'Freezeway' would let Edmontonians skate to work
Digital Reporter
Friday, January 9, 2015, 5:48 PM - A landscape architecture grad is hoping to make the most of the chilly winters in Edmonton, Alberta by creating a series of trails that would make up a 'Freezeway' -- allowing residents to skate into the downtown core.
The proposal comes from the Make Something Edmonton initiative and it was submitted by Matt Gibbs, who used the idea as his final thesis at the University of British Columbia.
“I think it’s a big opportunity for us to finally hone in on the niche that we are a cold climate,” Gibbs told Global News.
“As well as an iconic identity about this city of people who are so tough that they skate to work.”
The Freezeway would be made up of 11 kilometres of trails that would take residents through the city. During the summer, it would be converted into bike trails.
There are no plans in place to create the Freezeway, but it has piqued the interest of city officials and local residents.
Gibbs is currently working out the cost of the project.
During a typical winter, Edmonton sees below-freezing temperatures for months at a time -- making it the perfect environment for Gibbs' Freezeway.
On the flipside, some would rather do away with ice altogether by creating heated sidewalks. Learn more here:
