Strategic analysis and site development options for the Boyle Street Community Services Co-Op

Abstract

The Boyle Street Community Services Co-op is an Edmonton inner city multi-service centre that serves a low-income, disenfranchised population. The agency is being forced to relocate to accommodate the construction of a concert hall on the site of its current facility. This study applies the strategic planning model to determine considerations for the agency's relocation. The organization and the trends and forces in the external environment are analyzed in order to identify strategic issues facing the organization. Some of the key issues concern program expansion, clientele, Native self-government, and the agency's role within the social services system. Based in part upon the strategic analysis, site selection criteria are developed. These criteria include site characteristics, proximity to users, proximity to the downtown, proximity to public transportation, proximity to other agencies, proximity to gathering spaces, site context and impact on surroundings. Using these criteria as a framework, potential site options are evaluated and it is determined that the Co-op's preferred relocation option is the adaptive reuse of a commercial building in the downtown warehouse district. Site development guidelines are presented with . respect to urban design and building design for a future facility. Some relocation implementation considerations are also discussed.