New vision for Jasper Avenue comes into focus

Behind all the fencing on Jasper Avenue, the future has been taking shape.

The Jasper Avenue New Vision project will help re-establish Jasper Avenue, from 92 Street to 109 Street, as a great Edmonton main street.

“We are building a Jasper Avenue that puts the emphasis on the comfort of people,” said Project Manager Lisa Erickson. “We hope these improvements will help reimagine Jasper Avenue as a people place.”

Landscaping features are planted along 100 Street and Jasper Avenue.

Attracting people, attention, investment

Jasper Avenue New Vision will feature wider sidewalks, new seats and benches, trees and shrubs, new street and pedestrian lighting and full roadway reconstruction. Crews are using soil cell technology to ensure long and lasting growth of the plant life.

The enhancements set the stage for continued development and re-investment in Jasper Avenue, making it a destination that supports area businesses and attracts visitors and investment.

Artist rendering of the extended sidewalks near Frank Oliver Park on Jasper Avenue.

Artist rendering of the extended sidewalks near Frank Oliver Park on Jasper Avenue.

Connections

Jasper Avenue New Vision improvements will improve connections in the area, too. On the south side of the avenue, there will be wider sidewalks and a shared-use path to better connect the main street to the River Valley. To the north, a reconfigured 97 Street is taking shape, with wider sidewalks and new greenery framing the historic road.

Jasper Avenue New vision is now in Phase 2 of construction between 97 Street and 100 Street, with completion anticipated in 2022. By the end of this year’s construction season, though, people will be able to experience the feel of a new, more open and welcoming avenue with upgraded seating and new landscaping.

Construction on 97 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue. The new 97 Street will have wider sidewalks and landscaping.

Construction on 97 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue. The new 97 Street will have wider sidewalks and landscaping.

Imagine Jasper Avenue

Speaking of reimagining, Jasper Avenue from 109 Street to 114 Street is also currently under construction. This is the project known as Imagine Jasper Avenue.

The work there began as a community-led vision to not just rehabilitate the current roadway and sidewalks but to use the reconstruction to enhance the avenue with an innovative, vibrant and relevant streetscape. This vision is enshrined in the broader designation of this corridor as a council approved “Main Street”.

A new stormwater tank is installed on Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 111 Street.

Signature destination

Jasper Avenue has experienced a lot of change over the years.

COVID-19 has meant fewer people visiting the area. Businesses there, and across the city, have felt the effects of the pandemic.

Jasper Avenue New Vision and Imagine Jasper Avenue continue the work with downtown business partners of making and remaking the main street into a signature downtown destination and experience.

“The goal is to create a space in which people can more freely move around and get where they want to go,” said Erickson. “And an inviting space to sit down and take in a city moment.”

Comfortable. Enjoyable. Safe. Vibrant.

A greener, walkable and enticing Jasper Avenue is just around the corner.

Workers at the intersection of Jasper Avenue and 97 Street.

Editor’s note: the pic at the top of the post shows a section of Jasper Avenue on March 26, 2021.