The Community Placemaking Initiative was originally undertaken by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in 2005 as a beautification project.
The Project Team seized the opportunity to embrace the concept of placemaking, and develop a vision for the public realm that enhances the community, enriches civic life and the vitality of streets and open spaces, and strengthens the sense of place - capturing and celebrating the geography, history, culture and lifestyle - that make Fort McMurray unique.
EIDOS developed an urban design ‘kit-of-parts’, including themed streetscaping, banners, wayfinding signs and information kiosks. The kit-of-parts was designed to be sustainable, durable, integrate with other capital projects, contribute to a safe and accessible environment, and embrace the northern winter city context of Fort McMurray.
EIDOS then developed an implementation strategy to realize the kit-of-parts within the community framework. In association with the Project Team, EIDOS identified five high priority ‘quick start’ projects which best reflected community needs and values, established synergies with major capital works, created opportunities for partnerships, integrated with operational works, and met multiple capital and operating objectives.
Since the completion of the master plan, EIDOS has been retained to undertake detailed design and construction of streetscape and open space improvements within a number of areas, including Thickwood Boulevard, Confederation Way, Franklin Avenue and the new Lower Townsite East Loop Road. These projects are currently in various stages of construction.
