Leduc establishes framework for downtown redevelopment

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc has laid the groundwork for the future redevelopment of the downtown core.

This comes as Leduc's new Urban Redevelopment Plan was officially passed by City Council last month. The plan aims to guide the future growth and revitalization of the City's downtown, while encouraging mixed-use development, walkability, and a cohesive neighbourhood design. Brenda Smith-Goddu -- Board Member with the Leduc Downtown Business Association -- says the new framework is a positive step towards a revitalized downtown.

"I think it's a great start for the City of Leduc," said Smith-Goddu in conversation with the One. "I love that they're looking at this and moving forward with it -- there's some great key takeaways in it."

According to the City of Leduc, the implementation of the plan will come as part of three-phased, strategic, and sustainable priority levels. The first tier will focus on major infrastructure improvements, zoning updates, and business activation, while the second will look to enhance public spaces and preserve local heritage. The third priority will work to ensure the sustainability and long-term vibrancy of the downtown core.

"I just want everyone to be as excited as we are," said Smith-Goddu. "As a Downtown Business Association, we are so excited about our downtown, and I want everyone else to feel that same excitement."

The Urban Redevelopment Plan also contains four area-specific policies. These include plans for Main Street, the Central Business District, Urban Village, and Commercial Gateway. Some of the ideas set out in the plan to preserve the heritage of Main Street include encouraging similar architectural styles as previous building designs, while for the Central Business District, the City will encourage 49 Street between 50 Avenue and 51 Avenue to be redeveloped as a public plaza.

The plan for the Urban Village features an idea to require a "comfortable and inviting pedestrian experience through the retention of mature trees, implementing street improvements, and street-oriented development, where possible." Meantime, for the Commercial Gateway, the plan outlines the need for low-rise and mid-rise builds, and a range of street-oriented and auto-oriented commercial uses.

For the Leduc DBA, they're hoping to see a variety of diverse shopping choices and balanced transportation options.

"I think that when we look at the downtown, we want people to think about it for their shopping needs," said Smith-Goddu. "To be able to do that, it would be great to be able to expand upon retail shopping in the downtown core."

Work on the City of Leduc's Urban Redevelopment Plan first began in 2022, following the approval of its Downtown Master Plan. To view the entire plan, you can head to: https://www.leduc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Leduc-Urban-Centre-Area-Redevelopment-Plan.pdf