Sometimes an historic plaque which recognizes the volunteer efforts or donation programs that help communities aren’t about an individual but commemorate and honour a larger force—the community which pitches together with positivity, passion, and an openness to new ideas.
Julie Kusiek, one of the founding members of QA Crossroads, a neighbourhood improvement program, told Transforming Edmonton back in 2015 what the area wanted and needed. The Queen Alexandra Community League turned the area into a vibrant neighbourhood nestled between 109 Street and Calgary Trail, just south of Whyte Avenue. With over 5,100 residents, a strong sense of neighbourliness, and amenities galore Queen Alexandra is a great place to call home.
Photos courtesy of the City of Edmonton
As planners, city builders and employees of the city, they wanted to find innovative ways to work with communities. QA Crossroads has shown a long track record now of grassroots innovation. The group is a committee of the Queen Alexandra Community League that was founded when the city began public engagement on a Neighbourhood Renewal Project in the area. Residents saw an opportunity to change their streets. “If it’s getting dug up, might as well put it back together better!” said Julie at the time.
Instead of approaching the city with a wish list of items they’d like to see built, Crossroads developed a vision (walk, bike, live safely) and a set of six principles they’d like to see met in the new design. These six principles for 106 Street and 76 Avenue say the new roads should, accommodate all users; showcase the neighbourhood’s beauty and history; be transformed into bridges, rather than divides; promote active modes of transportation and quality infill redevelopment; facilitate safe and desirable traffic flow; and maximize cycling infrastructure. This principle-based approach to design created an opportunity for the city and the community to work together as a team because the flexibility in outcomes leaves the door open for conversations and collaboration.
Julie said the group is excited about the opportunity that neighbourhood renewal presents “not only to make our physical environment better, but also to engage community members in the conversation about preparing our neighbourhood for its future – how people will move around, live and do their daily business today and 50 years from now.” She and the QA Crossroads group are also energized by the residents who come forward to enrich this project – some volunteering for the first time. “It has been a great learning experience for all of us, and I hope a good training ground for new community leaders and advocates.”
Support and momentum came from external groups including Make Something Edmonton, the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, Allendale and Strathcona community leagues, the Old Strathcona Business Association, the Old Strathcona Foundation, 1912 Studio, public and Catholic school board trustees Michael Janz and John Acheson, Edmonton Bicycle Commuters, Strathcona Complete Streets, Edmonton Bike Coalition and the Edmonton Wayfinding Group.
QA Crossroads forged ahead in their quest to make the intersection at 106 Street and 76 Avenue a landmark in their community, and the journey along those roads a walkable, bikeable, livable and safe one.
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