Our Camrose, Our Future: Downtown Urban Design Framework

On August 10, 2026, Camrose City Council officially approved the City's Urban Design Framework (UDF), marking an important milestone in the ongoing effort to support a vibrant, attractive, and connected downtown. The Framework takes effect on September 1, 2026.

In July 2025, B&A Studios Inc. (B&A) was awarded the contract to develop the UDF. Over the following year, the project focused on creating a comprehensive document that provides clear design direction for downtown development and redevelopment. The UDF will assist builders, developers, business owners, property owners, Administration, and Council in evaluating urban design considerations for new development and changes to existing sites.

The Framework is organized around three key pillars: urban design, public realm, and mobility. Together, these pillars provide coordinated guidance to support downtown growth, enhance the public realm, improve connectivity, and encourage high-quality development that contributes to a strong and welcoming community.

A key component of the project was community and stakeholder engagement. Throughout the process, residents, businesses, property owners, and stakeholders shared their ideas and perspectives through a downtown walking tour, public workshop, two online surveys, and two Council workshops. This feedback helped inform and refine the Urban Design Framework, ensuring it reflects community values and priorities.

The project team would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement process. The time, feedback, and thoughtful contributions provided by community members and stakeholders played a vital role in shaping the final document. Public participation helped create a Framework that reflects local priorities while establishing a shared vision for the future of downtown Camrose.

The UDF is intended to advance the objectives of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) by supporting a vibrant, attractive, pedestrian-friendly, and economically resilient downtown. By providing a clear vision for the design and function of both public and private spaces, the Framework will help guide future investment, strengthen economic activity, improve public spaces, and foster opportunities for community well-being and social interaction.

With Council's approval, Administration will use the UDF to inform future downtown development and redevelopment proposals, public realm improvements, and capital planning initiatives. The document will support early discussions with applicants and stakeholders, provide consistent design direction, and help ensure future projects align with the goals of the DARP.

Implementation of the Framework will occur over time through planning reviews, coordination with municipal projects, and the pursuit of opportunities to enhance downtown character, mobility, public spaces, and overall design quality. As the City moves forward, the Urban Design Framework will serve as an important tool in shaping a vibrant and sustainable downtown for years to come.

Public engagement was a key component of the Urban Design Framework (UDF) project and was undertaken in two phases. Phase One focused on understanding community perceptions, priorities, and aspirations to help inform the initial development of the UDF. Engagement activities included a downtown walking tour, an in-person workshop, and a community survey.

Phase Two focused on refining the draft UDF through an additional public survey. The key findings from the two phases are summarized in the What We Heard Report. Overall, the engagement project helped validate the framework’s direction, with the feedback received directly informing and shaping the recommendations and design guidance included in the final UDF.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the public engagement process for the UDF project. Your input has played an important role in shaping the final framework, and we look forward to implementing the UDF as we continue to enhance and revitalize Downtown.

View the "What We Heard Report" here.

Downtown’s future is taking shape — and your feedback is helping guide the way.

Since January 2026, the project team has gathered input from the community, interest holders, City administration, and Council. A draft UDF has now been prepared.

This survey is intended to:

• Confirm the draft reflects community priorities for downtown Camrose
• Gather feedback on proposed ideas for how downtown should look and feel
• Identify what matters most, including character, streets, public spaces, and future development

From June 22 to July 3, complete the survey and tell us how downtown should grow and evolve.

Your input today helps shape downtown for years to come. Click here to share your feedback!

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Downtown Design Survey.

By participating in the survey, residents were able to share their ideas about how downtown should look, feel, and function—from public spaces and streets to future development. This valuable input will help guide design directions and future improvements in the downtown area.

The survey findings are now available to view. Read the summary to learn what we heard from the community and the themes that emerged.

Click here to read the survey findings.

Residents are invited to participate in a survey to share ideas about how downtown should look, feel, and function. From public spaces and streets to new development, your input will help guide future design and improvements.

The online survey is open January 20 to February 10.

As part of the survey, you’ll see images from other cities to help spark ideas and be asked to share your preferences.

Click here to take the survey and help shape downtown’s future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Downtown Urban Design Framework Walkabout and the Workshop!

From exploring our city streets together to sharing ideas and insights at Elk’s Hall, your input will help shape a vision for a more vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming core area.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and share their thoughts on how our community can continue to grow and thrive. Keep an eye out for more engagement opportunities as the project moves forward—there will be more chances to share your ideas and help shape the future of our city centre.

Here are a few moments from both events!

On October 29, we’re inviting downtown business owners, landowners, developers and downtown residents to join a Walkabout or Workshop to share your ideas and help guide the UDF. Register here.

Stay tuned for upcoming public events and project updates!

Enter your email address in the "Stay Informed" tool to receive updates about this project.