City advances multi-year downtown rebuild plan as aging infrastructure nears end of life
The City of Prince Albert is moving forward with plans to overhaul a key stretch of its downtown core, as officials prepare to replace aging infrastructure beneath Central Avenue while rethinking how the corridor functions above ground.
At the centre of the proposal is the Downtown Rebuild project, a significant capital initiative aimed at modernizing water, sanitary, and stormwater systems—some of which date back more than a century. City officials say the work is both necessary and overdue, with much of the underground network approaching the end of its usable lifespan.
“Most of the pipes date back to around 1900, making them some of the oldest in the city,” said Evan Hastings, Capital Projects Manager. “This project is about replacing vital infrastructure while also giving us the opportunity to reimagine the streetscape.”
Strategic priorities align with infrastructure investment
The reconstruction aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, which identifies downtown renewal as a key priority. Officials note that while the underground work is essential, the scale of the project also presents an opportunity to revisit long-standing urban design decisions along Central Avenue.
Surface-level upgrades are expected to include improvements to pavement, sidewalks, brickwork, and landscaping features. The project is being positioned not only as an infrastructure replacement effort but also as a broader city-building exercise aimed at enhancing usability and long-term economic vitality in the downtown core.
Re-evaluating past design decisions
The current proposal also reflects a shift in thinking since the City last engaged the public on downtown revitalization in 2018. At that time, consultations identified safety, walkability, accessibility, adaptability, and improved wayfinding as top priorities. A one-way streetscape concept was ultimately selected as the preferred design.
However, evolving trends across North America have prompted city planners to reconsider that approach. Many municipalities have moved away from one-way systems after identifying challenges related to navigation, accessibility, and reduced economic activity in downtown areas. Two-way street designs are increasingly being adopted to create more intuitive and pedestrian-friendly environments.
“Before we move forward with the 2018 vision for downtown, we have a second chance to get this right,” said Kristina Karpluk, Planning Manager for the City of Prince Albert. “The priority is reliable infrastructure and a downtown built with people in mind, one that is walkable, adaptable and safe. The decisions we make now will shape how people experience downtown for the next 40 years or more, so incorporating lessons learned before we start is a must.”
Phased construction and stakeholder engagement
If approved, the Downtown Rebuild project will be carried out over multiple years. City officials say detailed construction schedules, traffic management plans, and updates on business access will be communicated ahead of each phase to minimize disruption.
Maintaining access to downtown businesses remains a key concern, particularly as construction activity could impact foot traffic and operations. The City has indicated it will prioritize clear communication and ongoing engagement with stakeholders throughout the process.
Public consultation continues
As part of its engagement efforts, the City is hosting an open house to gather feedback on the proposed shift to two-way traffic along Central Avenue. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the foyer of City Hall.
Residents and business owners are also encouraged to stay informed and submit questions through the City’s official website.
The Downtown Rebuild project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Prince Albert’s core in decades, with decisions made now expected to shape the area’s function and appeal for generations.