FAQs • Beaumont, AB • CivicEngage

Will Landowners Be Forced to Move?: No. Landowners and businesses can choose to remain in their current form for as long as they like. No one in the plan area will be forced to move. However, if a land owner or business initiates redevelopment they will then be required to adhere to ’s bylaws, plans and policies.

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Downtown Urban Design Concept Plan

1. Why Did Beaumont Create the Downtown Urban Design Concept Plan (DUDCP)?: The DUDCP will stimulate redevelopment of the Centre-Ville neighbourhood to create an attractive, mixed-use destination with a variety of social, cultural, commercial and retail opportunities. The DUDCP will encourage collaboration among landowners, developers and Beaumont in order to create a diverse core that encourages pedestrians and creates a central gathering place for residents. It will support our French-theme design guidelines. As Beaumont grows, it is important to create a downtown area that our children and grandchildren can enjoy and be proud of. We need to have design guidelines in place so that the residents of Beaumont determine the future look of downtown. The DUDCP project boundaries are 52 Avenue to the north, 50 Street to the east, 50 Avenue to the south and 55 Street to the west. The DUDCP was approved at the July 14, 2015 Council meeting.

2. Will Landowners Be Forced to Move?: No. Landowners and businesses can choose to remain in their current form for as long as they like. No one in the plan area will be forced to move. However, if a land owner or business initiates redevelopment they will then be required to adhere to ’s bylaws, plans and policies.

3. How Will the Plan Support Businesses?: Beaumont supports the local business community and actively encourages business owners to set up shop in Beaumont through our economic development department. The planned redevelopments and other improvements are intended to stimulate business in the area. That’s one reason we’re doing it.

4. What Will Change Now That the Plan is Approved?: Changes will only begin if the land owners in the DUDCP boundaries initiate redevelopment of their land. The DUDCP lists 26 action items that have been prioritized, and Council will consider each implementation action as they come forward through the budget process:
- Immediate (2015)
- Mid Term (2016-2020)
- Long Term (2021 - future)

Beaumont is growing and the trend is likely to continue. We’ve more than doubled in size in 10 years, and we have to prepare for the future by having design guidelines in place. Like most towns and cities, residents have indicated they want a downtown neighbourhood that is an attractive, pedestrian friendly, mixed-use destination with a variety of social, cultural, commercial and retail opportunities.

5. Was the Public Consulted on the Plan?: Yes. Extensive public consultation with land owners and residents was conducted. The consultation process consisted of focus groups, a design charrette, 2 public open houses and an online survey.

6. Who can I contact for further information?: For more information on the Downtown Urban Design Concept Plan, contact Lisa Drury, Planner.