102nd Street Revitalization Study Grande Prairie

The City of Grand Prairie undertook a feasibility study to develop the 102nd Street Revitalization Plan. This neighbourhood study aimed to provide city staff, elected officials and residents with a detailed written and visual account of changes designed to transform this inner-city thoroughfare into a “complete street” destination where residents would live, work, and shop. The goal was to put people in close proximity to sustainable modes of transportation, such as public transit, cycling and walking. The city consulted with residents as part of the study, which also involved gathering information; creating, reviewing and costing options; and considering the impact on various activities and maintenance. When implemented, the plan had the potential to promote smart growth and sustainability by decreasing the pressure for development of prime agricultural land, decreasing the city’s future infrastructure needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from personal transportation, improving groundwater and surface water quality through updated stormwater drainage, improving residents’ personal health and fitness levels, and reducing energy consumption by replacing high-pressure sodium street lights with light emitting diode (known as LED) bulbs. Lessons learned from this study could be transferred to other wintry cities with high personal vehicle use.