Edmonton Plans Downtown Revitalization
There are big plans for downtown Edmonton. Really big plans.
It seems like every city official and anyone who loves Edmonton is interested in the revitalization of the downtown core. All eyes are on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, which is home to districts such as the Commercial Core, Government Centre, Warehouse District, McKay Avenue and Rice Howard Way.
The Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, the City of Edmonton as well as many citizens, businesses and nonprofit groups are focusing their energies into making the downtown area one of the most vibrant in the world. Yes, the world.
“From EEDC's perspective, our vision is to see Edmonton recognized as one of the top five mid-sized cities in the entire world,” says Regan Macdonald, marketing manager for external relations with the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.
Macdonald points out that Edmonton's downtown has already been experiencing increased vibrancy in the last 10 years with more than 20 new residential high-rises constructed, along with the first skyscraper in over 20 years – the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts.
“The City of Edmonton envisions a bold plan that includes the redevelopment of Jasper Avenue, Capital Boulevard from the Legislature to Grant MacEwan University, and West Rossdale,” she says. “Exciting proposals such as The Quarters, which is a new entertainment/arena district, and an expanded conference centre would further drive downtown's world-class distinction.”
In July 2010, the Edmonton City Council passed a Capital City Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan for the purpose of transforming the downtown into a more vibrant, attractive, high-density, mixed-use and walkable area. City officials point out that downtown Edmonton already has a lot going for it, with the retail, restaurant and entertainment sectors experiencing more diversification in recent years. There has also been an expansion in the residential population base.
Meanwhile, another downtown revitalization plan is being proposed by Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz, who wants to see a proposed $1.5 billion hockey arena constructed. Katz envisions the arena to be surrounded by office buildings, hotels, parks, public art, sidewalk shopping and a public plaza.
“Downtown is a work in progress,” Macdonald says. “We want to improve the livability of Edmonton, making it a more desirable place to live, work and do business.”
