Fifth Meridian Area Structure Plan
Parkland County, Alberta

The Fifth Meridian area encompasses 1,456 ha of land on either side of Highway 779 in Parkland County. The Plan area serves as a major intermunicipal gateway that borders the Town of Stony Plain and the City of Spruce Grove. Parkland County retained Armin A. Preiksaitis & Associates Ltd., in association with Associated Engineering Alberta Ltd. and Gibbs & Brown Landscape Architects, to develop an ASP with a 20-year horizon.

A Steering Committee with representatives from County Council, neighbouring municipalities and citizens at large worked with our consulting team during Plan preparation. Public consultation was an integral part of the planning process key person interviews, newsletters, workshops and a public open house were the main tools uses to involve the public in the project.

Given the Plan area's strategic location and the County's economic diversification goals, future land use opportunities included highway commercial and business industrial to be developed as market demand dictated. Gibbs & Brown Landscape Architects conducted a visual assessment of the lands adjacent to Highways 16 and 779 and made recommendations for urban design improvements. In addition, land uses were planned to accommodate roadway changes adjacent to Highway 779.

The area's proximity to Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain could result in significant population growth in the next 20 years. The Plan identified suitable areas for both country and estate residential development. Associated Engineering developed a staged servicing strategy for the extension of piped sewer and water to serve portions of the ASP area.

The Fifth Meridian is home to a variety of natural areas, including Atim Creek and its associated ravines and wetlands. The Plan recommended preserving many natural areas and linking them through a regional open space/trail system.

The Plan was adopted by County Council, providing a framework to guide future subdivision and development within the Fifth Meridian Area.

Client: Parkland County
Completion Date: July 2001