Case Study: Rural By Design

"The advice and recommendations of the Reeve's Task Force and our Ag Viability consultants clearly stated that the old "minimally planned', scattered-on-the-landscape ways of proceeding with development were no longer appropriate or sustainable," says Planning and Development Director Harry Harker.

Since these studies, Red Deer County has begun three developments: Liberty Crossing, Springbrook and Hidden Springs. Enhancing quality of life, establishing a culture of sustainability and creating a sense of place became core principles in developing a long-term vision for these "rural villages."

The new communities will showcase many benefits of sustainable development. Together, they will save 90 quarter sections of land, reduce the amount of road required per person up to 20-fold, contain up to 50 per cent green space and provide residents the social benefits of living in a small, well-serviced community.

The largest of the three developments will see the bustling Gasoline Alley, along Highway 2, transformed into Liberty Crossing. With a commercial and industrial base already in place, developers will create a walkable, medium-density residential development, 30 per cent of which will be open space.

"Through innovation and exploration of more sustain­able practices of land planning, neighbourhood design and street standards, and the development of more compact and connected villages and clusters of develÂopments, we are providing a progressive alternative to sprawl," says Harker. "I'm confident that we are creating a positive and sustainable legacy for future generations."

The urban design plan for Liberty Crossing received an award of merit from the Canadian Institute of Planners in 2007.