With the Malahat Corridor Improvement Project, the BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure has been improving the safety of Hwy 1 by installing a median barrier and other upgrades. The stretch of highway which runs through Goldstream Provincial Park is challenging to design solutions for, as it is constrained by the river immediately running next to it, and by park lands on both sides.
Working closely with the town, McElhanney proposed new designs for these parks that will add a fresh sense of place to the community and give residents spaces where they can relax and reconnect with nature.
McElhanney, along with subconsultants Level Playing Field, Dialog, and Entro, created a network plan for the City of Calgary that improves the current Plus 15, a roughly 16km system of above ground pedestrian corridors and bridges in downtown Calgary.
McElhanney, along with subconsultants Level Playing Field and Ron Wickman Architect, developed the Accessibility Construction Guidelines for Alberta Environment and Parks. The manual prescribes how to reduce barriers for challenged populations, giving them equal access to the splendor of Alberta’s parks.
Parks Canada Agency challenged McElhanney to design the Badlands Parkway to minimize impacts to the wildlife and overall ecosystem.
In realigning St. Anne Street, the City of St. Albert wanted to build amenities that would reconnect people to key downtown destinations, stimulate economic development, and embody a cohesive urban design vision.
In 2014 the City of Cold Lake adopted the Kinosoo Beach Master Plan, which McElhanney planners helped the City to create. The project engaged citizens of all ages in the enhancement of one of Cold Lake’s best destinations.
High River, AB – The Town of High River, Alberta, had an outdated set of bylaws which dated back to 1980. McElhanney was retained to re-write the Town’s Land Use Bylaw based entirely on walkability; the first of its find in Alberta.
New Westminster, BC – The Sapperton neighbourhood in New Westminster, BC is experiencing significant growth. The Royal Columbian Hospital is undergoing a major expansion for the next decade. New mixed-use developments such as the Brewery District and Sapperton Green are bringing in employment opportunities and hundreds of new residents, and new major infrastructure including the Pattullo Bridge replacement and interchange upgrades planned for Brunette Avenue at Highway 1, will significantly impact traffic volumes and goods movement on neighbourhood streets.
The Parks Canada Campground manual forms the foundation for developmental standard and design guides for existing and new campgrounds. With the original manual created in 1972 and last updated in 1992, Parks Canada needed a new edition for modern visitors. McElhanney was given the opportunity to update and develop the manual to guide the renewal of campgrounds and associated facilities throughout Canada’s national parks.
