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New patio spaces, colourful planters and murals are finally helping the west part of Jasper Avenue lose that “hollow” feeling, said one of many residents took in changes to Edmonton’s main street Saturday.

City officials are still waiting for the arrival of benches, more patios and small park spaces to help residents and commuters visualize what a full makeover could mean. But the planters and bollards are in and, at the opening launch party, many were impressed.

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“I saw it yesterday and thought, ‘This has to be the dumbest idea ever’,” said Bob Walker, sitting on a couch in space that used to be roadway.

“But now with the trees and everything? I think Edmonton wants to become a cosmopolitan city real bad. People complain, but they want it, too.”

The pilot project, which runs from 109 Street to 115 Street, converts the outside lane on both sides of the road into a mix of patio space and parking. It also extends bus stops into the road. That means transit riders can board off the regular sidewalk, protecting them with large planters and trees, but the buses hold up traffic while they load passengers.