Valleyview Downtown Public Realm and Streetscape Plan

thinkmodus
Aug 5
2 min read

Creating a Walkable, Welcoming Heart for a Small Town.

THE CHALLENGE

The Town of Valleyview sought to enhance its traditional downtown core to better serve residents, attract new businesses, and welcome visitors. While previous improvements had been made, much of the public realm remained fragmented—with inconsistent sidewalk conditions, vehicle-dominated intersections, and missing amenities. As a town at the junction of major highways, Valleyview also sought to create a sense of arrival that better reflected its identity and ambition as a small town in northern Alberta.

With a focus on 50th Avenue –the heart of downtown – the challenge was to develop a plan that galvanized community support and resulted in tangible improvements

THE RESPONSE

MODUS worked with the Town to develop the Downtown Public Realm and Streetscape Plan - a cohesive, implementation-ready vision to shape the future of the downtown core. The Plan also includes cost estimates, phased construction strategies, and a recommendation to use temporary pilot projects and community events to test design ideas and build local momentum.

The Plan focuses on transforming 50th Avenue into a safe and comfortable pedestrian-oriented street, with consistent paving, widened sidewalks, curb extensions, street trees, furniture, lighting, and landscaping.

Key intersections are redesigned with corner bulbs, median islands, and accessible crossings to shorten walking distances and improve pedestrian safety. Small plazas are introduced at prominent locations with guidelines for materials, furnishings, lighting, and signage throughout the downtown.

Gateway enhancements at key highway entry points include native planting, trail connections, and signage to create a more welcoming and memorable arrival experience.

Together, these strategies provide the Town with a practical roadmap for gradually implementing a more walkable, attractive, and connected downtown - one that supports community life and reflects Valleyview’s unique small-town character.