City’s updated plan for river valley aims to make it more accessible while preserving it

The City of Edmonton released an updated version of rules for developing, using and protecting the River Valley.

The City of Edmonton is updating its rules for developing, using and protecting the North Saskatchewan River valley.

The Ribbon of Green strategic plan was first passed more than three decades ago.

The updated version was done in consultation with indigenous nations, conservationists and a range of user groups.

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The plan sets standards for protecting and restoring natural areas’ river access, development and general land management.

City staff and council will lean on the policy when making decisions that affect any part of the river valley.

“What we are looking at is how do we accommodate all the people who want to use the river valley?” Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette told media on Tuesday at city hall.

“Our population is growing, but at the same time, (we want to) preserve what Edmontonians actually love about the river valley. In some cases, that might mean a bit more enforcement for folks who might be breaking the policy. I think that the majority of Edmontonians are probably going to get behind that.”

Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz said city administration and council have agreed on the plan, and are looking for ways to fund it.

“How do we fund the steps for them, monitoring the trails, all those other pieces, the enforcement?” Janz said. “A plan is just words on paper. We need the dollars to make it a reality.”