 
• Functional Concept Plans 
• Develop a Vision, Principals and Strategies to guide future development 
• Master Plan Document 
• Implementation strategy 
• Policies that will guide future land use bylaw changes

Public Engagement: Phase 1 – Vision and Needs Assessment

Phase 1 Results

From November 2014 to January 2015, Lethbridge residents, river valley users, and internal and external stakeholders were engaged to gather input about current uses of the river valley and to identify opportunities and constraints for future planning. Over 1,400 comments and ideas were provided though the various engagement activities. The following themes emerged during the first phase of engagement:

• Circulation and accessibility
• Connectivity
• Natural environment
• Maintenance
• Amenities and facilities
• Heritage
• Safety
• Enforcement
• Governance
  

The summary of the input provided is available in the 'What We Heard – Phase 1 – Vision and Needs Assessment. A brief summary report is available here. The full report is available here.

How the Feedback Was Used

The public and stakeholder input was used to inform the development of the State of the Valley Report, which provides a situational assessment of the river valley. The input was also used to develop a vision, principles and objectives which will guide the development of the River Valley Parks Master Plan, while assisting the City of Lethbridge in its decision-making processes. Input was also used to develop a draft concept plan, guided by the vision, principles and objectives framework.

The State of the Valley Report

The State of the Valley report provides the foundation for the development of the River Valley Parks Master Plan. The report presents an overview and analysis of:

• Existing plans and policies
• Biophysical and landscape ecological conditions
• Visibility
• Existing cultural and recreational uses
• Gap analysis of recreational services
• A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges (SWOC) analysis

The summary of report is available here.

Vision and Principles

The vision represents what the River Valley aspires to be. A series of overarching principles will guide decisions to help achieve the vision.

Vision

"The scenic Lethbridge River Valley is an iconic landscape providing a wide diversity of nature-based recreation in the heart of the city. Wise stewardship and careful management of this unique environment provides a balance of preservation and public use, ensuring the rich history and cherished natural character of the river valley is safely enjoyed for years to come."

Principles

1. Conserve the Natural Landscape
2. Enhance Wildlife Habitats and Landscape Connectivity
3. Ensure Sustainable Use and Management
4. Make the Valley Accessible
5. Ensure Safety
6. Connect Parks and Pathways
7. Improve Valley Amenities
8. Honor the Natural and Cultural Heritage
9. Inspire Stewardship

Public Input

Public Engagement Phase 2 - Draft River Valley Concept

A draft River Valley Concept was developed based on public input, the findings of the State of the Valley report, and the new vision, principles and objectives.

Concept ideas were grouped in five stations based on principles. Click on each of the stations to view the preliminary ideas and background information.

STATION 1: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Principle 1: Conserve the Natural Landscape
Principle 2: Enhance Wildlife Habitats and Landscape Connectivity
Principle 3: Ensure Sustainable Use and Management

STATION 2: ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY
Principle 4: Make the Valley Accessible
Principle 5: Ensure Safety

STATION 3: CONNECTIVITY AND PATHWAYS
Principle 6: Connect Parks and Pathways

STATION 4: AMENITIES, FACILITIES, AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Principle 7: Improve Valley Amenities
Principle 8: Honor the Natural and Cultural Heritage

STATION 5: STEWARDSHIP
Principle 9: Inspire Stewardship was intended to gather additional input on stewardship initiatives happening in the river valley, and on ways to increase the sense of stewardship and initiate action.

Timeline