Vision

Building one of the world’s largest sustainable communities doesn’t happen without strong leadership and a strong vision.

Blatchford will be home to up to 30,000 Edmontonians living, working and learning in a sustainable community that uses 100% renewable energy, is carbon neutral, significantly reduces its ecological footprint, and empowers residents to pursue a range of sustainable lifestyle choices.

Planning Principles

Blatchford is being built on seven design principles that will not only keep us on track to achieving our vision, but which will also help us create the most unique neighbourhood in Edmonton.

Planning & Design

Planning & Design

Blatchford will be based on exemplary placemaking, planning and architecture that will help deliver the sustainability criteria for the community.

Ecological Footprint
Ecological Footprint

Ecological Footprint

Blatchford will demonstrate how advanced environmental design will not only provide ecological benefits, but social and economic benefits as well. Blatchford will be a community where it is easy for residents to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

Infrastructure
Green Space
Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Energy, water, transportation and waste management systems are the cornerstones of sustainability and will be thoughtfully designed to reduce Blatchford’s environmental impact.

Technology
Green Space

Green Space

Green spaces will be fully integrated into the community to provide both environmental benefits and places for residents to enjoy. Blatchford will feature a large central park that will be within walking distance for all residents, a network of open spaces and trails throughout the community, and spaces for urban agriculture.

Technology

Technology

Blatchford will continue to look at both proven and new technologies to be a part of the search for sustainable solutions.

Family Housing
Family Housing

Family Housing

Blatchford will provide homes for all stages of life. There will be a focus on providing family-friendly housing in a range of medium-density housing types like townhouses, stacked townhouses and four to six storey apartments. The community will offer a vibrant street life, outdoor private areas for homes, and a mix of affordable housing seamlessly integrated within the community.

History

History

The Blatchford lands are among the most historical locations in Edmonton. The history of the site as Canada’s first municipally-run airfield will be embodied in initiatives throughout the community.

History

Project History

When the last airplane jetted from the runway in 2013, it closed a chapter in Edmonton’s history.
A century ago, Blatchford Field went from fertile agricultural land to training ground.
It went on to turn Edmonton into a “Gateway to the North” and an outpost for overseas war efforts. As we set a new course for its future, Blatchford remembers a past full of innovation and progress.

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    1927

    The City Centre Airport opens, making it the first licensed airstrip in Canada. For decades, the airport plays a significant role in Edmonton’s history, and establishes the city as the “Gateway to the North.”

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    2008

    Edmonton City Council begins discussing redeveloping the airport lands into a new urban residential and commercial community.

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    2009

    Edmonton City Council votes to implement a phased closure of the City Centre Airport.

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    2012

    The community is named Blatchford to honour Kenneth Blatchford, the former Edmonton mayor who helped establish Canada’s first municipal airfield.  (Photo credit: City of Edmonton Archives EA- 10-1473)

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    2013

    City Centre Airport officially closes at 4:49pm on Saturday, November 30th.

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    2014

    Edmonton City Council approves the development plan for the community. Later that year, site preparation begins including removal and recycling of buildings and runways.

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    2015

    Construction, including site grading and excavation for the first stormwater pond, begins on the first phase of residential development and a section of the central park.

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    2016

    Preparation for the first stage of residential construction continues, including stormwater management construction and sewer lines.

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    2017

    Construction work continued on site including installation of storm, sanitary and water services as well as piping for the district energy sharing system. In addition to utility work, the very first road in Blatchford was paved.

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    2018

    Construction work included installing the geoexchange field under the future stormwater pond, construction of the first Energy Centre for the District Energy Sharing System, completion of Stage One utilities, paving roads, and building sidewalks.

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    2019

    The first home builders started construction on new townhomes in Stage One. Hardscaping work continued in the first stage and the heritage features were installed. The community’s first Energy Centre for the District Energy Sharing System was completed and is ready to provide environmentally-friendly heating, cooling and domestic hot water to its first customers – the home builders.

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    2020

    More home construction continued, the first show home opened and the first residents moved into the community. Blatchford Renewable Energy provided the homes with environmentally-friendly heating, cooling and hot water through the neighbourhood’s District Energy Sharing System. Site work and landscaping continued on Littlewood Park and on a portion of the community’s large central park.

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    2021

    Builders will continue their construction on the townhomes in Blatchford West and we look forward to welcoming more residents to the community. With plans for more show homes and sales centres underway, people interested in living in Blatchford will have more housing options to explore. Construction on the next stage of residential development, including installing underground utilities, building roads and sidewalks, and landscaping will begin.