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On Saturday morning, the City of Edmonton and the River Valley Alliance were joined by representatives from the provincial and federal governments, and together, officially opened the Mechanized River Valley Access project.
The project provides barrier-free access between the downtown core and the river valley below via the new 100 Street Funicular — an inclined railway reminiscent of one that once operated a block away a hundred years ago.
The project also includes a lookout over the North Saskatchewan River, providing spectacular views of the surrounding valley. The lookout will be known as the 'Frederick G. Todd Lookout,' after the 20th century landscape architect who pioneered the early vision for a river valley park system stretching over 48 kilometres. An elevator at the lookout takes visitors down to the river valley trails and nearby Louise McKinney Park or the Low Level Bridge to cross the river.
Also included as part of the project is a grand staircase running alongside the funicular, as well as a large interactive art piece called "Turbulent" by Jill Anholt Studio.
The entire project — which is free to use — aims to provide Edmontonians and visitors with better access to the River Valley and to encourage active transportation and create new recreational opportunities.
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