Reinvigorating a 12-hectare traditional mall site into a vibrant, high-density, transit-oriented hub of activity.

The Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, built in 1958, is the second oldest mall in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the years, Bonnie Doon has been enclosed, renovated, and expanded several times to meet growing demand for local and regional services in south central Edmonton. Owned by Canadian Institutional Investors and managed by Morguard Investments Limited, the shopping centre is evolving again. 

 Morguard retained B&A to lead the urban planning exercise to shape a new future and evolve the 12-hectare site from a traditional shopping centre into a cutting-edge Transit Oriented Development (TOD) town centre. Redevelopment of the site will create a significant TOD node along Edmonton’s new Valley Line: a major transit corridor connecting Bonnie Doon to Downtown and South Edmonton. This high-density comprehensive mixed-use development will feature vibrant urban living environments, exciting boutique retail experiences, and luxurious open spaces. 

 The rezoning process took a new, phased approach, piloted for the first time. The project team prepared four successive submissions which allowed the public, stakeholders and the City team to be involved through all stages of visioning, conceptualization, regulation and approval. For almost a year and a half the development team refined the Master Plan by working closely with Administration, community stakeholders and Edmontonians to develop the appropriate zoning to enable the redevelopment of Bonnie Doon Centre into a high-density, mixed-use, TOD. 

 The approved plan establishes a new town centre, stitching together the urban fabric by reconnecting an auto-oriented shopping centre to the community. It focuses on creating a human-scaled public realm by establishing a relationship with the built-form and the street network to maintain the pedestrian environment. In doing so, approximately 15% of the plan is devoted to parks and open space, including an integrated transit plaza, while the uses support residents, transit, regional employment and retail. 

 The Master Plan and Rezoning received unanimous approval in 2019.