Leduc adopts new Fraser Area Structure Plan

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc's Fraser neighbourhood is slated to see major development.

This comes as the municipality has now passed its Fraser Area Structure Plan, which lays the groundwork for new residential and commercial development in the area. According to city staff, the preservation of a large wetland naturally occurring on the lands is integral to the overall design. Leduc's Senior Planner April Renneberg presented some of the details of the plan this week.

"A system of multi-way and natural trails will connect around, and through the neighbourhood, and up into the adjacent amenities within Lede Park to the north," said Renneberg. "The environmental wetland area will be surrounded by various forms of residential housing, primarily low density with some larger sites strategically located for medium density housing forms."

According to the plans, an additional area of commercial development has been proposed as an expansion of the existing commercial site, located on the western boundary of the lands. Lions Park Road will be upgraded in the future to an urban road standard to enhance connections on the east, as development in this quarter section and surrounding lands progress. Leduc Councilor Bill Hamilton says the new Fraser Area Structure Plan is a positive step for the area and city as a whole.

"This community needs to grow -- we're seeing all these neighbourhoods in development, growing, we want to continue this," said Hamilton. "We appreciate the patience it's taken to get here in this neighbourhood, it's gone on for years."

Part of the development of the area could also see additional transportation upgrades to the surrounding road network, as part of larger city-wide transportation planning and as the needs of the community evolve. The plans also include the possibility of relocating the Leduc Lions Campground.