(AED) ARENA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT ZONE

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Zone is to provide an arena and entertainment zone to accommodate the
development of a vibrant mixed-use district that will strengthen the Downtown Core as a
regional destination point that provides for employment, residential, cultural, economic, sports
and entertainment opportunities.

The district will consist of a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex complemented by a
variety of entertainment, retail, service, office, institutional and residential uses. The area will be
characterized by a pedestrian-friendly street environment, innovative signage, iconic
architecture and exceptional urban design to create a strong sense of place in the Downtown
Core and an exciting new image for Edmonton.

2. Area of Application

North of 103 Avenue, south of 105 Avenue and bounded by 102 and 103 Streets south of 104
Avenue, and 101Street and Lot 1, Block 9E, Plan 9724372 north of 104 Avenue, as shown in the
attached Downtown Special Area Zoning Map.

3. Permitted Uses

a. Apartment Housing
b. Apartment Hotels
c. Auctioneering Establishments
d. Bars and Neighbourhood Pubs
e. Broadcasting and Motion Picture Studios
f. Business Support Services
g. Carnivals
h. Casino and other Gaming Establishments
i. Child Care Services
j. Commercial Schools
k. Community Recreation Services
l. Convenience Retail Stores
m. Convenience Vehicle Rentals, limited to indoor locations only
n. Exhibition and Convention Facilities
o. General Retail Stores
p. Government Services
q. Health Services
r. Hotels
s. Indoor Participant Recreation Services
t. Limited Contractor Services
u. Live Work Units
v. Minor and Major Amusement Establishments
w. Minor Home Based Business
x. Minor Alcohol Sales and Major Alcohol Sales
y. Mobile Catering Services
z. Natural Science Exhibits
aa. Nightclubs, not to exceed 600 occupants and 720 m² of Public Space
bb. Outdoor Participant Recreation Services
cc. Personal Service Shops

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 dd. Professional, Financial and Office Support Services
ee. Private Education Services and Public Education Services
ff. Private Clubs
gg. Public Libraries and Cultural Exhibits
hh. Public Park
ii. Religious Assembly
jj. Restaurants
kk. Specialty Food Services
ll. Spectator Entertainment Establishment
mm. Spectator Sports Establishment
nn. Fascia On-premises Signs
oo. Freestanding On-premises Signs
pp. Projecting On-premises Signs
qq. Roof On-premises Signs
rr. Temporary On-premises Signs

4. Discretionary Uses

a. Automotive and Minor Recreation Vehicle Sales/Rentals, limited to indoor locations only
and not adjacent to residential or residential related uses
b. Boarding and Lodging Houses
c. Custom Manufacturing Establishments
d. Extended Medical Treatment Services
e. Flea Market, limited to farmers market involving the sale of items such as produce,
handicrafts and artifacts
f. Minor and Major Secondhand Stores
g. Minor Impact Utility Services
h. Nightclubs, exceeding 600 occupants and 720 m² of Public Space
i. Non-accessory Parking
j. Protective and Emergency Services
k. Rapid Drive-Through Vehicle Services, limited to car washes and automobile detailing
services within an enclosed building north of 104 Avenue and not abutting a site zoned
for residential uses
l. Residential Sales Centres
m. Veterinary Services
n. Warehouse Sales
o. Fascia Off-premises Signs
p. Freestanding Off-premises Signs
q. Projecting Off-premises Signs
r. Roof Off-premises Signs
s. Temporary Off-premises Signs

5. Development Regulations for Permitted and Discretionary Uses

The following regulations shall apply to all Permitted and Discretionary Uses:

1. Floor Area Ratio

The maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for the site as a whole shall not exceed 18.0. Excess density
may be transferred between the area north of 104 Avenue and the area of South of 104
Avenue.

2. Building Height

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a. Building Height shall not exceed 180 m, nor 60 storeys.

b. Notwithstanding the above, the maximum height for buildings in this Zone shall not exceed
that established by the Airport Protection Overlay of the Zoning Bylaw.

3. Setbacks

Pedestrian Circulation Setback

a. In addition to the public right-of way, a setback may be provided to ensure safe pedestrian
stacking room and convenient movement through the District. This setback shall be
determined at the Development Permit Stage through the submission of a Pedestrian
Movement Study, to the satisfaction of the Transportation Department. The study shall
recommend appropriate setbacks based on:
• Location of public entrances to major traffic generators within the District;
• Location of street crossings; and
• Pattern and intensity of pedestrian movement at peak times.

Building Setbacks

a. Buildings shall be built to the front and side property lines along 101 Street and south of 104
Avenue on 102 Street, 103 Street and 103 Avenue, or as defined in a Site Plan approved by
the Development Officer.

b. Notwithstanding the above, If required to accommodate a particular architectural style, to

provide opportunities for sidewalk cafes, patios, etc., then a setback may be provided. This
setback shall not exceed 4.5 m.

c. Architectural and weather protection features such as awnings, canopies, arcades, etc.
may project to the property line, where a setback is provided.

4. Amenity Areas

Residential Amenity Area

a. Amenity Area for Apartment Housing shall not be required.

Non-Residential Amenity Area

a. Non-residential buildings on sites of less than 1350m² shall not be required to provide Amenity
Area.

b. Non-residential or mixed use buildings on sites greater than 1350m² shall provide a minimum
Amenity Area of 4% and may be aggregated on the whole site. Such Amenity Area may
include, but is not limited to, interior and exterior landscaped open spaces, arcades, atriums
and plazas, and shall be exempt from FAR calculations.

c. Required open space may be located at or above grade or on rooftops. Parking areas,
driveways and service access shall not be included as open space.

d. A diversity of open space shall be provided throughout the development, designed to

accommodate year-round use. Open space shall include, but is not limited to: space
devoted to public gatherings, pedestrian movement and other social and recreational
functions.

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5. Parking and Loading

a. Parking shall be in accordance with Section 54 of the Zoning Bylaw.

b. Residential and Residential Related Uses

i) At such time as an LRT Station has been opened adjacent to the site or a Shared Use
Parking Impact Assessment is submitted, the applicant for a development permit may
apply for a reduction the minimum number of parking spaces. The applicant must
demonstrate through a Shared use Parking Impact Assessment that by virtue of the use,
character, or location of the proposed development, and its relationship to public transit
facilities and any other available parking facilities, the parking required for the proposed
development may be less than any minimum set out in Schedule 1 of Section 54 of the
Zoning Bylaw.

b. Non-Residential Uses

i) For restaurants, Neighbourhood Pubs and specialty Food Services of less than 50 seats
each, and Convenience Retail Stores, no parking is required.
ii) Notwithstanding Section 54 of the Zoning Bylaw, the minimum parking requirement shall
be 1.0 space per 400 m².
iii) The amount of off-street parking can be reduced by 20% if the project is located within
400 m of an LRT Station entrance.
iv) Developments that provide direct connections to transit stations may relax parking
requirements by an additional 20%.

c. Bicycle Parking

i) Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in appropriate locations in accordance with a

Site Plan approved by the Transportation Department.
ii) For residential and residential related developments bicycle parking spaces shall be not
less than 10% of the number of units.
iii) For non-residential developments 0.25 bicycle parking spaces per 400 m² of GFA shall be
provided.
iv) Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided throughout the site.
v) One change room and shower shall be provided within non-residential developments
over 10,000 m² of Gross Floor Area, for use of occupants working within the building.

d. At grade parking shall be permitted until such time as the site is developed.

e. All on site parking shall be underground or contained within a structure.

f. Above grade parking structures shall be screened from public roadways at grade, by the
development of active retail or service commercial frontages to maintain an active and/or
attractive streetscape.

g. The design of above grade parking structures shall be consistent with the architectural style
of the area.

h. Loading
i) All loading, storage and garbage collection areas shall be concealed from view from
public roadways.

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 ii) Loading and passenger drop-off areas should be easily accessible and designed to
minimize pedestrian-vehicular conflicts.

i. Mechanical Penthouses

i) All mechanical equipment on a roof of any building shall be concealed by screening in

a manner compatible with the architectural character of the building, or concealed by
incorporating it within the building.

6. Signage

Signage within the Arena and Entertainment District Zone is intended to consist of an array of
high-quality, spectacular signage that serves a primary role in establishing the character of the
district as a unique place in the city, promotes and supports activities fostering a sense of arrival
and excitement, and serving a wayfinding function. Large-format signage is imagined as an
integral component of the district’s design and spirit.

a. At each development permit stage, a Comprehensive Sign Design Plan and Schedule for
the subject development permit stage shall be submitted in support of the land use concept
and design that are integral in establishing the special character and ambiance associated
with major destination sports, retail and entertainment uses, for approval of the Development
Officer. The sign plans shall be designed to contribute to the special character envisioned
for each sub-area through the use of innovative, unique and high quality signage that
contribute to a lively, colourful and exciting pedestrian environment. The sign plans shall
incorporate all previous development permit stages, resulting in an overall sign plan at the
final development permit stage.

b. Signage shall be designed as an integral built form component and contribute to urban
design objectives for the Zone.

c. Landmark signage should be located at key visual sites such as corners and view terminus
sites, and should be of the highest architectural quality and design.

d. Gateway signage should be located at key entry points to the district to strengthen the
district identity and to function as wayfinding elements.

e. Notwithstanding Section 59 and Schedule 59F of Zoning Bylaw 12800, the size, height,
placement, animation, illumination and number of signs shall be in accordance with the
required Comprehensive Sign Design Plan, to the satisfaction of the Development Officer.

f. Illuminated signs shall be designed, located or screened so as to reduce visual and light
impacts on adjacent off-site residential units.

g. Theatrically Programmed Environment (TPE System)

i) The development of a TPE System may be incorporated into publicly-accessible open

space, the facades and/or roof structures of buildings within the AED Zone. The TPE
System may include, but is not limited to, features such as:
• Projection systems on architectural surfaces;
• LED lighting embedded into structures/buildings;
• Interactive multi-media technologies; and
• Environmental effects (i.e. special effects with the use of water and light).

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6. Additional Development Regulations for Specific Uses

a. The following regulations shall apply to Automotive and Minor Recreational Vehicle
Sales/Rentals and Convenience Vehicle Rentals developments:
i) There shall be no servicing and repair operations; and
ii) All sales, display and storage shall be contained within the building.

b. Live/Work Units shall be developed in accordance with Section 92 of the Zoning Bylaw.

c. The following regulations shall apply to Flea Markets:

i) No minimum distance from residential development shall be required;
ii) No additional parking shall be required;
iii) No direct vehicular access to arterial roadways shall be required; and
iv) Be of a temporary nature.

7. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

a. A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Principles shall be considered in

the design of the site by providing pedestrian spaces that are well lit at night and active
street frontages that provide opportunities for eyes on the street.

8. Green Sustainable Practices and Targets

a. The design and implementation of this development shall apply techniques to reduce the
consumption of water, energy, and materials consistent with good sustainable design
practices.

b. Supplementary green sustainable targets such as the Green Building Rating System LEED™
Canada or BREEAM, shall be required and implemented to ensure the development meets
the score of a Certified standard. The Owner may choose which supplementary green
sustainable targets will be implemented, and at his/her discretion may indicate additional
targets in excess of the Certified standard score to provide for flexibility at the
implementation stage. The Owner shall submit a report signed by an accredited
professional with all chosen supplementary green sustainable targets along with the
application for the development permit of each stage of the development to the
satisfaction of the Development Officer.

9. Landscaping

a. Landscaping on the Site shall consider the use of plant materials and architectural features
that provide colour, texture and visual interest throughout the year to enhance the
appearance of the development and create comfortable, attractive and sustainable
environments for the benefit and enjoyment of its many stakeholders.

b. At each development permit stage, a detailed Landscape Plan for the subject
development permit stage shall be submitted. The Landscape Plan must be completed by
a registered landscape architect and submitted for review and approval by the Planning
and Development Department, Asset Management and Public Works and the
Transportation Department prior to approval of any Development Permit. The plans shall
include all existing and proposed utilities within any road road-of-way, pavement materials,
exterior lighting, street furniture elements, pedestrian seating areas, sizes and species of new
tree plantings and other landscaping elements as applicable. The landscape plans shall

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 incorporate all previous development permit stages, resulting in an overall landscape plan
at the final development permit stage.

c. The Landscape Plan submitted with each development permit stage must show proposed
off-site landscaping on public property adjacent to the site, to the satisfaction of the
Planning and Development Department, Asset Management and Public Works and the
Transportation Department. The streetscape improvements may include, but are not limited
to, new sidewalks, streetlights, boulevard landscaping, boulevard trees, street furniture,
and/or the relocation of utilities underground.

10. Off-site Improvements

a. For each stage of development, and prior to the issuance of any development permit, the
owner shall enter into an Agreement with the City of Edmonton for off-site transportation,
utility and landscaping improvements necessary to serve the development. The Agreement
shall include an engineering drawing review and approval process. Improvements to be
addressed in the Agreement shall be to the satisfaction of the Transportation and Asset
Management and Public Works Departments and other servicing agencies.

11. Urban Design

The Development Officer shall ensure that new developments and major renovations reflect the
Urban Design Policies of the Downtown Plan, the Urban Design Guidelines Manual and the
following Design Guidelines and Regulations. Where a conflict arises, the zoning regulations shall
prevail.

1. Urban Form

The Arena and Entertainment District is a regional destination point which provides for
employment, residential, cultural, economic, sports and entertainment opportunities. The district
shall be designed in an architectural style and character that complements its mixed use
character and promotes a unique district identity.

a. Building forms will develop as a combination of podium plus tower or stand alone, high
quality buildings, designed in an architectural style and character that complements the
design of the arena. Buildings shall be unique, iconic and add to the skyline signature.

b. Blank walls and open space at grade, south of 104 Avenue and adjacent to 102 Street, 103
Street and 103 Avenue shall be avoided by providing active retail or service commercial
frontages with a two to six storey streetwall, to maintain an active and/or attractive
streetscape.

c. Placement and orientation of buildings shall allow for open space, maintain view corridors,
and mitigate adverse microclimatic effects.

d. Point towers, podium plus towers and lower scaled structures should provide weather
protection at street level and solar access to sidewalks and public open spaces, where
practical.

e. Perceived massing shall be minimized through such methods as building step-back variations
at the upper levels, building orientation, roof treatment, and the choice of exterior materials
and colours.

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f. Towers shall be set back from the building podium.

g. High rise structures, whether in the form of point towers, multiple developments or an entire
complex shall be designed, spaced, oriented and constructed to strengthen and celebrate
the urban character of the District, articulate the Downtown skyline and allow sunlight
penetration at the street level, in public spaces, plazas and amenity areas.

h. Towers shall emphasize architectural treatment through the use of horizontal and vertical
elements.

i. An above grade pedestrian connection may be provided across 104 Avenue to provide a
linkage between developments north and south of 104 Avenue. The above grade
connection may be activated by uses which include, but are not limited to retail
commercial, restaurants, temporary events and/or exhibits.

j. Pedestrian connections and linkages shall be provided to Light Rail Transit entrances.

2. Site Planning

a. Building Integration

i) Buildings shall be designed and oriented to maximize views, plazas and open spaces
that contribute to an attractive and sustainable built environment, supported by
improvements to the public realm.

ii) Development should provide architectural features, public open spaces, plazas,
landscaping, weather protection devices, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and multiple and
varied entrances and pedestrian linkages at street level to enhance the character of the
streets and to support a lively pedestrian environment.

b. Access

i) Vehicular access to parking structures and services shall be determined at the

Development Permit stage, to the satisfaction of the Transportation Department, having
regard to the objective of minimizing breaks in the commercial street façades along 101,
102 and 103 Streets.
ii) Shared access shall be encouraged to minimize curb cuts when access is allowed from
the street frontage.

iii) Driveway ramps for underground parkades shall not exceed a slope of 6% for the first 4.5
m from the property line, or as prescribed by the Transportation Department.

c. Public Spaces

i) In large developments, mid block breaks and access shall be provided to facilitate
pedestrian access to other walkways, linkages or interior courtyards.

ii) Public spaces shall support a variety of outdoor activities such as standing, sitting,
strolling, conversing, dining, etc.

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 iii) Physical improvements, adjacent to or being part of entertainment, arts and cultural
buildings, and private developments abutting public spaces, should provide appropriate
uses, amenities, art sculptures and architectural features to create a strong sense of
place.

d. Weather & Environmental Influences

i) Buildings and public spaces shall be designed with materials and forms to mitigate the
effects of winter climate on liveability and thereby increase pedestrian comfort and
safety.

ii) Where practical, weather protection in the form of a canopy at least 2.0 m wide or any
other method suitable to the architectural style of the building or street theme, shall be
provided one Storey above sidewalk level to provide protection from inclement weather.
Subject to an encroachment agreement, methods of weather protection may project
into the public road right-of-way.

e. Lighting

i) Decorative and security lighting shall be designed and finished in a manner consistent
with the design and finishing of the architectural theme of the development and will be
provided to ensure a well-lit environment for pedestrians, to accentuate architectural
elements, roof tops, public art and to highlight the development at night time.

ii) Enhanced lighting at grade shall be provided to improve the pedestrian environment
and address the long night associated with a winter city. Detailed lighting plans shall be
submitted with each development permit stage.

iii) Large-scale architectural lighting:

a) May be used to highlight or accentuate vertical, horizontal or other architectural

elements of buildings; and

b) May change hues and mark special seasons, weather and events with unique colour
arrangements, and may make use of dramatic lighting elements in order to create a
dynamic and exciting event atmosphere.

3. Street Interface and Building Façade

The interface between buildings and streets is important in achieving street environments that
are welcoming to pedestrians and encourage increased activity at the sidewalk level.

a. A façade shall not extend greater than 10 m without some manner of articulation at street-
level, with the exception of the 105 Avenue façade for which articulation every 15 m is
appropriate. Articulation may be provided in the form of arcades, variations in building
materials, colour changes, signage, building breaks or setbacks, or other methods suitable to
the architectural style of the building which provide visual interest.

b. Building design and façade treatment at the podium level shall be strongly articulated at
regular increments through the provision of elements such as quality materials, fenestrations
and appropriate landscaping to add variety, rhythm and a human scaled dimension along
the block face.

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c. At least 65% of at-grade street Frontage on 102 and 103 Streets between 103 Avenue and
104 Avenue, and 103 Avenue between 102 and 103 Streets shall be developed for retail,
services and other commercial Uses to provide for commercial continuity and promote
pedestrian traffic.

d. Building facades shall incorporate architectural design details or features that recognize the
predominant urban character of the Street.

e. Buildings shall be designed and oriented to face public roadways with entrances that are
clearly visible.

f. Buildings shall provide multiple points of interaction in the form of major entrances and
doorways, large display windows and offer pedestrian weather protection in the form of
colonnades, arcades, and glazed canopies to facilitate pedestrian interaction.

g. In mixed use buildings, residential entrances shall be designed separate from commercial,
office or institutional entrances and address the street in a prominent manner.

h. Prominent entrances and corners shall be designed to celebrate the architectural style of
the building.

i. Pedestrian linkages and crossings shall be identifiable through decorative paving, stamping
or patterned concrete/brick.

j. Pedestrian oriented streetscape elements such as pedestrian level street lighting,

landscaping, benches and street furniture shall be provided throughout the site.

k. The ground floor of developments shall have a high degree of transparency and visual
interest to engage pedestrians at the street level.

4. Public Art

a. Public Art on the site should be incorporated into publicly accessible open spaces and may
also be incorporated into the architectural facades, breaks in the facades of buildings and
landscaped areas.

b. Public Art may be provided in the form of programmed water features and lighting displays.

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