Alberta Legislature Grounds: A provincial governance master plan

Spanning 57 acres along the edge of downtown Edmonton, the Alberta Legislature Grounds stand as a place of pride, ownership, and community for all Albertans.

The Government of Alberta engaged Kasian to develop an adaptable master plan to guide long-term growth and land use. Designed to accommodate future change while honouring the site’s heritage, the plan consolidates existing facilities, frees up developable land, and enhances the grounds as an inclusive civic destination.

The process began with high-level programming that evolved into a comprehensive and enduring plan, balancing government functionality with community access. A detailed site analysis examined pedestrian and vehicle movement, building quality, and landscape character to determine which structures should be retained, repurposed, or replaced.

Recognizing the importance of outdoor space in Alberta’s climate, the plan promotes year-round use with flexible amenities – a children’s splash park that converts into a winter skating rink, an amphitheatre, gathering areas, and tree-lined plazas. These public spaces invite recreation and connection while complementing the site’s formal legislative presence.

Native plant species such as willows, birches, pine, white spruce, poplar, and black ash were selected alongside wild grasses that can thrive without irrigation.

To prioritize people over vehicles, most surface parking was removed and relocated underground, opening large expanses of green space. The result is a pedestrian-focused landscape that Edmontonians have embraced as a downtown retreat for picnics, recreation, and celebration.

Implemented in stages, the master plan continues to shape the evolution of the Legislature Grounds year after year. Beyond its role as a design framework, it stands as a major contribution to Edmonton’s urban fabric and serves as the Government of Alberta’s guide for future landscape and planning decisions.