Quote:
Originally Posted by Northendzone
i would say that RD is growing in suburbs mostly because of the city being made up of young families. Not many people with families can find the right type of space to live downtown.
so what are you ideas for the river valley? and how should the city stand for something?
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Two points:
1. I get the "suburban family" idea, I honestly do. But in order to be a sustainable community (unlike Airdrie) you need a balance. Having lived in Toronto I can tell you that there's so much freedom being 25 and being able to walk down the street to a bar or cafe. I can't do that in Red Deer without getting in my car and driving to a strip mall. There needs to be a balance.
2. The river valley itself is gorgeous. Don't touch it. I meant the "Riverlands" redevelopment of Cronquist Business Park. Progress needs to be made on that, and I think it could be a real good first step at inner-city redevelopment.
3 (BONUS). The city needs to have an identity. Something to champion and market itself on. When I think Calgary, I think mountains/outdoor activities. When I think Toronto, I think "Centre of the universe" (gag). When I think Edmonton, I think mullets and sweatpants. But Red Deer? I think Gasoline Alley. So latch onto something (that isn't oil and gas) and build it! Red Deer needs to distance itself from becoming a Calgary/Edmonton feeder city and offer something unique to the province economically and culturally.