Lost in the excitement surrounding the Canada Day long weekend was the unveiling of the name for the makeshift pedestrian alley jutting off Whyte Avenue. Spur Line Alley was the chosen winner among 67 entries submitted to the City of Edmonton's 'Name That Alley' contest, which sought an epithet for the walkable public space between 104 and 105 Streets.

Conceptual image showing the labyrinth design, image via City of Edmonton

Tianna Albrecht and Mario Panizzon were the thinkers behind the name, which reflects the spatial and historical relationship between Whyte Avenue and the alley. A spur line is a short branch line off a main railway, fitting for the narrow street that protrudes from Whyte Avenue, which itself was named after former superintendent and vice-president of CPR's Western Division William Whyte. Under his stewardship, thousands of kilometres of branch lines were built, including the High Level Bridge.

The space prior to its metamorphosis, image retrieved from Google Street View

The alley became pedestrian-only in 2015 when the City closed vehicular traffic on the stretch. It was given a fresh coat of paint last year, with this summer producing a labyrinth design on the pavement. The City has said there are future plans for the space, though they have been mum on the details.

What do you think of the name? Are you planning on visiting the space this summer? Let us know by leaving a comment in the field provided below.