Warehouse District Area Redevelopment Plan
The Warehouse District is a largely commercial and light industrial neighbourhood located east of Downtown, in Lethbridge's urban core. The area is defined by Stafford Drive to the west, Highway 3 to the north, Mayor Magrath Drive to the east and 3rd Avenue to the south. A map of the plan area can be found in the menu to the right.
While the area has had different names in its 100+ years of existence, what we now refer to as the ‘Warehouse District,’ served a vital and vibrant role in Lethbridge when the Highway 3 corridor travelled along 3 AvenueContinue reading
The Warehouse District is a largely commercial and light industrial neighbourhood located east of Downtown, in Lethbridge's urban core. The area is defined by Stafford Drive to the west, Highway 3 to the north, Mayor Magrath Drive to the east and 3rd Avenue to the south. A map of the plan area can be found in the menu to the right.
While the area has had different names in its 100+ years of existence, what we now refer to as the ‘Warehouse District,’ served a vital and vibrant role in Lethbridge when the Highway 3 corridor travelled along 3 Avenue South. Since the relocation of the Highway to Crowsnest Trail, development and growth of the area has been quite limited, small in scale and done on a site-by-site basis, rather than part of a larger plan. In recent years, more significant redevelopment has started to occur in areas of the Warehouse District with some success, while other areas remain largely un- or underdeveloped. Without an overarching vision, plan or policies to bring about continued revitalization of the Warehouse District, future development will likely continue in the same fragmented and uncoordinated manner.
To provide an overarching vision and coordinated plan for development, the City of Lethbridge has begun preparation of an Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) for the Warehouse District. The purpose of an ARP is to establish a broader District-level vision based on extensive stakeholder engagement and a thorough understanding of the area's past and current context (including aspects like utility servicing, pedestrian, bike and vehicle mobility, parks and open spaces, land use, heritage, among many others). Once the vision is established, we will develop suitable policies to promote strategic, orderly and appropriate development of the area through both private and public investments.
To turn this vision into a reality, the City of Lethbridge will create an implementation plan with key performance indicators for the Warehouse District ARP, to help guide our on-going focus within the District and so that progress can be monitored and evaluated.
Ultimate authority to approve an ARP rests with City Council, and we anticipate presenting a draft Plan for their consideration early in 2023.
We encourage you to "follow the project" so you can hear about project updates and upcoming engagement opportunities.
While you are here, you may also be interested in the ongoing 3rd Ave South Beautification / Functional Planning Study. Click here to learn more.
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1) Vision
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.The Warehouse District Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) project is now in Phase 2. The goal of Phase 2 is to engage the community on a draft vision and policy outcomes for the future of the Warehouse District, as well as a draft land use plan and neighbourhood enhancements. The vision is meant to be aspirational and long-term, describing what we are collectively building toward in the future.
Does the vision statement below describe how you see the future of the Warehouse District? If not, please tell us why.
Draft Warehouse District Vision Statement
blaineover 1 year agoI agree with the vision - especially the walkable part, currently its not very walk friendly, need to change that.
0 comment0Bunnyover 1 year agoAgree looks great
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2) Policy Outcomes
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Building upon the vision for the Warehouse District, policies will be developed as the tools to help achieve that vision. Policies will be delivered through a thoughtful implementation plan to help guide future growth.
Each “category” below presents a different policy component that we intend to focus on in the ARP. The policy outcome statements describe the overall intent of that policy category.
Do the policy outcomes statements below align with your goals for the Warehouse District? If not, please tell us why.
Draft Policy Categories and Outcomes
keilanover 1 year agoMixed use as a draw for non-residents
I love what I'm seeing from this plan - I live a bit down Mayor Magrath from the warehouse district and occasionally head there to shop, but it has the feel of a place intended for you to park, grab your items, and leave. Having people living in an area is a game changer - if an area feels lived in, I want to spend time there, not just get in and get out. That's a great opportunity for businesses in the area.
1 comment1blaineover 1 year agoMobility & Parking - YES, but must be designed with transit in-mind
This area absolutely needs to be walkable - that is priority #1, but must also be designed with transit in-mind. Complete streets are vital. Further, transit-oriented development can be a huge boon if done correctly. Let's build a walkable, transit-connected neighborhood first.
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3) Future Land Use Concept
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.The land use concept illustrates in general terms the location of different types of land uses, their relationship to one-another, and their anticipated intensities. In the image, we describe land uses based on their type (e.g., residential, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, public, flex/open space).
Does the land use concept align with your vision for the Warehouse District? If not, please tell us why.
Draft Land Use Concept
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4) Land Use Intensity
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.We believe intensity is an important way of thinking about redevelopment, as it considers both economic and social vitality. For example, intensity refers to everything from the number of businesses, employees and customers in the District, to the number of residences and population, to things like pedestrian and vehicular traffic. All of these factors, and more, contribute to the overall vibrancy and renewal of this neighbourhood. Descriptions of the intensity levels are included below.
- Low intensity: Low intensity may look like commercial, residential, or mixed-use developments between 1-3 stories tall.
- Low-Medium intensity: Low-medium intensity developments help to transition between different areas of intensity, and may look like residential, mixed use, or commercial developments between 3-4 storeys tall.
- Medium-high intensity: Medium-high intensity areas will be concentrated along major roadways (such as 13 St S, Stafford Dr S, and 3 Ave S), and future development nodes (north of LCI). Medium intensity uses also help with transitioning, and may look like residential, mixed-use, or commercial developments between 4-6 stories tall.
- High intensity areas: High intensity uses are shown in the north of the plan area, with access immediately off of Stafford Drive S. High intensity uses may look like mixed-use, residential and commercial developments 6+ storeys tall, such as a grocery store, residential apartment units, office towers, or standalone apartment buildings.
Do the intensity descriptions and locations align with your vision for the Warehouse District? If not, please tell us why.
Draft Land Use Intensity
MPowell-Jamesover 1 year agoWedding Venues
I recently went to a wedding in calgary and it was in the warehouse district. It was great as lots of room to park, unique photo oppritunities, and dont have to worry about noise complaints.
1 comment0keilanover 1 year agoIntensity gradient is a good idea
As much as I love high density areas, I admit I'd be a bit concerned with a 6 story building going up right next to my home. Gradually increasing the intensity as you near the highway is a great idea, and seems like what I've seen in cities around the world that are the most fun to be in. My only complaint is that this is a long term plan when I want to visit this district now. :)
0 comment0blaineover 1 year agoMore high-intensity in better places
I do not believe having high-intensity right against the highway is in the best interests of future residents. Having these toller buildings along 3rd ave would make more sense in my opinion and create a stronger cohesive city center.
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5) Future Neighbourhood Enhancements
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.The ARP will describe future neighboruhood enhancements that will improve access to public spaces, generate more vibrancy and walkability, show off the District's character, and improve current challenges such as stormwater management. Neighbourhood enhancements may include things like expanding the tree canopy, building points of active connection (such as cycling corridors and pedestrian areas), improving sidewalks, and creating unique open space destinations.
The image below shows potential open spaces, activity nodes, green and cycling corridors, and gateways.
- Activity nodes are areas where there is expected to be greater concentrations of development and people using public spaces.
- Corridors are key connections between areas with people and vehicle traffic today or areas of future growth both within and outside of the Warehouse District
- Gateways are neighbourhood entrance features, welcoming people to the Warehouse District.
What do you think of the activity nodes in these locations? If not, please tell us why.
Do you think the green corridors are located in the right areas? If not, please tell us why.
Draft Neighbourhood Enhancements
keilanover 1 year agoBike Racks along the sidewalks
As much as I enjoy trying to unchain my bike from the street light in front of Freddie's Paint while trying not to let my bike tip over with a can of paint in the basket, I don't actually enjoy that. I love the bike racks downtown - hopefully that idea is extended out here! My favorite is the circle on a post style like the ones around Galt Gardens, but anything beats a street light.
0 comment1blaineover 1 year agoBuild with transit in mind
I know transit runs their own things, but let's design these paths and roads with transit first in mind. Let's design the streets with pedestrian crosses adjacent to bus stops, and bulbs out for bus stops. Let's also ensure connectivity from bus routes are thought about. Everything in this area should be within a 3-5 min walk from a bus-stop.
0 comment0blaineover 1 year agoLove the walkability and cycling corridors
Having 3rd Ave and 13th street being cycling corridors is excellent, and provides strong connectivity from and to the rest of the city and within this area. Lets ensure we are building these corridors to be pedestrian friendly too. Currently 3rd ave can be very dangerous to cross on foot, that needs to change. I especially love the pedestrian bridge to center village mall, which will also help make that part of our city as a more integrated part of the center and provide much strong connectivity.
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Who's Listening
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Key Dates
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October 12 2022
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October 13 2022
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October 27 2022
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December 07 2022
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May 25 2023
Project Phases
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Project Kick-off
Warehouse District Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stage -
Phase 1 Project Initiation
Warehouse District Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stagePreparation of a project engagement plan, background research / policy review and stakeholder engagement
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Phase 2 Visioning and Big Ideas
Warehouse District Area Redevelopment Plan has finished this stageDevelopment of a Warehouse District vision, "big ideas," design scenarios through stakeholder engagement
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Phase 3 Plan Development
Warehouse District Area Redevelopment Plan is currently at this stageOn-going stakeholder engagement, drafting of policies and implementation plan, regulatory review by City of Lethbridge and public open house
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Plan Finalization
this is an upcoming stage for Warehouse District Area Redevelopment PlanPresentation to City Council for approval, including formal Public Hearing
Document Library
- May 25 2023 Open House Poster Boards (6.42 MB) (pdf)
- Oct 13 Open House Poster Boards (11.3 MB) (pdf)
- ARP Project Phases.pdf (352 KB) (pdf)
- Warehouse District FAQs.pdf (297 KB) (pdf)
- ARP Walking Tour Guide (970 KB) (pdf)
- Summary Reports
- August 2022 Stakeholder Meeting
- DRAFT Warehouse District ARP for May 2023 Open House.pdf (14.2 MB) (pdf)