Downtown residents are cautiously optimistic about the city's plan to develop the area's south end.

Three residents voiced their thoughts on the recently released Downtown South Master Plan at city council's Monday evening meeting.

The plan looks to rejuvenate and develop the area between Lambert Street and Robert Service Way, from the escarpment to Second Avenue over the next 20 years.

Proposals in the plan include dense housing, a new entryway to the city along Robert Service Way, new trails and parks along the escarpment and traffic and street improvements throughout the area.

Any development in the area should have a "net positive impact” on current residents of the area, Nathan Miller from the Downtown Residents Association told council.

"There are already people that live there; it's already a neighbourhood,” he said.

A lot of residents are in favour of the proposed densification, Miller said, "but only if it's done well.”

There are a lot of great proposals in the plan, such as the parks, trails and street improvements, Miller said.

He believes there are some areas which need "some additional consideration” or some more detail, however.

The plan suggests buildings along the escarpment could be built to heights of 25 metres, above the current limit of 20 m. Taller buildings could dwarf existing units and limit sunlight for current residents, Miller said.

Some of the changes to traffic also need more thought, Miller suggested.

"What we'd like to see is that the traffic alteration considers not only safety but the quality of life for the residents who are there,” he said. "... People don't want to see a lot of non-local traffic going through their area.”

For longtime Drury Street resident Missy Folwell, the big concern is the proposed "Gateway Promenade.”

The Master Plan suggests converting land along Robert Service Way from Sixth Avenue to Second Avenue to mixed-use commercial and residential developments.

It also proposes adding amenities such as landscaping and hard surfacing in the area to make it more pedestrian-friendly and accessible.

The idea is to make the entryway to the city a go-to destination for residents and visitors alike.

Folwell believes the area is a perfect gathering place. However, she wants the waterfront views and open space to be kept intact.

For decades, governments throughout North America have been buying up privately owned property along waterfronts to convert into public space, Folwell said.

"I think, and I've said this before, we have billion-dollar vistas in this town,” she said.

"And I really, firmly believe that that gateway enhancement could be a wonderful idea without built structures.”

For Kirk Cameron, a downtown resident, the highlight of the plan was the community engagement which went into it.

More than 300 people gave input on the master plan document, attending events such as the planning charette, a community walk and barbecue.

Cameron wants to see that "aggressive engagement” continue as the plan comes to fruition.

"It doesn't stop here,” he said.

Several councillors echoed Cameron's thoughts.

The planning department listened to residents and incorporated many of their suggestions, said Coun. Betty Irwin.

"It very much restored my faith in the whole process and I'd like to see it continue,” she said.

Irwin also noted that the master plan is for 20 years, and the community needs to stay engaged over that period to ensure everyone's concerns are heard.

Coun. Doug Graham agreed.

"This is just the plan. Implementation begins later,” he said, encouraging the speakers to all remain engaged as things like rezoning come up at future council meetings.

Council voted unanimously in favour of adopting the plan Monday.