Volts Canada's largest sustainable community takes shape
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Mar 19, 2025 Tom Lumsden, the development manager for Blatchford, and architect Tom Young share insights into creating Edmonton's largest sustainable community on a former airport site. They discuss innovative urban solutions like a biomass energy system and pedestrian-friendly designs. The duo highlights the complexities of integrating sustainability with community affordability, ensuring the project is inclusive for all income levels. Challenges of implementing a district energy system and the fascinating evolution of Blatchford's urban landscape showcase the ambitious vision for a carbon-neutral future.
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Blatchford's Origin
- In 1997, Edmonton moved all scheduled flights to the international airport, making the city center airport a hobby airport.
- This sparked an election issue about the airport's viability, leading to its closure and Blatchford's development.
Political Genesis of Blatchford
- The ambitious, sustainable vision for Blatchford stemmed from progressive city councillors who saw opportunity in closing the airport.
- Though Alberta is Canada's most conservative province, Edmonton has a history of political contrarianism.
Early Blatchford Plans
- The initial Blatchford plan included a pneumatic garbage collection system and a biomass plant for district energy.
- Deep geothermal was also considered, but drilling three kilometers down for heat was deemed impractical then.