First stage of City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan project now substantially complete

The first stage of the City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan project is now substantially complete, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of the City’s urban core.

This stage was a streetscape revitalization project that included both the below and above ground rehabilitation of McLeod Avenue from Queen Street to King Street and Main Street from Church Road to First Avenue.

Members of Spruce Grove City Council and the City Centre Business Association officially marked the substantial completion of the streetscape revitalization project with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on October 23.

“We are thrilled this stage of the City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan is essentially complete,” said Mayor Jeff Acker. “This work is a key part of the overall plan to revitalize our City Centre and create a welcoming and dynamic space for businesses, residents and visitors.”

The streetscape revitalization project is one element of the larger City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan that is focused on making the City Centre a place where people of all ages come to shop, dine, work, live, socialize, interact, and participate in a variety of community, arts, and cultural experiences.

Previous work included the redevelopment of Columbus Park, and future work will focus on both underground and surface work along First Avenue and King Street.

With the City Centre being one of the oldest areas in Spruce Grove, the rehabilitation of the underground infrastructure was necessary to service businesses and residents and create the opportunity for new development. This included the installation of new stormwater, sanitary, and water lines and improved drainage to support current and future development.

On the surface, upgrades to the streetscape include new concrete benches, updated sidewalks, and a raised crosswalk at the McLeod Avenue and Main Street intersection to improve pedestrian visibility. Additionally, there will be over 100 trees and more than 300 shrubs planted throughout the area, along with new streetlights and grey paving stones lining the streets.

A grand opening event will be planned for the spring of 2024 where the public will be invited to attend and celebrate the new space.

While the streetscape revitalization project is significantly complete, there will be times in the spring when workers need to access the area to complete some final touches, such as landscaping, and during these times sections of the sidewalks or roads may be temporarily closed.

“I’d also like to thank the City Centre business community for their support, patience, and resilience throughout this revitalization work,” said Mayor Acker. “This is an important milestone in a partnership between the local business community and Council to create a City Centre area that is vibrant and welcoming destination and a place where businesses can thrive. I would encourage our residents to continue supporting local and we look forward to celebrating with everyone next year!”

Please visit CityCentreOpenForYou.ca for a business directory and interactive map to find businesses and parking in the area.