Stop the Destruction of Dunluce

Dear Neighbours and Friends,

Nearly three years ago, a small group of concerned Dunluce residents came together because we believed our neighbourhood deserved a voice. Today, although we have made important progress, our work is far from over.

Thanks to your unwavering support, our concerns have finally gained the attention of municipal and provincial leaders. They are now taking a serious look at the bike lanes, road narrowing and multi-use pathways being built in established neighbourhoods—projects that many residents believe are unnecessary and significantly affect their communities.

When our committee was formed, none of us was directly affected by these changes. Dunluce was scheduled to receive multi-use pathways and narrowed roadways, but that was not why we became involved. We stood up because we knew these projects would affect our neighbours. Families could lose parking in front of their homes, streets could be permanently altered, and residents could have little say in changes imposed on their neighbourhoods.

The City told us it was improving our neighbourhood by replacing bike lanes with multi-use pathways. What we have seen, however, is very different.

Now that construction has begun, the effects are impossible to ignore. Homeowners—especially those on corner lots—are seeing dramatic changes near their properties, with pathways approaching 10 feet wide in some areas. Phase one is already underway along 121 Street and 158 Avenue, and this is only the beginning.

Last year, we met with Devin Dreeshen, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, and Dan Williams, Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs. We presented our research and traffic study and explained how the District Plans would affect Dunluce and other established communities. We also identified six other Edmonton neighbourhoods facing similar concerns under these planning policies.

Unfortunately, Dunluce has become the first neighbourhood where these multi-use pathways are being installed throughout the community.

At the same time, significant taxpayer dollars are being directed toward projects that many residents neither requested nor support, while we continue to hear that there is not enough money to repair potholes, maintain major roadways or keep taxes under control. Residents are also being warned that further tax increases may be necessary, even as these costly projects move ahead.

The City Plan includes a goal of having 50 per cent of trips made by transit or active transportation, such as walking and cycling. Many residents believe this one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect the realities of established suburban neighbourhoods or the needs of seniors, families, people with disabilities and those who rely on vehicles every day.

Now we need your help.

The Government of Alberta has opened an online form for Albertans to report concerns about municipal bike-lane infrastructure. This is an important opportunity to make our voices heard.

Please complete the form and encourage your family, friends and neighbours to do the same. Every thoughtful, personal response matters.

For nearly three years, our committee has volunteered countless hours researching these projects, attending meetings, speaking with elected officials and advocating for our community. We could not have reached this point without your encouragement and support.

Now we need one final push.

Please take a few minutes to explain why communities deserve meaningful consultation before permanent changes are made to their streets and why taxpayer dollars should be directed toward priorities that reflect residents’ needs.

Together, our voices can make a difference.

Thank you for standing with us and continuing to support our community.

Sincerely,

The Stop the Destruction of Dunluce Committee

Also known as the Coalition for Genuine Representation – Edmonton Deserves Better