redestination

redefining Waterways as connection and destination

The Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary is collaborating with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) to tackle
several design challenges resulting from population growth in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Our design team, Riverine Consulting, is one of five stu-
dent teams studying various project sites in this northern Canadian community. We are specifically addressing the future development of the
community of Waterways.

To successfully meet the RMWB request, our goal is to develop a waterfront design for Waterways that attracts a permanent community. Compli-
mentary, our design objectives are to:
view of the Barge Sculpture, river and buildings from interpretive trail network
• improve connectivity to the waterfront;
• improve connectivity to the rest of Fort McMurray; and
• incorporate cultural heritage and natural history of Waterways into our conceptual design.

Highlights of the conceptual design include a developed green space between the built community and the Clearwater River for both passive
and active recreation; development of a mixed-use district along Railway Avenue that could incorporate independent retail outlets, office space,
social services, and residential housing; a transit oriented and pedestrian friendly community layout; and unique architectural attributes. The
conceptual design will foster a great sense of community, set a new precedent for northern communities, and become an attractive and unique
destination for residents of Fort McMurray and all its visitors.

Clearwater River

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Railw
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vehicular traffic mass transit traffic only pedestrian only during day commuter trail
vehicular traffic @ night

Residential block

ariel view of the new Waterways community from the west

aradhana basnet | jessica elliott | rachelle haddock | khuyen khuong | sarah pasemko | kerrie widenmaier