PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
INTRODUCTION
2 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
THIS GUIDE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS TO EXPLORE THE MANY GEMS OUR CITY HAS TO OFFER.
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Welcome to Edmonton! The City of Edmonton and Stantec Consulting are pleased to provide you with the Planners’ Guide to Edmonton. Edmonton is a dynamic city that lies in the heart of Treaty 6 territory, and is truly a city in transformation. The most obvious evidence of this is the construction hoardings, the cranes, the ambitious and optimistic signs of new life popping up downtown and in various neighbourhoods across the city. We hope this guide provides you a chance to explore a new city or see a city you already know through new eyes. This guide will provide you with self-guided walking tours to explore the many gems our city has to offer. Check out the tips on sites, history, and many delicious delights to help you find something new in a place you thought you knew!
Thank you to our contributors: Tom Young Yolanda Lew Wesley Andreas Agnieszka Dobrski John Steil Deanne Patsula Brian Murray Anisha Seth Grant Currie David Holdsworth
1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
INTRODUCTION TO EDMONTON
4 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
BLATCHFORD For 85 years, Blatchford Field (also variously referred to as the Edmonton Industrial Airport, Municipal Airport and City Centre Airport throughout the years) was a hub of aeronautical activity. Opened in 1928, it was Canada’s very first licensed airfield. In World War II it hosted training for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which taught air force recruits to fly before joining the war. In the post-war period it served scheduled service, until a 1995 plebiscite in which Edmontonians voted to consolidate all scheduled air traffic at Edmonton International. In 2009, City Council chose to move towards full closure, a decision which kicked off an ambitious planning process to redevelop the 217 hectare site as a sustainable high-density, mixed use neighbourhood served by Light Rail Transit (LRT).
IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD IT SERVED SCHEDULED SERVICE, UNTIL A 1995 PLEBISCITE IN WHICH EDMONTONIANS VOTED TO CONSOLIDATE ALL SCHEDULED AIR TRAFFIC AT EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL.
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THE AMBITION IS FOR BLATCHFORD TO BE ONE OF THE MOST SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS IN NORTH AMERICA, IF NOT THE WORLD.
The ambition is for Blatchford to be one of the most sustainable neighbourhoods in North America, if not the world. A wide range of innovative design and infrastructure approaches are being pursued by the City, acting as the master developer. Some of the ideas being implemented include the use of a shallow geothermal district energy system; Low Impact Development stormwater management approaches; second-
ary suites for townhouses, including garage suites on corner lots; custom street designs designed around Complete Streets principles including elements like cycle tracks; and urban agriculture with features such as community greenhouses for use by residents. LRT service to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) on the east edge of the neighbourhood is anticipated to commence this year, meaning that high quality transit will serve the neighbourhood from day one.
1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Today, construction is getting underway on the first stage in a 30-year build-out that will eventually see 30,000 people living and working in Blatchford. The plan consists of four districts: the West District will host a significant proportion of family-oriented housing in the form of townhouses and low rise apartments; the Town Centre District will host high density office, residential, retail and post-secondary education uses served by LRT; the East District will focus on high density residential development served by a second LRT stop; and the Park District will connect them all with a variety of types of park spaces from plazas to naturalized wetlands, and more active recreational spaces.
Planners Guide to Edmonton
MAJOR PLANNING INITIATIVES
6 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
ARENA AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT Once a couple of gravel parking lots in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the Edmonton Arena and Entertainment District is rapidly becoming a forest of cranes and the heart of a resurgence. The site extends from 101 Street to 103 Street and from 103 Avenue to 105 Avenue, though its influence is being felt in surrounding blocks with numerous residential and mixed use buildings popping up just beyond its boundaries. A huge number of projects are under construction or announced within the Arena District proper, including the new arena, a community rink, casino, and residential tower north of 104 Avenue. The Winter Garden, a pedestrian extension of the arena structure over 104 Avenue, will bring pedestrians and arena patrons into a public plaza which forms the centerpiece of several office towers, a hotel tower, residential development, a new movie theatre and retail, bars and restaurants lining and spilling out onto the plaza.
The arena and associated land acquisition are a partnership between the City of Edmonton, WAM Developments, and the Katz Group, owner of the Oilers. A significant proportion of the City’s funding is being paid for by a Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) encompassing roughly a third of downtown. Less than two years after its approv-
EDMONTON ARENA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT IS RAPIDLY BECOMING A FOREST OF CRANES AND THE HEART OF EDMONTON’S DOWNTOWN RESURGENCE. al, the number of projects under construction within the CRL boundary significantly outstrips the original estimates, meaning that the fund will also pay for a number of other downtown projects, including new streetscaping for Jasper Avenue, underground infrastructure upgrades to help support additional downtown redevelopment, a new park for downtown, and others.
Rogers Place will offer a wide variety of seating options for patrons and is uniquely designed for the Edmonton market. The approximate 18,500seat arena will have over 9,000 lower bowl seats to keep fans and spectators close to the action.
7 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
A HUGE NUMBER OF PROJECTS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR ANNOUNCED WITHIN THE ARENA DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE NEW ARENA, A COMMUNITY RINK, CASINO, AND RESIDENTIAL TOWER NORTH OF 104 AVENUE.
8 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
LRT EXPANSION LRT became a cornerstone of Edmonton’s transit service in 1978, when the first section of the Capital Line opened to connect Downtown to major venues for the 1978 Commonwealth Games, and at the time was the first city with a population under 500,000 to have an LRT system. The original short line was subsequently extended northeast to Clareview, and then south to Grandin/Government Centre (near the Legislature) in 1990 and then across the river to the University of Alberta in 1992. Expansion then ground to a halt through the lean funding years of the 1990s and early 2000s.
In the new millennium, Edmonton started investing again in LRT, bringing the Capital Line out of the ground at Health Sciences/Jubilee Station first, then south to Century Park Station by 2009. The Metro Line, a new branch line to NAIT and Blatchford, started construction soon after. And in 2014, the final piece of funding was secured for the new Valley Line low-floor LRT, which will be above-ground in the city centre and will use low-floor LRT cars and at-grade stations to connect Downtown with the city’s southeast, including the areas of Bonnie Doon and Mill Woods. Funding is now being sought to continue this line west of Downtown to West Edmonton Mall. Making up for lost time, Edmonton is now committing heavily to LRT as a transportation option with city-shaping potential. A number of station area redevelopment plans are underway for existing lines, with others being identified for LRT expansion areas, and numerous higher density and mixed use redevelopment projects are starting to take shape at various locations across the city.
THE FIRST CITY WITH A POPULATION UNDER 500,000 TO HAVE AN LRT SYSTEM.
9 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME, EDMONTON IS NOW COMMITTING HEAVILY TO LRT AS A TRANSPORTATION OPTION WITH CITY-SHAPING POTENTIAL.
10 1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
11. When Edmonton Was Young, Tony Cashman, 2009. “The young city comes alive in the stories they enjoyed telling on themselves as their budding metropolis remained stuck at the bud stage for half a century” 12. Fort de Prairies: The Story of Fort Edmonton, Brock Silversides, 2005. “Fort Edmonton, a prairie institution and icon from 1795 to 1915, was not just a physical edifice and community—it was a touchstone of western Canadian commercial history, leading to the founding of a strong prosperous city.”
BOOKS ABOUT EDMONTON NON-FICTION 1. Building a Legacy: Edmonton’s Architectural History, Ken Tingley, 2013. “The story, in words and pictures, of how the City of Edmonton obtained, and decided to preserve, its most precious architectural heritage…” 2. Naming Edmonton: From Ada to Zoie, City of Edmonton, 2004. “…Naming Edmonton gives life to the personal stories and the significant events that mark this city. Use this comprehensive local history as a guide to revisit Edmonton’s streets, parks, neighbourhoods, and bridges in an exploration of the signs of our origins and our times.” 3. Airborne from Edmonton, Eugenie L. Myles, 1959. “Here we have the true tale, and as exciting as it is true of how Edmonton, a remote frontier city in northwestern Canada, became the Plymouth of a new age of air discoveries and air conquests and air commerce.” 4. Ride of the Century: The Story of the Edmonton Transit System, Ken Tingley, 2011. “.. From four streetcars, serving a just-emerging-from-thefrontier Edmonton population of 18,500 in 1908, to a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles in a vibrant metropolitan 21st century city of 782,500 in 2009, this public transit system has evolved from groundbreaker in public transit in Edmonton’s early days to industry leader in the new millennium.”
5. Edmonton Book of Everything, Cheryl Mahaffy, 2007. “Everything you wanted to know about Edmonto and were going to ask anyway.” 6. Weird Edmonton, Mark Kozub, 2014. “The Odd, Quirky and Wonderful People, Places, History and Hauntings.”
13. Just Getting Started: Edmonton Public Library’s First 100 Years, 1913-2013, Todd Babiak, 2013. “…Edmontonian Todd Babiak tells the story of EPL’s birth and coming of age within the bustling narrative of the growth of city and province.” 14. Edmonton In Our Own Words, Linda Goyette & Carolina Jakeway Roemmich, 2005.
7. An Edmonton Album: Glimpses of the Way We Were, Jo-Anne Christensen & Dennis Shappka, 1999.
“Imagine a conversation between Edmonton’s past inhabitants and its living citizens. What would we tell the rest of the world about our place on the map?”
“These photos illustrate many important historical events and changes in Edmonton, from its fur-trading beginnings through decades of tremendous growth.”
15. Edmonton’s Urban Villages: The Community League Movement, Ron Kuban, 2005.
8. Capital Modern: Edmonton Architecture & Urban Design, 1940-1969. “… allows us to explore the impact that modernism had on our city’s development during the most productive period of the last century and seeks to find the connections to the design and architecture of today.” 9. A History of the Edmonton City Market 1900-2000: Urban Values and Urban Culture, Kathryn Chase Merrett, 2001.
“This amazing story of the dedication of thousands of individuals illustrates what can be achieved by volunteers. It also emphasizes the value of grassroots community organizations.” 16. Historic Walks of Edmonton, Kathryn Ivany, 2004. “Historic Walks of Edmonton takes a unique look at the historically significant landmarks of Alberta’s capital city, from the downtown core to nearby residential areas, from breathtaking river valley vistas to intimate neighborhoods.”
“A History of the Edmonton City Market brings a comprehensive study of a long-lived and much-loved institution to life by seamlessly integrating details of the city market with wider contexts of urban, economic, and cultural studies.” 10. Edmonton: Stories from the River City, Tony Cashman, 2002. “In Edmonton: Stories from the River City, Tony Cashman tells the tales of the people who built the Alberta capital.”
THE DEEP VALLEY OF THE NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER BISECTS THE CITY, MEANDERING FROM THE SOUTHWEST TO THE NORTHEAST.
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1. 40 Below: Edmonton’s Winter Anthology, Jason Lee Norman (ed.), 2013. “A collection of poems, stories, and essays about or inspired by Edmonton’s sometimes infamous winter months.” 2. The Garneau Block, Todd Babiak, 2007. “The Garneau Block follows the knowable citizens of the adored and hated city of Edmonton, capturing what we connect to in local stories and what is universal about modern life.” 3. Santa Rosa, Wendy Mcgrath, 2011. “What is real when seen through the eyes of a child? When does the harshness of reality transform idyllic memories? The young narrator of Santa Rosa seeks the answers to these questions as she tries to make sense of the disintegration of her parents’’ marriage-a process echoed by the slow disintegration of their neighbourhood.” 4. North East, Wendy Mcgrath, 2014. “ Wendy McGrath expands on the story she began with Santa Rosa, as a working class couple living in 1960s Edmonton drift further apart while their young daughter tries to understand something she senses is hiding under the surface of her family and her neighbourhood. “ 5. The Book of Stanley, Todd Babiak, 2008. “By all accounts, Stanley Moss is an average man. A retired florist, he lives quietly with his wife, Frieda, in a modest bungalow in Edmonton.”
1.0 Introduction to Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
FICTION
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY
PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
GETTING AROUND
2 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
DRIVE, CYCLE, BUS, SNOWSHOE. WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING AROUND EDMONTON, YOU’VE GOT OPTIONS. MOST MAJOR STREETS RUN NORTH-SOUTH, WHILE MAJOR AVENUES RUN EAST-WEST, CREATING A GRID THAT DRIVERS FIND SIMPLE TO NAVIGATE.
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Drive, cycle, bus, snowshoe. When it comes to getting around Edmonton, you’ve got options. Most major streets run north-south, while major avenues run east-west, creating a grid that drivers find simple to navigate. While a quadrant system exists for street addresses, Edmontonians generally divide the city into the “South Side,” West End,” and “North Side.” Meandering through the city, the North Saskatchewan River divides Edmonton’s north and south sides—and offers a spectacular network of trails for hikers, bikers and cross country skiers. For those going greater distances, LRT and busses make up the Edmonton Transit System (ETS) with combined routes that move commuters all around the city. The City of Edmonton is expanding the LRT system as part of a city-shaping initiative,
helping to move citizens and visitors. Eventually, LRT will connect Edmontonians to nearly all parts of the city including the southeast and West Edmonton Mall. Flip through this book and dive deeper into Edmonton’s routes, roads, quadrants and transit system—from where we started, to where we’re going.
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
GETTING AROUND EDMONTON
4 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
A STANDARDIZED NUMBERING SYSTEM WAS ADOPTED CITY WIDE IN 1912, AS PART OF THE AMALGAMATION OF EDMONTON NORTH OF THE RIVER, AND ITS FORMER NEIGHBOUR AND RIVAL CITY STRATHCONA ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER. OVERALL LAYOUT AND ORIENTATION The deep valley of the North Saskatchewan River bisects the city, meandering from the southwest to the northeast. Edmonton is generally laid out upon the original section lines from the Dominion Land Survey of Western Canada. This means that most major streets are oriented northsouth and east-west on a one-mile (1.6 km) grid. Streets are always north-south, while Avenues are always east-west. However, routes identified as Trail, Road, Drive or other variations may run in any direction.
Most of Edmonton’s major routes, as well as most local streets in parts of the city built until recent decades, are numbered (recently built areas use a mix of named and numbered streets). A standardized numbering system was adopted city wide in 1912, as part of the amalgamation of Edmonton north of the river, and its former neighbour and rival city Strathcona on the south side of the river. Street numbers heading west from Downtown increase in number, and decrease as you move east. Avenue numbers increase heading north from downtown, and decrease to the south.
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Addressing in the centre of the city correlates directly to the numbering system for streets. 10250 - 109 Street, for instance, is located on 109 Street and north of 102 Avenue, with 102 referring to the cross-street and 50 being the unit number. After a major annexation in 1982, there was a need for additional numbers south of 1 Avenue and east of 1 Street. As a result, a quadrant system was adopted. The majority of the built up city became the NW quadrant; new areas to the east became NE, and new areas to the south became SW. It is common for addresses in the original and largest quadrant of the city to have the “NW” omitted.
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
THE DEEP VALLEY OF THE NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER BISECTS THE CITY, MEANDERING FROM THE SOUTHWEST TO THE NORTHEAST.
Planners Guide to Edmonton
GETTING AROUND EDMONTON
6 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The High Level Bridge spans the North Saskatchewan River next to the Alberta Legislature Building. The bridge linked the separate communities of Edmonton and Strathcona, which became one city in 1912.
7 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Although the quadrant system exists for street addresses, it is not generally used to describe areas of the city. For locals, Edmonton is most broadly divided into the “South Side” (generally anything south of the North Saskatchewan River), the “West End” (generally anything north of the river and west of about 142 Street), and the “North Side” (the rest of the area north of the river).
Planners Guide to Edmonton
PARTS OF THE CITY
8 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
After nearly 100 years, Edmonton’s iconic Walterdale Bridge has reached the end of its service life. A $155 million replacement project is under construction and is anticipated to be open to traffic in fall 2016.
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MAJOR ROADS In terms of major routes Downtown, Jasper Avenue and 104 Avenue run east-west, while 109 Street and 101 Street run north-south. If travelling to Downtown from the south side of the river, 99 Street, Gateway Boulevard (103 Street), and 109 Street all lead to bridge crossings, but drivers should note that they may end up on a different street once they cross to the north or south side. If travelling to the South Side from Downtown, 100 Street and 109 Street are the most direct routes. Most bridges are two-directional, with the notable exceptions being the Walterdale Bridge (northbound traffic only) and the High Level Bridge (southbound traffic only).
Edmonton has a system of two ring roads for radial travel. The inner ring is formed by Yellowhead Trail, 170 Street, Whitemud Drive, and 75 Street. The provincial highway Anthony Henday Drive (Highway 216) is the second ring, roughly along the edges of the built up city, though more neighbourhoods are being developed outside the ring. Traffic comes into Edmonton from the south on the QE2 highway, which separates to become Gateway Boulevard (also known as 103 Street) northbound and Calgary Trail (also known as 104 Street) heading south towards Calgary; these routes pass directly through Old Strathcona.
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
MOST BRIDGES ARE TWO-DIRECTIONAL, WITH THE NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS BEING THE WALTERDALE BRIDGE (NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ONLY) AND THE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE (SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ONLY).
10 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
137 Ave
Downtown Stations: Corona, Bay/Enterprise Square, Central, and Churchill; Central is the closest LRT stop to the Hotel Macdonald
127 Ave
Stadium Station: Serves Commonwealth Stadium (home of the Edmonton Eskimos)
Coliseum Station: Serves Rexall Place (current home of the Edmonton Oilers), the Edmonton EXPO Centre, Northlands Park and exhibition grounds
The Capital Line is the backbone of the ETS system, with 15 stations running from the southwest to the northeast. Century Park Station: Southern terminus and park and ride with a major partiallybuilt transit oriented development Southgate Station: Serves the busiest shopping mall on Edmonton’s south side South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park Station: Serves the University of Alberta’s South Campus and is the place to catch the shuttle bus connection to Fort Edmonton Park Health Sciences/Jubilee Station: Serves the U of A Hospital and the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (Jube) University Station: Below the University of Alberta’s main campus – one of the deepest LRT stations in the world
d Ro a ium St ad
Clareview Station: Northern terminus
Jasper Ave
/ ’
87 Ave
/ /
76 Ave
/ .
111 Street
THE CAPITAL LINE
5 1 Ave
Grandin/Government Centre Station: Serves the Alberta Legislature and the Oliver neighbourhood 111 Street
Planners Guide to Edmonton
144 Ave
118 Ave
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LRT
The Metro Line shares a track with the Capital Line between Health Sciences/Jubilee Station and Churchill Station. Future extensions will eventually take the Metro Line to St. Albert on Edmonton’s northwest boundary.
Kingsway/Royal Alex Station: This serves Kingsway Mall and the adjacent Royal Alexandra Hospital NAIT Station: Serves the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) main campus, and will also serve the new community of Blatchford in the heart of the city
gs wa y
Av en
ue
111 Ave
111 Ave
/
106 St
MacEwan Station: Serves MacEwan University and the future Rogers Place
Kin
97 St
THE METRO LINE (COMING SOON!)
105 Ave
104 Ave
Jasper Ave
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
IN DOWNTOWN, THE LRT RUNS UNDERGROUND AS A SUBWAY WITH FOUR STOPS LOCATED ALONG JASPER AVENUE AND AT CHURCHILL SQUARE.
12 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Located in south Edmonton at 111 Street and 48 Avenue, the Southgate LRT Station is one of the City’s newest ETS stations. The fully equipped station features local artwork, including a large brick and glass mosaic sculpture.
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ST. ALBERT TRANSIT AND STRATHCONA COUNTY TRANSIT ARE OPERATED BY EDMONTON’S NEIGHBOURING MUNICIPALITIES WITH SERVICE PROVIDED INTO EDMONTON’S DOWNTOWN, WEST EDMONTON MALL AND MAJOR POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS.
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Edmonton Transit System (ETS) offers a comprehensive network of bus transit across the city. In addition, St. Albert Transit (StAT) and Strathcona County Transit (serving Sherwood Park) are operated by Edmonton’s neighbouring municipalities with service provided into Edmonton’s Downtown, to West Edmonton Mall and major post-secondary institutions. The fares for the three systems are not integrated, but ETS riders can transfer to StAT or Strathcona County Transit for an additional charge.
Planners Guide to Edmonton
BUS TRANSIT
14 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
ETS | Transit Info:
St. Albert Transit online: stalbert.ca/getting-around/stat-transit phone: 780-418-6060
online: TakeETS.com phone: 780-496-1600 (enter BusLink numbers located at stops for schedule info)
Strathcona County Transit online: strathcona.ca/departments/transit phone: 780-464-7433
ETS Customer Service Centre at City Hall M-F 8:00-16:30
BUS TRANSIT
Route 1
USEFUL BUS ROUTES FROM DOWNTOWN All of these routes are frequent throughout the day, most running at 15 minute headways or better between 6 am and 6 pm, and also run at night.
PRO TIP: For a thorough tour of the West End, take the “scenic route” to West Ed on # 1 WEST EDM MALL (stops on the west side of 101 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue). This will take about 50 minutes, and you’ll get to see Old Glenora, Jasper Place (a separate town until 1964, featuring an original main street along Stony Plain Road), and Meadowlark (a 1950s mall now repurposed as a health centre with infill housing), intermixed with a diverse range of neighbourhoods built between the 1940s and 1970s. The 1 parallels what will be the West LRT in the future. #1 also runs often (15 min. or better most times of day) and late into the evenings.
Catch the bus on 101 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue DIRECTION CAPILANO: Heads east through The Quarters and Riverdale towards eastern Edmonton neighbourhoods D IRECTION WEST EDMONTON MALL: Scenic route west to Oliver, 124 Street, Glenora, the former Town of Jasper Place and West Edmonton Mall
t
Rd rk la do w ea
MEADOWLARK
d nd R
la Row
95 S
156 St
87 Ave
Ave 103A
Jasper Ave
170 St
WEST EDMONTON MALL
101 St
100A Ave
102 Ave
104 Ave
121 St
JASPER PLACE
Rd
124 St
lain
P ny Sto
M
Planners Guide to Edmonton
106 Ave
159 St
15
45 St
50 St
63 St
98 Ave
CAPILANO
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton Planners Guide to Edmonton
65 St
103 Ave 79 St
101 Ave
106 Ave
16 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Route 5 Catch the bus on Jasper Avenue at 100 Street 118Ave 82 St
COLISEUM
95 St
114 Ave
112Ave
d Blvd
Norwoo
111Ave
DIRECTION WESTMOUNT: Heads west to Oliver and 124 Street
95 S
124 St
135 St
WESTMOUNT
DIRECTION CAPILANO: Heads east to The Quarters, 95 Street/Little Italy, and Alberta Avenue
t
107 Ave
t
96 S
104 Ave 101 St
Jasper Ave
109 St
102 Ave
Route 7 105 Ave
Catch the bus on 100 Street at Jasper Avenue
105 St
124 St
142 St
156 St
109 St
107 Ave
107 Ave
DIRECTION UNIVERSITY: Most convenient route from Downtown to Whyte Avenue. Also serves the U of A
104 Ave
Stony Plain Rd
100 St
103 Ave Jasper Ave
JASPER PLACE
S c o na Rd
89 Ave
DIRECTION JASPER PLACE: Heads west to the former town of Jasper Place, crossing 124 Street on the way
UNIVERSITY
87 Ave
99 St
104 St
109 St
112 St 82 Ave
Route 100 (Express): Catch the bus on 101 Street (west side) between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue
Anthony Henday Dr
WEST EDMONTON MALL
87 Ave
104 Ave Jasper Ave
97 St 101 St
170 St
87 Ave
142 St
149 St
199 St
LEWIS FARMS
Rd
102 Ave
124 St
lain
P ny
Sto
DIRECTION WEST EDMONTON MALL or LEWIS FARMS: Non-stop service heading west from Downtown to West Edmonton Mall. Trip takes approximately 30 minutes
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34 St
97 St
101 St
82 St
153 Ave
111 Ave
KINGSWAY 109 St
NORTHGATE
103 Ave
100 St
104 Ave
137 Ave
97 St
Co n
no
rs
118 Ave Rd
90 Ave
106 St
82 Ave
112 Ave
111 Ave
83 St
KINGSWAY 101 St
104 Ave
d ll R
63 Ave
Jasper Ave
gy Ar
ve 97 A
86 St 51 Ave
MILLGATE 82 Ave 50 St
76 St
Whitemud Dr
109 St
38 Ave
39 Ave
ods Rd ll Wo Mi
61 Ave
ille Dr
31 Ave
Youv
34 Ave
57 Ave 111 St
28 Ave
23 Ave
51 Ave
MILLWOODS Whitemud Dr
SOUTHGATE
Route 8
Route 9
Catch the bus on 100 Street at Jasper Avenue
Catch the bus on 101 Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue
D IRECTION MILL WOODS: Heads southeast to Bonnie Doon and Mill Woods DIRECTION ABBOTSFIELD: Heads north and east to NAIT, Alberta Avenue, Rexall Place, and Old Towne Beverly PRO TIP: The 8 is Edmonton’s longest bus route. If you’re a true straphanger and want to see a complete cross-section of Edmonton, this is your best bet. Connects Old Towne Beverly, Rexall Place, Alberta Avenue, NAIT, Kingsway Mall, MacEwan University, Downtown, North Saskatchewan River Valley, a number of southeast neighbourhoods and Mill Woods.
DIRECTION EAUX CLAIRES via NORTHGATE: Heads north to Kingsway Mall, NAIT and Griesbach (at Northgate) DIRECTION SOUTHGATE: Heads south across the High Level Bridge to Garneau, crossing Whyte Avenue and on to Southgate
THE 8 IS EDMONTON’S LONGEST BUS ROUTE. IF YOU’RE A TRUE STRAPHANGER AND WANT TO SEE A COMPLETE CROSSSECTION OF EDMONTON, THIS IS YOUR BEST BET.
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
EAUX CLAIRES
ABBOTSFIELD
COLISEUM 106 St
Planners Guide to Edmonton
119 Ave 118 Ave
118 Ave
18 2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Bike rentals are available from the following companies and groups: River Valley Adventure Company (Louise McKinney Park) BikeWorks North (9305 111 Avenue) BikeWorks South (8001 102 Street)
THE RIVER VALLEY HAS AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF SHARED USE PATHS THAT WILL TAKE YOU MANY KILOMETRES EAST AND WEST OF DOWNTOWN, CONNECTING TO NUMEROUS NEIGHBOURHOODS AND RIVER VALLEY PARKS.
Louise McKinney Park is the front door to the river valley parks system and a gateway to trails throughout the city. It is a vibrant venue for special events and river-based activities.
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Edmonton is working on the implementation of its Bicycle Transportation Plan, which will result in a comprehensive city-wide network of shared use paths, bike lanes and cycle tracks, including new cycle tracks that will be built on 102 Avenue Downtown and in Oliver, and on 83 Avenue in Garneau and Strathcona in the next couple of years. But for now, the network is incomplete. In the meantime, there are still plenty of great places to ride. The river valley has an extensive network of shared use paths that will take you many kilometres east and west of Downtown, connecting to numerous neighbourhoods and river valley parks. You can cross the river using the Dudley B. Menzies (LRT) Bridge, which connects to the river valley’s trail system, while the High Level Bridge is a key crossing for those who want to get across without the sweatiness of a steep climb. A variety of sharrows and bike routes will take you most places you want to go in the centre of the city.
Bike from Louise McKinney Park to Highlands through the river valley, then stop in at Little Brick Café (10004, 90 Street) in Riverdale for refreshments on your way back (12 km return) Bike from Louise McKinney Park along the river and River Valley Road to Old Glenora. Stop at Vi’s for Pies (13408 Stony Plain Road) before heading back through the valley (14 km return) Bike from Louise McKinney to Bonnie Doon via the Cloverdale Footbridge and Mill Creek Ravine to explore Edmonton’s French Quarter, stopping at Café Bicyclette (8627 91 Street) for snacks before heading back Downtown (8 km return) Bike across the High Level Bridge from Churchill Square to explore the U of A Campus and try Leva Café (11053 86 Avenue) or the Sugarbowl (10922 88 Avenue) (8 km return) Bike across the High Level Bridge from Churchill Square, head east on Saskatchewan Drive and then south on 106 Street to explore Old Strathcona and try DaDeO (10548A Whyte Avenue) or the Next Act (8224 104 Street) (10 km return)
Route Info Bike rental outlets should be able to provide you with a bike route map for the river valley, as can the information centre at City Hall. No citywide map exists, but bike routes can be found in Google Maps.
Bikes on Transit ETS has bike racks on all of its buses, in case you want to bus in one direction and cycle back, or vice versa. Be aware that racks only have room for two bikes each. You can also take bikes on LRT, but only during off-peak hours.
2.0 Getting Around Edmonton
THINGS TO DO ON A BIKE
Planners Guide to Edmonton
CYCLING
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY
PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
CENTRAL EDMONTON
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3.0 Central Edmonton Planners Guide to Edmonton
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And the excitement surrounding the change is contagious. Just try not to catch the fever when you visit Downtown—the commercial and cultural hub of the city. The neighbourhood is garnering national attention as it continues to explode with new coffee shops, restaurants, music venues, public art, museums and of course, infrastructure.
ON 104 AVENUE, THE ICE DISTRICT IS TAKING SHAPE AS CANADA’S LARGEST MIX-USE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. IN FACT, ROGERS PLACE—THE MOST ADVANCED SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE IN NORTH AMERICA— WILL SEAT APPROXIMATELY 18,500 OILERS HOCKEY FANS AND 20,000 CONCERT GOERS.
From the Alberta Legislature Grounds to the quaint 104th Street Promenade and interactive Churchill Square, Central Edmonton offers an eclectic mix of history and culture. On 104 Avenue, the Ice District is taking shape as Canada’s largest mix-use sports and entertainment district. In fact, Rogers Place—the most advanced sports and entertainment venue in North America—will seat approximately 18,500 Oilers hockey fans and 20,000 concert goers. Heading a little farther east into one of the oldest areas of Edmonton, the Quarters Downtown (previously known as Boyle Street) is also taking form. Five distinct districts will make up one evironmentally-sustainable and diverse community with appealing design, inclusive housing and green spaces.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
CENTRAL EDMONTON
There’s a lot of buzz around Edmonton experiencing a major renaissance. And while modifications are manifesting all over the city, the most visibly transformative area is Central Edmonton. Dozens of cranes have temporarily imposed on the city’s skyline—a testament to Downtown’s $5 billion makeover.
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HISTORY Downtown has always been central to the life of Edmonton. From the construction of the fifth and final incarnation of the Hudson Bay Company’s Fort Edmonton on the present-day grounds of the Legislature in 1830, Downtown has been the commercial and cultural heart of the city. The Edmonton signing of Treaty 6, through which Cree peoples ceded their rights to their lands to the Crown in exchange for provisions from the government.
THE CAPITAL CITY DOWNTOWN PLAN OF 1997 PUT A RANGE OF POLICIES IN PLACE TO REVERSE THE TREND, MOST NOTABLY A STRONG EMPHASIS ON NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
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Traditionally, Downtown was home to a diverse range of land uses, from government offices to rail yards and warehouses, stately homes, apartments, and shopping on Jasper Avenue. Through the oil-driven boom of the 1960s and 1970s, however, Downtown started to become more purely an office district, as much of its historic building stock was torn down and replaced with modernist high-rise office towers. The result was that Downtown retreated as the heart of urban life; retail struggled and the streets became very quiet after office hours. The Capital City Downtown Plan of 1997 put a range of policies in place to reverse the trend, most notably a strong emphasis on new residential development which was further strengthened by the 2009 Capital City Downtown Plan.
Almost 20 years later, Downtown is experiencing a renaissance. Residential redevelopment since the late 1990s has steadily added to the neighbourhood’s population. Downtown has an impressive collection of projects currently under construction, including the new Royal Alberta Museum, new development at NorQuest College and MacEwan University, multiple residential towers, three new office towers, and new entertainment and retail developments. Much of the redevelopment is centred around the new Rogers Place arena, due to open in 2016.
Downtown’s buzz isn’t all about buildings and infrastructure though. Its restaurant scene has exploded with culinary options in recent years, and independent cafes serving up high-quality java are also proliferating. Add in theatres, music venues, the Art Gallery of Alberta, and some of Edmonton’s best-used public spaces, and you have lots of reasons to explore.
ALMOST TWENTY YEARS LATER, DOWNTOWN IS EXPERIENCING A RENAISSANCE. RESIDENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT SINCE THE LATE 1990S HAS STEADILY ADDED TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD’S POPULATION.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
DOWNTOWN HISTORY
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
City Hall is an Edmonton landmark, the home of our civic leadership and a gathering place for the community. It is easily accessible to the public and located in the heart of downtown Edmonton.
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THINGS TO DO Bookending Churchill Square at its northern and southern ends are City Hall (built in 1992 and designed by Gene Dub, a former city councillor), and the Stanley Milner Library (the main branch and currently planning a major renovation). In City Hall you can visit the “City Room” (the atrium), look at the art and exhibitions, grab a coffee or light snack at Kids in the Hall or head to the bustling indoor City Market on Saturdays in winter (October – May). If the timing’s right, you can see a show at the Francis Winspear Centre: one of Edmonton’s premiere performing arts venues, built in 1997, and home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The Citadel Theatre, located directly south of the Winspear, is a lovely place to wander, especially if the weather is cool or rainy – the gardens in the atrium are a taste of the tropics in our northern city, and you can relax with a book or a coffee listening to the sound of the indoor waterfall. For some culture or a guffaw, take in a play or check out Rapid Fire Theatre Improv: rapidfiretheatre.com citadeltheatre.com/shows
One block north of the Winspear, you will notice the silver curves of the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) – you can visit the Gallery exhibitions and peruse the gift shop. The AGA began its life as the “Edmonton Museum of Arts” in 1924, and moved to its current site in 1969. The gallery opened its new building and rebranded itself as the Art Gallery of Alberta in 2005. The new building was the winning entry of an international design competition by Los Angeles architect Randall Stout.
amphitheatre style seating. A number of public art displays and commemorative plaques can be found throughout the square. You’ll also find Tix on the Square, a box office for local events and festivals, as well as a great gift shop for “Made in Edmonton” products. Some of the Square’s festivals include the Taste of Edmonton, The Works, International Street Performers, CariWest, August Movie on the Square, and more.
No visit to Edmonton is complete without spending some time on Edmonton’s most prominent public space, Sir Winston Churchill Square. There is regular programming such as ping pong, chess, Zumba classes, and more, as well as infrastructure like umbrellas, movable street furniture, and
THE GALLERY OPENED ITS NEW BUILDING AND REBRANDED ITSELF AS THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA IN 2005. THE NEW BUILDING WAS THE WINNING ENTRY OF AN INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION BY LOS ANGELES ARCHITECT RANDALL STOUT.
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
CHURCHILL SQUARE AND JASPER AVENUE EAST
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
Downtown Edmonton’s CN Tower was Western Canada’s tallest building from 1966 to 1971, at which point it was surpassed by two other Edmonton towers. Edmonton’s tallest building today is the EPCOR Tower at 149m One of the finest and largest concert organs in North America lives in the Winspear Centre
CHURCHILL SQUARE AND JASPER AVENUE EAST Notable Architecture & Walking Tours: From the west side of the square, head south on 100 Street to 101A Avenue. On the southwest corner is Edmonton’s first office tower, the McLeod Building A (Chicago School style, built 1913-15), now converted into condos and ground floor shops. On the southeast corner in front of the Westin Hotel is the clock from Edmonton’s original Beaux-Arts post office building, unfortunately demolished in the 1970s.
McDougall Church, at the top of Bellamy Hill (foot of 101 Street, south of Jasper Avenue) was the site of the first significant building in Edmonton outside the fort – an earlier church, built in 1871. The current church dates from 1909
101A AVENUE, A SEMIPEDESTRIANIZED AREA IS KNOWN AS RICE-HOWARD WAY YOU’LL FIND GREAT SPOTS FOR A MEAL OR A DRINK HERE.
Heading west on Jasper from 100 Street, you’ll see several different vintages of Edmonton’s evolving commercial core. Telus Plaza D, a pair of clean modernist towers built in the 1960s is on the southwest corner of Jasper Avenue and 100 Street. Heading west on Jasper Avenue, the north side of the street features the former TD Bank Building E (featuring a modernist curtain wall), the two-storey former CPR Building, the converted Cambridge Lofts (with rainbow penthouse, best seen from the south side of the avenue) and the 1950s-era Empire Building.
From 100 Street, head west for a block on Jasper Avenue. At 100A Street you can take a jaunt north to 101A Avenue. This semi-pedestrianized area is known as Rice-Howard Way F. You’ll find great spots for a meal or a drink here. Continue north and on your left you will see the construction site of the Kelly-Ramsey tower G: a 25-storey office building which will incorporate facades of the original 1911-1927 buildings that suffered a fire in 2009. On the northwest corner of Jasper Avenue and 101 Street, the 1929 Bank of Commerce has been integrated with the Commerce Place retail/office complex. Between 102 and 103 Streets, you’ll see the 1951 Paramount Theatre H south side of Jasper Avenue, once the largest in Western Canada – dating from 1912), and the original 1938-39 Hudson’s Bay Company Building (now adaptively
reused for the University of Alberta’s downtown campus, called Enterprise Square I ; pop in to check out their bright central atrium). The block between 103 Street and 104 Street features a number of local shops and restaurants. On the northeast corner of 104 Street is the curve-cornered Birks Building (built 1929), with a new building on the northwest corner that mirrors its design. If you’re looking for something to do late at night, stop by Wee Book Inn (10332 Jasper Avenue), a used book shop open until 11 pm most evenings, and find something to read.
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Heading south to Jasper Avenue, you’ll see two of Edmonton’s most impressive historic buildings. On the northeast corner, the World Trade Centre B, a 1952 office building with strong Art Deco influences (originally the Imperial Bank of Canada), now houses the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. On the southeast corner, across a small park, is the Hotel Macdonald C. The hotel was built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1912-15 as one of Canada’s collection of fine railway hotels and is arguably Edmonton’s most recognizable landmark atop McDougall Hill.
The Hotel Mac (MacDonald) was designed by Montreal firm Ross and MacFarlane. They also designed the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg and the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa
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HOTEL MACDONALD WAS BUILT BY THE GRAND TRUNK PACIFIC RAILWAY IN 191215 AS ONE OF CANADA’S COLLECTION OF FINE RAILWAY HOTELS AND IS ARGUABLY EDMONTON’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE LANDMARK ATOP MCDOUGALL HILL.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Edmonton’s original downtown was along Jasper Avenue east of today’s 101 Street, and then north along 97 Street (then known as Namayo Avenue). This was because the Hudson’s Bay Company held much of the land between 101 and 121 Streets in reserve, with subdivision of the area south of Jasper not until 1881, and the remainder not until the land boom of 1912. This original downtown is now home to the Convention Centre, the arts and cultural area, and Chinatown
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Bistro Praha G 10117, 101 Street
The Three Amigos M 10247, Jasper Avenue
Great location for people watching on the square.
For old world ambience and a really good steak tartare, not to mention the fried cheese.
This Mexican hole-in-the-wall serves a variety of traditional dishes including pupusas, tamales, burritos, tacos and much more.
Tres Carnales B 10119, 100A Street Super authentic, super delicious! Be ready to wait in line at this Mexican restaurant, but the ambience, the art, and the food are totally worth it! Kids in the Hall Bistro C West wing of City Hall Support a great cause: the restaurant offers job training, life skills and outreach support for youth. The Sequel Café D 10011, 102 Avenue Mom and pop-style soup and salad shop. (Cash Only) Sherlock Holmes E 10012, 101 A Avenue A British-style pub in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a beer and some fish and chips on their cozy patio. Woodwork F 10132, 100 Street Good food, amazing drinks – let the bartender make something up for you; you will not be disappointed!
Sweet Lollapalooza H 10155, 102 Street (Lower level, Commerce Place) Take the time to pop in to this boutique chocolatier: you will always get a sample of their delicious wares, and see the process of making small batch chocolates in the workshop out back. As gorgeous as they are tasty – well worth a quick detour.
Madison’s Grill N 10053, Jasper Avenue Delicious seasonal menus in an elegant yet fun atmosphere, located in the historical Union Bank Inn. De Dutch O 10030, Jasper Avenue A Dutch pannekoek house, open for breakfast and lunch.
Pazzo Pazzo I 10016, 103 Avenue For heaping plates of tasty pasta. Craft Beer Market J 10013, 101A Avenue For…well, beer! Plus what might be the city’s best rooftop patio. Remedy K 10279, Jasper Avenue Great chai, comfy chairs, and inexpensive Indian fare. The Hat L 10251, Jasper Avenue One of Edmonton’s oldest continuously operating restaurants.
Sherlock Holmes Pub In 1985, Patrick Devaney was one of the first to bring the true British-pub atmosphere to Edmonton when he opened Sherlock Holmes Pub in West Edmonton Mall. The relaxed British pub atmosphere soon established “Sherlock’s” as one of Edmonton’s most popular gathering establishments, boasting an “authentic taste of the good old times.” Enjoy several varieties of imported and domestic beer, fine pub fare and nightly interactive entertainment.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Three Bananas Cafe A 9918, 102 Avenue
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
Built in 1955, the Federal Building features Art Deco style from the 1930s. The 10-storey Tyndall stone stone building is located at near the Alberta Legislature Building and will share the new Edmonton Centennial Plaza with the Bowker Building.
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DOWNTOWN WEST AND GOVERNMENT CENTRE THINGS TO DO LRT: Catch the LRT from Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue) and take the Century Park or Health Sciences train two stops to Corona Station, or, if you need to stretch your legs a bit more, head west on Jasper Avenue on foot instead, stopping in at one of the many cafes in the area. At 107 Street, you’ll find Audrey’s Books, Edmonton’s best independent bookshop (features lots of Edmonton and Alberta fiction and non-fiction, as well as regular readings by authors from both Edmonton and afar).
At 108 Street, journey off Jasper and head south. This is Capital Boulevard which was recently upgraded with new sidewalks and street furniture to serve as the gateway to the Alberta Legislature grounds. Given its proximity to “the Ledge” grounds, this area has many provincial government office buildings. Ride the High Level Streetcar: Catch a vintage restored streetcar on the west side of 109 Street, just south of Jasper Avenue and ride either one way or round trip to Old Strathcona across the top deck of the High Level Bridge, with spectacular views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The streetcar will drop you off just north of Whyte Avenue near the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market building. The Streetcar is a volunteer-run organization that restores and runs the streetcars seasonally (May – October), generating much enthusiastic tourist traffic: edmonton-radial-railway.ab.ca/
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
CONSTRUCTION ON THE NEW LEGISLATURE BUILDING STARTED IN 1907 AND WAS COMPLETED IN 1912. THE BUILDING WAS DESIGNED IN THE BEAUX ARTS STYLE, FEATURING A T-SHAPED FLOOR PLAN, A BUILDING ENTRANCE (PORTICO) SUPPORTED BY COLUMNS AND A LARGE DOME CROWNING THE BUILDING.
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
Edmonton was founded as a fort in 1795
Legislature Grounds The Legislature Grounds B (more commonly referred to as the “Ledge” Grounds) encompass approximately 23 hectares of parkland and historical monuments. The grounds include beautiful gardens, wading pools and fountains that are well used in the summer, and skating and light displays in the winter.
DOWNTOWN WEST AND GOVERNMENT CENTRE
The High Level Streetcar is one of the highest river crossings by streetcar in the world, and in its running years of 1913-1951, used to share the top deck of the bridge with Canadian Pacific Railways steam trains
Memorials, monuments and markers are dotted throughout the Legislature Grounds. Drop in at the Legislature Visitors Centre (located at the north end of the wading pools area) for a guide to the entire inventory.
Alberta Legislature Building
The Legislature is open 362 days a year for you to discover. For tour times, see assembly.ab.ca and look for the Visitor Information link.
Notable architecture AGT Building C (Modernist, 1958; now called the Legislature Annex): Immediately northeast of the Legislature Building, it is thought to be the first ‘curtain wall’ office building in Edmonton, it incorporates green Aklo spandrel glass and integral screens for sun control
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In 1906 the newly created Province of Alberta purchased the land in and around the old Hudson’s Bay fort for the new provincial legislature building A. Construction on the new legislature building started in 1907 and was completed in 1912. The building was designed in the beaux arts style, featuring a T-shaped floor plan, a building entrance (portico) supported by columns and a large dome crowning the building. The stone used includes granite from Vancouver Island on the first storey and sandstone from Alberta and Ohio on the upper storeys and dome.
Federal Building D (Art Deco, 1955): Based on designs from the 1930s and formerly housing federal government offices, this Tyndall stone beauty has been recently renovated for provincial government offices (yes, this is where the Sky Palace was going to be!) LRT back to Downtown: Catch the LRT from Grandin/Government Centre Station (98 Avenue & 110 Street) and take the Clareview or NAIT train back to Central Station.
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MEMORIALS, MONUMENTS AND MARKERS ARE DOTTED THROUGHOUT THE LEGISLATURE GROUNDS. DROP IN AT THE LEGISLATURE VISITORS CENTRE FOR A GUIDE TO THE ENTIRE INVENTORY.
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
CONSTRUCTION ON THE NEW LEGISLATURE BUILDING STARTED IN 1907 AND WAS COMPLETED IN 1912. THE BUILDING WAS DESIGNED IN THE BEAUX ARTS STYLE.
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Commodore A 10712, Jasper Ave
Coffee Bureau C 10505, Jasper Ave
An Edmonton institution, this little greasy spoon has been serving the city since 1942! Check out their vintage 70’s décor, friendly staff, and really good pancakes. (Cash only)
Great cuppa in a bright minimalist space.
Red Star B 10534, Jasper Ave For drinks and munchies – another local watering hole with good service and excellent food (beef carpaccio with your beer, anyone?) The Bower B 10538, Jasper Ave A cozy downtown cocktail and dance bar. MRKT B 10542, Jasper Ave What it lacks in vowels, it makes up for in flavour. Great soups and sandwiches during the day, delightful dinner at communal tables in the evening with energetic ambience. Lock Stock Café B 10534, Jasper Ave Very good coffee, excellent pastries made in house, nestled right next door to Red Star.
District Coffee D 100 - 10011, 109 St One of Edmonton’s best cups of coffee and delicious baked goods, good for a quick lunch as well. House-made salted caramels are a must! The Marc E 9940, 106 Street Named as one of the finer placesto dine in Canada, with a nice patio, to boot!
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
The Neon Sign Museum is the first free outdoor sign museum in North America
Originally built in 1911, the historic Mercer Building was nearly empty for decades before its massive restoration in 2012. Today the building is home to some of Edmonton’s most thriving businesses, cafes and shops.
e museum was an Th accident: a planner who was passing an old vintage sign that was being removed felt compelled to save it, but quickly realised he needed a ‘justification’ for the City to take, store, and save the sign
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All the signs were restored and installed for free by members of the Alberta Sign Association
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HERE YOU’LL FIND REPURPOSED WAREHOUSE BUILDINGS MIXED WITH SENSITIVELY DESIGNED NEW CONDO TOWERS. ONE OF EDMONTON’S MOST SUCCESSFUL MIXED USE AREAS.
3.0 Central Edmonton
The custom frame used to display the neon signs was built to ensure they would not pull off parts of the facade and designed so that signs just clip on and plug in
The guiding principles for the Neon Sign Museum: free, outdoors, located where it could generate other activity, become an attraction and be done in partnership
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The original idea was to put the museum in a back alley to make it an interesting pedestrian experience, but the old building it was meant to go on had a fire, forcing the City to look for a new location
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
BEAVER HILLS HOUSE PARK: THE NAME COMES FROM THE CREE WORD AMISKWASKAHEGAN, REFERRING TO EDMONTON’S PROXIMITY TO THE HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT BEAVER HILLS, LOCATED JUST EAST OF THE CITY. 104TH STREET PROMENADE
Some of the City’s historically designated buildings are located on this street: Phillips Building A, 10169 104 Street
THINGS TO DO
Birks Building B, 10113 104 Street
Walk from Churchill Square, 4 blocks west on 102 Avenue to 104 Street. Here you’ll find repurposed warehouse buildings mixed with sensitively designed new condo tower. One of Edmonton’s most successful mixed use areas, the section between Jasper Avenue and 104 Avenue is the focus of the action.
Armstrong Block C, 10125 104 Street Great West Saddlery Building D, 10137 104 Street Metals Limited Building E, 10184 104 Street McKenney Building F, 10187 104 Street Revillon Building and Annex G, 10204 104 Street Canadian Consolidated Rubber Company Warehouse (Cobogo Lofts) H, 10249 104 Street Horne and Pitfield Building I, 10301 104 Street Check out local shops like Habitat (gifts), Earth’s General Store (grocery, natural cosmetics, and health food deli), and DeVine (specialty wines and spirits), plus many food and drink options (see below). For vintage finds, you can’t do better than one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets, the Peacock Boutique thrift store (10255 - 104 Street).
In the summer, Beaver Hills House Park J (northeast corner of 105 Street and Jasper Avenue) hosts a Friday Night Market from 7 – 11pm, with live music and local artisans. The park name comes from the Cree word amiskwaskahegan, referring to Edmonton’s proximity to the historically important Beaver Hills, located just east of the city. On Saturdays from May to October, 104 Street plays host to one of Edmonton’s oldest public farmers’ markets, The City Market, between Jasper Avenue and 103 Avenue, a great place to shop and people-watch on sunny days.
104 STREET PLAYS HO ONE OF EDMONTON’S FARMERS’ MARKETS CITY MARKET
At the north end, where 104 Street meets 104 Avenue (look for the new arena taking shape at the end of the street), you’ll find Edmonton’s free outdoor Neon Sign Museum K, and the Mercer Building L, a mixed use warehouse conversion housing a café, a restaurant, a flower shop, hair studio, and Startup Edmonton – a business incubator space showcasing and fostering Edmonton’s maker culture.
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Mercer Tavern I 10363, 104 Street
an intimate 34 seat restaurant serving up traditional Italian dishes. Make reservations early, as this is arguably Edmonton’s best restaurant with a cool cozy vibe.
Drinks and nibbles in a gorgeously renovated historical building with a front row seat for the new arena.
Bar Bricco A 10347, Jasper Avenue
Great coffees, muffins, and more hipster beards than you can shake a stick at.
Corso’s more casual sister, a spuntini bar– lovely atmosphere, fantastic cured meats, cheeses, and small plates. Aim for opening time (5 pm) or wait for a table with a glass of bubbly in hand, peoplewatching in this tiny but elegant spot. The Needle B 10526, Jasper Avenue situated in Edmonton’s historic CKUA building, the Needle is a daily live music venue, serving food and drinks (anticipated opening October 2015). Blue Plate Diner C 10145, 104 Street
Transcend Mercer I 10359, 104 Street Cavern E 2 - 10169, 104 Street Head downstairs and drop in to buy some cheese, stay for the wine and cheese board! The owner has exquisite taste and is likely to make an excellent recommendation. TZiN F 10115, 104 Street Tiny room for tapas and wine right off the 104 Street promenade – apparently the bacon with apple compote is to die for! Black Pearl Seafood Bar G 10132, 104 Street Small, friendly and fresh.
Lunch and brunch joint popular with a younger downtown crowd.
Jacek Chocolate Couture H 10140, 104 Street
Dauphine Bakery D 10129, 104 Street
Some of the best (and most beautiful) chocolates you will eat anywhere.
For a coffee and great baked goods.
Rostizado I 10359, 104 Street For Mexican-style roasted beasts and spicy sides.
Mercer Tavern Located in one of Edmonton’s oldest buildings in the Warehouse District downtown, Mercer Tavern offers an inviting pub-style experience. Enjoy authentic casual cuisine that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Corso 32 A 10345, Jasper Avenue
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
Formerly built and owned by the Canadian National Railway Company, Edmonton’s CN Tower stands at 111 metres or 26 storeys tall. Its reign as Western Canada’s tallest building lasted from 1966 to 1971.
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104 AVENUE – EDMONTON ON THE RISE
THINGS TO DO At Churchill Square, grab a drink to go from Three Bananas, and take a jaunt through City Hall and north out the doors onto 103a Avenue. The land on the north side of 103a Avenue was formerly the CN Rail mainline through downtown, but since the tracks were removed in 1998, the area has been transformed. At 103a Avenue and 99 Street you can see the partially constructed Royal Alberta Museum, slated to open in 2017.
Heading west on the north side of 103a Avenue, you’ll see Edmonton’s version of the CN Tower, a 1966 modernist office building, that doubled as Edmonton’s passenger rail terminal (basement level), until VIA service shifted to a new North Side location in the 1990s. Surrounding lands have been proposed as the site of a P4 (public/ private/philanthropic partnership) project that would include an office tower, new U of A fine art buildings, performing art spaces and a covered public plaza called the Galleria. This project is currently seeking funding and would use the proceeds from office leases to create a fund to support the performance spaces and the Edmonton arts community.
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
SURROUNDING LANDS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED AS THE SITE OF A P4 (PUBLIC/PRIVATE/ PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIP) PROJECT THAT WOULD INCLUDE AN OFFICE TOWER, NEW U OF A FINE ART BUILDINGS, PERFORMING ART SPACES AND A COVERED PUBLIC PLAZA CALLED THE GALLERIA.
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In the spring of 2015, the downtown skyline had 25 cranes and counting Today, active construction sites comprise over one million square feet of land downtown Stacked floor area under construction is larger than West Edmonton Mall
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C Heading back to 104 Avenue, west of MacEwan University’s Robbins Health Building at 109 Street, you’ll see the construction site for the new Centre for Arts and Culture D, replacing a satellite arts campus currently located in Jasper Place (West End).
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If you’ve reached 109 Street and it’s Friday, Saturday or Sunday, take a break from your walk and go a block south to Mother’s Market C (10251 109 Street). This former music shop was recently transformed into a year-round, indoor farmers’ market, and features a variety of vendors and food outlets.
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Further west, past 105 Street, the north side of 104 Avenue features the campus of MacEwan University B, which was one of the first projects on the former rail lands. The campus is designed as a series of connected buildings between 105 Street and 112 Street.
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TAKE A BREAK FROM YOUR WALK AND GO A BLOCK SOUTH TO MOTHER’S MARKET. THIS FORMER MUSIC SHOP WAS RECENTLY TRANSFORMED INTO A YEAR-ROUND INDOOR FARMERS’ MARKET, AND FEATURES A VARIETY OF VENDORS AND FOOD OUTLETS.
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
THE NORTH SIDE OF 104 AVENUE FEATURES THE CAMPUS OF MACEWAN UNIVERSITY, WHICH WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PROJECTS ON THE FORMER RAIL LANDS.
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This ain’t fancy food, but the garlic sauce on this donair will cure what ails ya! Mikado Restaurant B 10350, 109 Street Sushi and Japanese food. Sofra Turkish Restaurant C 10345, 106 Street Popular spot for pitas and dips and more Turkish delights. The Parlour Italian Kitchen & Bar D 10334, 108 Street Hip, brick-lined Italian eatery specializing in pasta, customizable wood-fired pizza & many wines. Naked Cyber Cafe & Espresso Bar E 10303, 108 Street Naked Cyber Cafe late night cafe downtown with free wi-fi, internet access, computers, gaming, board games, coffee, grilled sandwiches, dessert, pastries, soup and more. Sushi Train F 10725, 104 Avenue This restaurant is the first Japanese conveyor sushi restaurant in Edmonton! Bringing you delicious sushi, sashimi, maki as well as Korean Style Chicken, full of flavour!
Marco’s Famous An Edmonton institution, this little greasy spoon has been serving the city since 1942. Check out the vintage 70’s décor, friendly staff, and really good pancakes (cash only).
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Marco’s Famous A 10371, 112 Street
30 3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
At 12 storeys tall and boasting 230 hotel rooms, The Quarters Hotel is a mixed-use building designed to establish a new identity for Edmonton’s emerging Quarters district.
31
HISTORY One of the oldest areas of the city, the Quarters, also known as Boyle Street, formed a large part of Edmonton’s original downtown, as lands further west were part of the Hudson’s Bay Reserve lands. As the HBC Reserve was sold off for development through the early 1900s, however, the centre of gravity of the downtown shifted westwards and the Quarters began a series of transitions. A home to successive waves of immigrants, Edmonton’s Chinatown first developed here. The 1980s and 1990s saw numerous demolitions as the City tried to get a handle on the social problems associated with the area’s single room occupancy hotels and boarding houses.
A HOME TO SUCCESSIVE WAVES OF IMMIGRANTS, EDMONTON’S CHINATOWN FIRST DEVELOPED HERE.
Today, the Quarters is a mix of early 20th century buildings, surface parking lots (a legacy of the demolitions) and emerging redevelopment. Recent investments in community infrastructure and supportive housing are encouraging private reinvestment, and the coming of the Valley Line LRT will likely spur more. But for all the benefits of renewal, the Quarters neighbourhood is also Edmonton’s most reflective of the challenges of gentrification.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
THE QUARTERS
32 3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The City of Edmonton is investing $56 million in infrastructure upgrades and new construction
THE QUARTERS THINGS TO DO WALK From Churchill Square, head east on 102 Avenue to the east side of 97 Street. The Harbin Gate A is located here, given to Edmonton from our sister winter city, Harbin, China. The gate is the entrance to the area known as Chinatown South, which represents the first of the two settlement areas for the Chinese community in Edmonton. Travelling east along 102 Avenue toward 96 Street, there are several Chinese restaurants and markets, as well as a Chinese Church, the Chinese Multicultural Centre B and Library, and a Chinese seniors care facility. You might notice several sites in this area are vacant or under construction. This area of the Boyle Street neighbourhood is now known as The Quarters, part of a transformational redevelopment project led by the City of Edmonton beginning in the mid-2000s. A new hotel C is now under construction at 102 Avenue and 96 Street. 96 Street itself will be pedestrianized, and will become known as the Armature – a connecting feature between the neighbourhood and the edge of the river valley to the south. Heading further east to 95 Street, you will come to a five-point intersection D where Jasper Avenue, 95 Street and 102 Avenue meet, known as The “Five Corners.”
Further along Jasper one block east is the former Alex Taylor School E. For a nice view of the river valley, continue walking east on Jasper a few more blocks to about 84 Street. Alternatively, from the “Five Corners,” walk west along Jasper Avenue. You might notice a small art deco building on the south side of the street – this is the 1913 Graphic Arts building F (9523 Jasper Avenue), which now houses a well-curated shop of Edmonton art and vintage finds called Local Gifts (localgifts.ca for hours). Further west, you’ll notice the dome of St. Barbara Russian Orthodox Cathedral G. This is the most southerly church on Church Street (96 Street) which continues north through the Boyle Street and McCauley neighbourhoods for 11 blocks northward. Further west along the north side of Jasper, you’ll pass the Flatiron Building, and the Ernest Brown Block, under construction for the new Ukrainian Museum of Alberta. West of that is the historic Jasper House Hotel, a replica of which is found at Fort Edmonton Park on its “1885 Street,” and the heritage building housing the Hardware Grill restaurant H. This section of Jasper Avenue was the original downtown of Edmonton in the pre-1900 era.
Head back north on 97 Street, past the Harbin Gate again, and continue north. You’ll pass arts and event venue Bohemia, a Ukrainian store– you can buy your Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg) supplies here–and Brittany’s Lounge I (a dive bar, featuring shadow dancing – for an adventurous night out!), as well as the Drawing Room J (an art exhibition/maker space for several local Edmonton artists, designers, and craftspeople). Further down across from the Law Courts, you might notice a red building, restored to its early 1900s glory (now a law office). The white and blue building across 103 Avenue was the Great Western Garment factory K, a major early employer in Edmonton, and later the downtown store of Army and Navy. At 103A Avenue, turn east and head past several government buildings, including the Brownlee Building (provincial government), Edmonton Police headquarters, and Fire Rescue headquarters. At 9538 103A Avenue, you’ll come to the new Boyle Street Community League hall, also featuring space for YMCA, and a large public plaza for gathering and
YOU MIGHT NOTICE A SMALL ART DECO BUILDING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE STREET – THIS IS THE 1913 GRAPHIC ARTS BUILDING (9523 JASPER AVENUE), WHICH NOW HOUSES A WELL-CURATED SHOP OF EDMONTON ART AND VINTAGE FINDS... winter skating. Several Edmonton pop-up markets and festivals happen here through the year. On the other end of the plaza is the YMCA Melcor Village L, a newer non-market housing building. At the corner of 103A Avenue and 95 Street you’ll see a community garden featuring a “Before I Die” wall (beforeidie.cc), part of an international movement in public spaces.
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3.0 Central Edmonton
AT THE CORNER OF 103A AVENUE AND 95 STREET YOU’LL SEE A COMMUNITY GARDEN FEATURING A “BEFORE I DIE” WALL PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT IN PUBLIC SPACES.
34 3.0 Central Edmonton
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
THINGS TO EAT THE QUARTERS
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One of Edmonton’s most celebrated fine dining establishments. Trang Tien Vietnamese B 9449, Jasper Avenue Simple décor, excellent satay soup, friendly family service. Syphay Thai and Lao Cuisine B 9441, Jasper Avenue Good, flavourful food. Early Bird Café C 10221, 97 Street A classic greasy spoon diner. Oil Lamp D 10247, 97 Street Tasty Greek food.
Hardware Grill Established in 1996, Hardware Grill is an A-list dining spot in Canada—and a glorious setting for Chef/Owner Larry Stewart’s progressive Canadian cuisine. Experience French-influenced prairie regional flavours, dramatic presentation, enthralling design and impeccable service at this local favourite.
3.0 Central Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Hardware Grill A 9698, Jasper Avenue
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INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY
PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
NORTH EDMONTON
2 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
EDMONTON’S NORTH SIDE HAS NO SHORTAGE OF RICH HISTORY, UNIQUE CHARACTER AND DIVERSE CULTURE.
3
Between 107 Ave and 110 Ave is the heart of Edmonton’s Italian community. A stroll through the Italian Centre transports you straight to a Tuscan market—complete with the smells of espresso, bread and other delicacies.
Further north, you’ll discover Alberta Avenue—a unique area that’s seen its share of challenges. In 2004, a City-supported revitalization effort focused on community safety and attracting reinvestment. Today Alberta Avenue is a happier place—new businesses are popping up and the art scene is burgeoning. Festivals, new houses and streetscaping also help the area thrive. As you peruse this book, get to know more of Edmonton’s northerly neighbourhoods including Highlands, Packingtown, Griesbach and Old Towne Beverly.
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
NORTH EDMONTON
Edmonton’s north side has no shortage of rich history, unique character and diverse culture. The McCauley District enables visitors to see and taste the world right in Edmonton—especially in Chinatown and Little Italy. More than 250 businesses make up the city’s multicultural quarter featuring ethnic specialties from Africa, Asia, Middle-East and Europe. Similar to Europe, the area boasts a lot of churches—so many that 96 street adopted the name Church Street. In fact, Ripley’s Believe It or Not once cited Church Street as having the largest concentration of churches in the world. That’s what happens with 19 different faiths worshipping in the area.
4 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED AT THE TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY, MCCAULEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HOME TO WAVES OF WORKING CLASS IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES.
St. Josaphat Cathedral is a Ukrainian Catholic cathedral in Edmonton’s McCauley neighbourhood. Build in 1948 and occupying 18 city lots, it’s one of the best examples of Byzantine Rite church architecture in Canada.
5
The McCauley neighbourhood, home to Edmonton’s Little Italy and the majority of its Chinatown, is a dynamic mix of cultures. Originally developed at the turn of the 20th century, McCauley has always been a home to waves of working class immigrant communities attracted to affordable housing and proximity to business and employment opportunities. Anchored by Spinelli’s Italian Centre Shop, (an independent grocery and café that has become an Edmonton institution) 95 street is the heart of Little Italy: a collection of diverse Italian-run restaurants and shops. Church Street (96 Street), is home to Edmonton’s densest concentration of houses of worship. Add in 97 Street, the heart of Chinatown, and you get a very distinct and dynamic district well worth exploring. To the northeast is also Commonwealth Stadium, home of the Eskimos, and the impressive new Commonwealth Recreation Centre.
4.0 North Edmonton
HISTORY
Planners Guide to Edmonton
CHINATOWN / LITTLE ITALY
6 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The café at the Italian Centre Shop on 95 Street was the first place to serve lattes and cappuccinos in Edmonton – in the 1950s
96 Street (Church Street):
CHINATOWN / LITTLE ITALY THINGS TO DO 97 Street (Chinatown North): Head north from Churchill Square, through City Hall to 104 Avenue, then east two blocks to 97 Street. Turn north and under the old rail overpass, and along 97 Street. This area is the newer part of Edmonton’s Chinatown, which evolved as Chinese businesses moved into some of the structures of Edmonton’s original downtown, after the commercial core moved to west of Jasper Avenue and 100 Street. There are many great Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurants, bakeries, shops, and gift boutiques in the stretch of 97 Street from 105 to 108 Avenue. Chinatown also extends west of here with some shops and businesses on side streets towards 101 Street. Lucky 97 Supermarket (10725 - 97 Street) is the area’s main grocery, carrying a variety of Chinese and other products. Look out for the statue of Buddha A and the Gate of Happy Arrival B close by.
The 96 Street area, commonly referred to as Church Street C, is a distinct urban corridor in Edmonton. Church Street is unique in that it contains a significant collection of religious buildings within a six-block strip (105 Avenue to 111 Avenue), as well as other religious facilities in the surrounding vicinity. The churches represent a broad range of denominations and architectural styles from different periods (early 1900s to 1970s). There are also residential properties and some small commercial units in-between, which contribute to the street’s character.
McCauley’s Giovanni Caboto Park was one of Edmonton’s first playgrounds. It was established as Patricia Square, the first “Gyro Park” in Edmonton in 1922 by the Gyro Club of Edmonton. In the 1920s, the Gyro Club held annual carnivals to help collect funds for playground equipment
A recent Heritage Study of McCauley identified Church Street as an area worthy of heritage recognition. Work is underway to revitalize and promote the street, including providing improved heritage interpretation. More info: friendsofchurchstreet.com or on Twitter: @ChurchStreet96
95 Street (Little Italy):
CHURCH STREET IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT CONTAINS A SIGNIFICANT COLLECTION OF RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS WITHIN A SIX-BLOCK STRIP
The section of McCauley along 95 Street between 107 Ave and 110 Ave is the heart of Edmonton’s Italian community D. The concentration of Italian businesses dates from the 1950s when a large population of Italian immigrants arrived in Edmonton. Frank Spinelli, founder of Italian Centre Shop E (italiancentre.ca – now 4 locations in Edmonton and Calgary), acquired a small storefront at 95 St & 108 Ave in 1959. In the decades since, the Italian character of the area has been enhanced, including renaming the former Patricia Square to Giovanni Caboto Park F.
Pick up a sandwich from Italian Centre and have a picnic beside the fountain in Giovanni Caboto Park. Look for the statue of Italian Centre founder, Frank Spinelli Have a delicious coffee and a browse for plants and gifts in Zocalo G Browse the Italian Centre’s amazing selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pastas, and olives
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Church Street & Little Italy Catch ETS bus 5 COLISEUM on Jasper Avenue (south side of road) west of 100 Street. Ride the bus approx. 10 minutes along Jasper Avenue and north on 95 Street to 108 Avenue. For the return trip, catch 5 WESTMOUNT on west side of 95 Street Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre: LRT from Churchill Station
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A RECENT HERITAGE STUDY OF MCCAULEY IDENTIFIED CHURCH STREET AS AN AREA WORTHY OF HERITAGE RECOGNITION. WORK IS UNDERWAY TO REVITALIZE AND PROMOTE THE STREET, INCLUDING PROVIDING IMPROVED HERITAGE INTERPRETATION.
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Chinatown
8 4.0 North Edmonton
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Spinelli’s Bar Italia E 10878, 95 Street
Fantastic Thai.
For some authentic ambience and a nice cup of espresso.
Pagolac B 10566, 97 Street One of Edmonton’s most venerable Vietnamese restaurants – good solid food; very reasonable prices.
Sorrentino’s F 10844, 95 Street Started in Edmonton in 1979, and still offering excellent Italian food.
Nhon Hoa Sandwich Shop C 10622, 97 Street
Viphalay G 10724, 95 Street
Stop by for a quick, affordable, fresh, delicious Vietnamese subs in this tiny family-run shop.
Some of the city’s best Thai food hidden in an uninspired strip mall south of Little Italy.
Hong Kong Bakery D 10649, 97 Street For sweets and treats – their cocktail buns are delish!
Sorrentino’s Sorrentino’s started off as Sorrento when it opened in the Castle Downs area in 1979. Very few financial resources made the early years difficult. But through hard work, perseverance and personal sacrifice, the business survived—and then thrived. In 1986, the first Sorrentino’s opened and is still in operation as one of five Sorrentino’s restaurants.
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Boualouang Thai and Laos A 10569, 97 Street
10 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Norwood School is one of Edmonton’s early brick schools designed in the Classical Revival Style. When it opened in 1909, the school was considered very modern with indoor toilets, drinking fountains and green lithoplate black boards.
11
HISTORY Alberta Avenue is a unique and dynamic area at the northern edge of the core. After struggling with social challenges such as drugs and prostitution in the 1990s and early 2000s, the residents of eight neighbourhoods bordering Alberta Avenue began a community-led, City-supported revitalization effort in 2004. The Avenue Initiative focused on improving community safety, organizing community events, and attracting reinvestment through collaborative efforts. A revitalization success story, today Alberta Avenue has a new sense of optimism, with new businesses opening, a burgeoning artists’ community, a variety of festivals throughout the year, and new housing, supported by City infrastructure investments such as the recently completed streetscaping.
Get an early start on a Saturday, and head to one of two Portuguese bakeries on the Avenue for some fresh bread or take-away pastries (before they sell out!), then grab a coffee and meet some community members or Arts on the Avenue folks at The Carrot coffeehouse. Afterwards, stroll down the Avenue and visit one of many shops (Bedouin Beats for belly dance/tribal dance clothing and supplies), Polar Health and Wellness (local health food and new age products), or one of a number of ethnic food stores - Paraiso Tropical is a favourite for Latin products (PiĂąatas!), groceries and take-out food. Check out the latest art exhibits at Bleeding Heart, or the Stollery Gallery (in the Nina Haggerty Arts Building). Or get a later start, and head to Passion de France for a light lunch, tasty French pastries, and an espresso drink or real hot chocolate. Take a walk in Eastwood Park, and stop in to check out the latest finds at Bissell Thrift Shoppe or Wee Book Inn (used bookshop).
4.0 North Edmonton
THINGS TO DO
Planners Guide to Edmonton
ALBERTA AVENUE
12 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The Maple Leaf Athletic Club had its own outdoor rink on 118 Avenue between 96 and 97 Streets in the 1930s. Like its much larger counterpart in Toronto, it was called “Maple Leaf Gardens”
NUMEROUS FAMILY RUN AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED SPOTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE HEART OF ALBERTA AVENUE COMMUNITY
ALBERTA AVENUE THINGS TO DO What about a date night? You could start with a dinner at El Rancho (Spanish/Salvadoran) and then a drive-in movie. On several different weekend nights in early summer (May) and late fall (Sept/Oct), the parking lot of Alberta Avenue Community Hall A turns into a drive-in movie theatre, featuring retro cartoons, retro snacks, and family-friendly movies projected on the nearby warehouse wall. The movie nights are free, with donations accepted. Numerous family run and community-focused spots can be found in the heart of the Alberta Avenue community, along 118 Avenue between 94 Street and 86 Street. Take an afternoon to explore them. Here are some highlights: The Carrot B: volunteer-run community coffee house featuring live music, poetry and performances; the best place to chat with folks about happenings along the Avenue; headquarters for Arts On The Avenue, the organization that drives most of Alberta Avenue’s festivals (9351, 118 Avenue, artsontheave.org/thecarrot, twitter: @thecarrot118)
Nina Haggerty Centre C for the Arts and Stollery Gallery: this arts hub on the Avenue is a combination studio space for artists with developmental disabilities, gallery space, and affordable artists’ housing (9225, 118 Avenue, thenina.ca, twitter: @ninahaggertyart) Bedouin Beats D: Edmonton’s belly dance and tribal dance headquarters featuring classes, studio space, and costumes/ accessories (11805, 94 Street) Paraiso Tropical Market E: A family-run Latin food store also featuring take-out meals; open since 1991 (9136, 118 Avenue, paraisotropical.ca) Polar Bear Health and Water F: family run shop open since 1947, selling giftware, new age products, health foods, and related items (9342, 118 Avenue, polarbearhealth.com) Myhre’s Music G: specializes in acoustic instruments; family-run business on the Avenue since 1967 (8735, 118 Avenue, myhresmusic.com) For more info on the Ave (including festivals and events) visit: artsontheave.org (Twitter: @artsontheave), albertaave.org, and alberta-avenue.com
A lberta Avenue is home to many festivals. Most are centred at the Nina Haggerty Arts Centre, Carrot Coffeehouse and Alberta Avenue Community League Hall and Park: Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival (2nd weekend in January): featuring francophone and Ukrainian winter music and food, snow and ice sculptures, winter artistic displays, music/dance/ artistic performances, an outdoor activity park for kids, and wintertime fireworks display Skirts Afire (March): focusing on women in the arts (visual, music, performance, etc.) Kaleido Family Arts Festival (2nd weekend in September): the biggest, brightest and boldest Avenue festival will put a smile on your face. Art – in all forms – takes to the streets, buildings, alleys, rooftops of 118th and every place in between. Everything from trombones to Baroque music, from clowns to adult improv, from lamppost art installations to Aboriginal hip-hop! Yule Avenue (mid December): Christmas/ holiday themed, featuring kids crafts at the Nina Haggerty arts centre, sleigh rides, and live theatre at the Community Hall
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C atch ETS bus 5 COLISEUM on Jasper Avenue (south side of road) west of 100 Street. Ride the bus approx. 15 minutes east along Jasper Avenue and north on 95 Street, until the bus turns east on 118 Avenue. Get off the bus and walk east towards 94 Street
To Downtown Catch ETS bus 5 WESTMOUNT on the north side of 118 Avenue. (Or if you’ve walked far enough east to around 82 Street, walk a few blocks more along 118 Avenue to 78 Street where you’ll find the Coliseum LRT station. Here, catch the CENTURY PARK train back downtown to Central Station)
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4.0 North Edmonton
To Alberta Ave
Planners Guide to Edmonton
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4.0 North Edmonton Planners Guide to Edmonton
THINGS TO EAT ALBERTA AVENUE
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Small and friendly Salvadoran/ Spanish; vegetarian friendly. Lan’s Asian Grill B 11826, 103 Street Asian Fusion, affordable, take out; vegetarian friendly. Sloppy Hoggs Roed Hus C 9563, 118 Avenue
Handy Bakery D 8660, 118 Avenue
Generous portions of southern style BBQ.
Family-run Portuguese bakery and café. Popular Bakery E 9307, 118 Avenue Another Portuguese bakery and café in the heart of Alberta Avenue. Passion de France F 11812, 86 Street Small French patisserie, good lunch spot with very reasonable prices. Busy on Saturdays. Battista’s Calzone G 11745, 84 Street Best calzones in Edmonton: eat in and take out to make at home. Closed evenings and Sundays.
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Battista’s Calzone Located on Alberta Avenue (118 Ave.), Battista’s Calzone wowed Edmontonians with its handmade from-scratch calzones when it opened in October 2010. Today Battista’s Calzone Company is proud to be Edmonton’s original calzone shop, and still makes each calzone from scratch—just like the old country.
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
El Rancho A 11810, 87 Street
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16 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
In 2012 Highlands was ranked as one of Canada’s top ten neighbourhoods of old homes by the magazine ‘This Old House’
HIGHLANDS CONTINUES TO BE AN ATTRACTIVE MATURE NEIGHBOURHOOD WITH ITS OWN SMALL SHOPPING DISTRICT ON 112 AVENUE. CONCORDIA COLLEGE AND BORDEN PARK OFFER OTHER NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST TO EXPLORE.
The neighbourhood was named by a public contest. The prize was $50
Notable past residents include Marshall McLuhan, recipient of numerous awards and appointments. and a pioneer of media theory. Another past resident is David Cheriton, a computer scientist and early Google investor
The Highlands Branch Library in Edmonton has been serving customers in the Highlands, Montrose and Bellevue communities since 1962. Designed by Marshall Tittemore Architects, the new building represents an open and accessible new creative centre for learning.
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HISTORY Edmonton’s eastside upper class subdivision, Highlands was named by contest and developed by William Magrath, an ambitious landowner who marketed it as Edmonton’s most exclusive community. Served by streetcar and with spectacular views over the North Saskatchewan River Valley, Highlands developed quickly, with homes in a variety of styles including Magrath’s own mansion. Highlands continues to be an attractive mature neighbourhood with its own small shopping district on 112 Avenue. Concordia College and Borden Park offer other nearby places of interest to explore.
4.0 North Edmonton
HIGHLANDS WAS NAMED BY CONTEST AND DEVELOPED BY WILLIAM MAGRATH
Planners Guide to Edmonton
HIGHLANDS
18 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
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This corner of 118 Avenue and 66 Street features a number of shops that were built up along the original streetcar line to this area. A bank, drug store, post office, and barber shop remain. Walk south along 66 Street into the Highlands neighbourhood. A huge variety of housing styles and ages can be found here, mostly dating from before the 1950s, and some as old as 1910. Many houses feature signs arranged by the Highlands Historical Society (edmontonhighlands.ca) showing the construction year, and name and occupation of the home’s original owners.
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Mandolin Books and Coffee Co. for a drink, a pastry and to browse their excellent collection of used books. On summer Thursday evenings, the parking lot beside the Highlands Mural becomes the Highlands Farmers Market (check out highlands112avenue.com for more on the local shops and the market).
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A HUGE VARIETY OF HOUSING STYLES AND AGES CAN BE FOUND HERE, MOSTLY DATING FROM BEFORE THE 1950S, AND SOME AS OLD AS 1910.
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At 112 Avenue, head east to a small commercial strip, which was the original shopping district of Highlands A. More historical plaques here will identify the original purposes of these commercial buildings. Today, there are gift shops, restaurants, a bed and breakfast, a book store/ coffee shop, and an antique store. Spend some time browsing around, and be sure to head into
From here, head further south on 64 Street to check out more homes and the great views of the river valley along Ada Boulevard (don’t miss the Magrath Mansion B, built in 1912 by Highlands developer William Magrath, 6240 Ada Blvd). Head back north on 62 Street, crossing over 112 Avenue again, and then continue past Highlands Park C, community league hall D, and the impressive Highlands Junior High School E.
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To Downtown
Go to the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue) and catch the CLAREVIEW train. Ride for about 10 minutes to Coliseum Station. At Coliseum, go to the bus loop and catch ETS bus 8 ABBOTTSFIELD. Ride eastward 10 blocks (5-10 minutes) along 118 Avenue to 66 Street (total one-way trip is approx. 30 minutes)
Head back to the LRT on ETS bus 8 MILL WOODS (catch it on the north side of 118 Avenue). At Coliseum, get off and ride the LRT back to Central Station (direction CENTURY PARK)
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La Boheme F 6427, 112 Avenue Located in the historical Gibbard 118 Block, fine French dining. They also serve a great Sunday brunch.
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4.0 North Edmonton
To Highlands
Planners Guide to Edmonton
20 4.0 North Edmonton
From Downtown C atch ETS bus 9 EAUX CLAIRES on 101 Street (east side of road) between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue. Get off at Northgate Transit Centre (137 Ave) and walk west across 97 Street (travel time approx. 45 min.)
Completed in 2005, these 50 townhomes in north Edmonton’s Village at Griesbach were built in three phases and pushed the boundaries on modern interior design and layout.
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Tree-lined axial roadways focus on a central park with community gardens and trails on a man-made hill B. A waterway system C is accompanied by paths integrated into the overall green system and adjacent neighbourhoods. This combined with traffic calming, plazas for
THE 620-ACRE FORMER CANADIAN FORCES BASE, DESIGNED FOR 13,000 PEOPLE celebrations, an extensive heritage interpretation program, public art, and the dispersal of parks makes it very people friendly. Saving and relocating existing vegetation creates the feel of an established community—dramatic Amur Maple hedgerows and ornamental trees in Sanctuary Wood. Plans are to integrate evergreen rows into “green streets.” Primarily a modified grid, roads wiggle to save trees.
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Griesbach is an excellent example of how an innovative plan can be turned into a great neighbourhood through a community building process. The 620-acre former Canadian Forces Base, designed for 13,000 people, is now about half built. Given its context, it’s primarily residential, but includes a village centre now under development and a proposed transit-oriented mixed use centre A. Griesbach demonstrates urban design success at many levels, creating a new community unlike anything else in suburban Edmonton. It raises the bar for quality of the public realm. Griesbach’s guidelines and mixed zoning promote diversity, with an eclectic mix of housing forms and styles from garage suites to apartments; homes for families, seniors, and a veterans centre.
Planners Guide to Edmonton
GRIESBACH
22 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
THE VILLAGE OF NORTH EDMONTON (INCORPORATED 1910) WAS MARKETED AS THE “INDUSTRIAL CENTRE OF GREATER EDMONTON.” VESTIGES OF THIS SETTLEMENT CAN BE FOUND TODAY ALONG CAPITAL LINE LRT AROUND BELVEDERE STATION.
The Transit Hotel opened in 1908, strategically placed as a first stop for travelers between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan. Little remains of the hotel’s original interior and exterior—aside from the front façade, which was restored to its original boomtown architecture.
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In the early years of the 20th century, Edmonton was an important regional agricultural centre. To keep undesirable uses such as cattle yards, slaughterhouses, and packing plants away from the growing commercial and residential core of the city (what’s now Downtown), and taking advantage of good rail connections running northeast from the city’s core, many of these uses clustered at what is now Wayne Gretzky Drive and Yellowhead Trail. At one time, the stockyard here was second in size only to Chicago’s great Union Stock Yards. A working class residential community, complete with a small main street (along the old “Fort Road” stagecoach route between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan), schools, parks, and community buildings grew just upwind (west) of the industrial cluster. The Village of North Edmonton (incorporated 1910) was marketed as the “Industrial Centre of Greater Edmonton”. Vestiges of
this settlement can be found today along Capital Line LRT around Belvedere Station. Riders will notice a lonely brick chimney stack to the west of the LRT tracks as they are passing between Coliseum and Belvedere stations. This is the remains of the largest of the packing plants in the area, Canada Packers (1936-1995).
4.0 North Edmonton
HISTORY
Planners Guide to Edmonton
PACKINGTOWN (OLD FORT ROAD)
24 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
From Downtown G o the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue). Ride the CLAREVIEW train to Belvedere Station (travel time approx. 20 minutes)
Or catch ETS bus 2 CLAREVIEW on Jasper Avenue (south side of road) between 100 and 101 Streets and ride east along Jasper Ave, north to Stadium station, and continue east to 112 Avenue, along the south edge of the park, or catch the CLAREVIEW train at Central LRT Station, get off at Stadium Station and walk east along 112 Avenue about 5 blocks (travel time approx. 20-30 minutes)
PACKINGTOWN (OLD FORT ROAD) Getting off at Belvedere station A, if you head south along Fort Road you will see the infrastructure and land assembly of the Station Pointe transit-oriented development (east side of Fort Road) contrasting a small strip of commercial buildings on the west side (the remains of main street B, including the original town hall, post office, early cafés and shops, and the historic Transit Hotel). Heading west along 129 Avenue
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into what is now the residential neighbourhood of Balwin, you will find remainders of the original village, including many pre-WWII houses, the school (now repurposed as a seniors home), the St. Francis C of Assisi seminary, church, and school buildings, and Hungarian Hall D. Many of the area’s first residents were Eastern European immigrants.
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YOU WILL FIND REMAINDERS OF THE ORIGINAL VILLAGE, INCLUDING MANY PRE-WWII HOUSES, THE SCHOOL (NOW REPURPOSED AS A SENIORS HOME), THE ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SEMINARY, CHURCH, AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND HUNGARIAN HALL.
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4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
MANY OF THE AREA’S FIRST RESIDENTS WERE EASTERN EUROPEAN IMMIGRANTS.
26 4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
From Downtown G o the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue). Ride the CLAREVIEW train to Belvedere Station (travel time approx. 20 minutes)
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THE PARK IS UNDERGOING A SIGNIFICANT REVITALIZATION, WHICH INCLUDES NEW PICNIC SITES, OPEN AREAS, PLAYGROUND, TRAILS, TENNIS COURTS, SPORTS FIELDS, BALL DIAMONDS, FLOWER GARDENS, PUBLIC ART WORKS AND A PAVILION.
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Borden Park isn’t new to Edmonton— it’s been around for 100 years. Its recent revitalization includes a unique pavilion clad with triangulated, highly reflective glass panels, effectively dissolving into its surroundings.
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Located in the community of Virginia Park along 112 Avenue, Borden Park has over 100 years of history and has been home to a zoo, amusement park and public swimming pools. Today the park is undergoing a significant revitalization which includes new picnic sites, open areas, playground, trails, tennis courts, sports fields, ball diamonds, flower gardens, public art works and a pavilion A with spectacular washroom facilities (really, the bathrooms are not to be missed!). The outdoor pool B is currently under renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2017.
The Borden Art Park is one of the park’s newest additions. There are two permanent installations: Vaulted Willow C a multicoloured interactive sculpture by Marc Fornes and THEVERYMANY; and Gigi D, a large abstract sculpture by Louis Munan et al, carved from three tons of concrete. The remaining sculptures are part of a new public program providing transitory or temporary art that encourages casual encounters with art in a public setting.
SCULPTURES ARE PART OF A NEW PUBLIC PROGRAM PROVIDING TRANSITORY OR TEMPORARY ART THAT ENCOURAGES CASUAL ENCOUNTERS WITH ART
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
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BORDEN PARK
28 4.0 North Edmonton
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AS A WORKING CLASS TOWN, THE AREA GREW AND BECAME A MAIN SUPPLIER OF COAL FOR THE EDMONTON AREA PROVIDING FUEL TO HEAT HOMES AND BUSINESSES.
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
o to the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue) G and ride the CLAREVIEW train to Coliseum Station. At the bus loop, transfer to ETS bus route 8 ABBOTSFIELD. Get off the bus at 118 Avenue and 40 Street (travel time approx. 35 minutes)
HISTORY The area along 118 Avenue east of 50 Street was until 1962 separate from Edmonton as the Town of Beverly (incorporated in 1914). The area was first settled due to inexpensive land, proximity to the river and to the coal seams found near the surface throughout the area, which resulted in a number of coal mines being opened. As a working class town, the area grew and became a main supplier of coal for the Edmonton area providing fuel to heat homes and businesses. With the economic decline of the Great Depression, however, the town suffered and with a third of the town’s population on government assistance, the town itself was declared bankrupt. Periods of boom and decline followed, with a new bridge improving access and commercial opportunities, and the opening of Yellowhead Trail to the north in the 1970s pulling traffic away again.
This unique house overlooking the river valley articulates its owner’s passion for sustainable design. The house is a blend of modern technology and passive strategies. With solar panels that draw light and heat, it even functions without a gas line—an anomaly in Alberta.
The area’s commercial businesses have been staging a slow turnaround helped by the establishment of the Old Towne Beverly Business Association and Beverly Towne Community Development Society. In 2014, Beverly celebrated its centenary. Beverly is known for having the oldest town cenotaph A in Alberta (118 Avenue and 40 Street), which hosts an annual community Remembrance Day ceremony. A few blocks off the main drag (120 Avenue and 42 Street) is Jubilee Park B, which was built to commemorate Alberta’s Jubilee in 1955 on the former entrance to the Beverly Coal Mine. More information: Beverly Towne Community Development Society (beverlytowne.com) or Olde Towne Beverly Historical Society (beverlyhistory.ca)
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
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OLD TOWNE BEVERLY
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Closed Sundays – great local bakery that also supplies grocery stores; also Italian grocery products; small seating area. A Yah Mi Deh B 4435, 118 Avenue Jamaican eatery: jerk chicken and patties. Take 5 C 11801, 48 Street Classic, independent coffee and donut shop. Uncle Ed’s Restaurant & Mundare Sausage House D 4824, 118 Avenue Ukrainian fare and local outlet for famous sausages from Mundare, Alberta.
Uncle Ed’s Restaurant & Mundare Sausage House Stawnichy’s is a family owned and operated Ukrainian food company and has been operating for over half a century. Their specialty is their world famous sausage, however their product list includes over 80 uniquely prepared meat and Ukrainian food products.
4.0 North Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Italian Bakery A 4118, 118 Avenue
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INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY
PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
SOUTH EDMONTON
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5.0 South Edmonton Planners Guide to Edmonton
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It’s no surprise that Whyte Avenue is one of the city’s most frequented student spots—the University of Alberta campus is a close neighbour. The University of Alberta/Garneau area has housed many notable Edmonton residents such as Alberta’s first premier, Alexander Rutherford.
East of Whyte Avenue lies Edmonton’s French quarter, Bonnie Doon. Sample some French Canadian culture at la Cite Francophone—a multiuse centre with a cafe, performance spaces and French bookstore. After that, walk across the street to Campus St. Jean—the University of Alberta’s French-language campus. There’s a lot to see and do in Edmonton’s south side, and this book will ensure you don’t miss a spot.
5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
SOUTH EDMONTON
Welcome to South Edmonton—gateway to the City for the majority of the world. Shortly after entering the city’s south on Gateway Boulevard, you’ll find yourself in Old Strathcona. Once a railway depot, the Town of Strathcona was in constant competition with its neighbour to the north, Edmonton—that is until the cities finally amalgamated in in 1912. Today the historic neighbourhood houses Whyte Avenue—a hip and eclectic shopping and entertainment district. It’s also home to Edmonton’s largest farmers market and North America’s largest Fringe Festival.
4 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The Strathcona Public Building or South Edmonton Post Office is an historic building in the Old Strathcona Heritage District. The building—designed in an Edwardian Classic Free style—was constructed between 1911 and 1913 as Strathcona was being merged with Edmonton.
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HISTORY Strathcona began its life as a railway depot when the Calgary and Edmonton Railway arrived in 1894. The railway sold lands for commercial and residential development and Edmonton’s southern competitor, the Town of Strathcona, was born. The two settlements competed vigorously for growth, but Edmonton had the upper hand and the two communities voted to amalgamate in 1912. That early growth, particularly on Whyte Avenue, established a historic character for the neighbourhood that was formally established in 2005 when the Province declared a two-block core of Whyte Avenue to be a Provincial Historic District. Today, Strathcona is home to North
America’s largest Fringe Festival, Edmonton’s largest farmer’s market, a diverse collection of shops and places to eat, and Edmonton’s densest concentration of bars and nightlife. On sunny summer days, it often feels like all of Edmonton converges on the neighbourhood to people watch, eat ice cream and browse the shops.
5.0 South Edmonton
OLD STRATHCONA /WHYTE AVENUE
Planners Guide to Edmonton
EARLY GROWTH, PARTICULARLY ON WHYTE AVENUE, ESTABLISHED AN HISTORIC CHARACTER FOR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. IN 2005 THE PROVINCE DECLARED A TWOBLOCK CORE OF WHYTE AVENUE A PROVINCE HISTORIC DISTRICT.
6 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Edmonton’s International Fringe Festival is the largest of its kind in North America and the second largest in the world after the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Notable meanders off and around Whyte include: Grabbing a coffee and taking a leisurely walk along Saskatchewan Drive with view of the river, with its postcard views of the Edmonton skyline at the Laurence Decore Lookout H (Saskatchewan Drive at 106 Street) Head east across the old tracks (east of Gateway Boulevard), and visit West Ritchie I, an eclectic area of shops and restaurants on the east end of Whyte and in the streets immediately south
OLD STRATHCONA / WHYTE AVENUE THINGS TO DO
Heading south to browse for antique and vintage finds at the Old Strathcona Antique Mall J (10323, 78 Avenue)
Wander along Whyte Avenue from 109 Street to 99 Street – plenty of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants to check out along the way. This is but a smattering of what’s out there:
Catching the Edmonton Radial Railway Society’s historic streetcar K between Old Strathcona, behind the Bus Barns (10330, 84 Avenue) and riding all the way to Garneau, Grandin, or Oliver
Grab a gelato from Block 1912 A (10361, Whyte Ave) and chill out in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre (Gazebo) Park B Dance the afternoon away at the Saturday Blues Jam at Blues on Whyte C in the Commercial Hotel (10329, Whyte Ave) Look for local Edmonton prints and vintage maps at Vivid Print D (10342, 82 Avenue) Catch a movie at Princess Theatre E (10337, 82 Avenue) People watch with a pint in hand from the Black Dog F (10425, 82 Avenue) rooftop patio Shop for vintage kitsch at the Junque Cellar G (10442, Whyte Ave) Come for The Fringe Festival (August), The Art Walk (July), or Ice on Whyte (February)
Edmonton has more theatres per capita than anywhere else in Canada, and nine of these are in Old Strathcona The Princess Theatre is Edmonton’s oldest surviving theatre
Go two-stepping or bull riding (or both!) at the Cook County Saloon N (8010, Gateway Boulevard) Shop the Saturday Farmers’ Market O at the Old Strathcona Bus Barns (Saturdays 8am3pm, year-round) Go to a live jazz show at the Yardbird Suite P (10203, 86 Ave) Shop for arts supplies at the Paint Spot Q (10032, 81 Avenue)
Taking in a show at the Backstage Theatre L (10330, 84 Avenue) at the Arts Barns:
Edmonton’s Improvised Musical, 11 O’clock Number:grindstonetheatre.ca
Edmonton’s Legendary Live Improvised Soap Opera, Die-Nasty (season runs Monday nights, October through May): die-nasty.com Catch a play at the Catalyst M (8529 Gateway Blvd) or the Walterdale Theatre (10322, 83 Ave), or any other of the area’s eight theatre companies (unfortunately the Varscona Theatre will be under construction for next couple of years, however its shows are now taking place at the Backstage Theatre (10330, 84 Avenue)
RAB A COFFEE AND G TAKE A LEISURELY WALK ALONG SASKATCHEWAN DRIVE. ENJOY POSTCARD VIEWS OF THE RIVER AND EDMONTON SKYLINE AT THE LAURENCE DECORE LOOKOUT.
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Catch ETS bus 7 UNIVERSITY on 100 Street south of Jasper Avenue (across the street from Hotel Macdonald). Ride the bus approx. 20 minutes across the Low Level Bridge and along 99 Street to Whyte Ave. The bus runs along Whyte from 99 Street all the way to the UofA
To Downtown Catch ETS bus 7 JASPER PLACE along Whyte Avenue (south side of road)
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5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
To Whyte Ave
8 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
WANDER ALONG WHYTE AVENUE, FROM 109 STREET TO 99 STREET – PLENTY OF SHOPS, BARS, CAFES, AND RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT ALONG THE WAY. THIS IS BUT A SMATTERING OF WHAT’S OUT THERE:
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5.0 South Edmonton Planners Guide to Edmonton
10 5.0 South Edmonton
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Café Mosaics G 10844, Whyte Avenue
MEAT N 8216, 104 Street
Cheap, quick, and delicious snack from this tiny family run shop.
Beautifully remodeled, good vegetarian diner food, locally sourced and lovingly prepared.
DaDeO B 10548A, Whyte Avenue
El Cortez Tequila Bar + Kitchen H 8230, Gateway Boulevard
Southern style BBQ in a decidedly non-kitsch atmosphere. You have seriously got to try their garlic fries. Now serving brunch.
Young tattooed crowd come for the po’boy sandwiches and sweet potato fries (closed Wednesdays).
Try their Two Dollar Taco Tuesday, and get your groove on in the basement dance grotto on weekend evenings.
Block 1912 C 10361, Whyte Avenue
Ampersand 27 I 10612, Whyte Avenue
Salads, desserts, coffee made fresh on site, and an excellent selection of gelato.
Fine dining and people watching on their beautiful patio right on the avenue.
DaCapo Caffe D 8135, 102 Street
Julio’s Barrio J 10450, Whyte Avenue
Good Italian coffee on Whyte Avenue, snuggled next to Blush Lane Organic Market.
Really good patio and people watching in a festive Tex-Mex atmosphere.
Under the High Wheel D 8135, 102 Street
Yannis Taverna K 10444, Whyte Avenue
Delicious lunch and brunch just off the hustle and bustle of Whyte.
Traditional Greek food and belly dance shows every weekend.
The Buckingham E 10439, Whyte Avenue Grab a drink and some delightful vegan munchies at this hip and happening joint. B’s Diner F 10037, Whyte Avenue Hidden little greasy spoon with decent prices and a nice sheltered little patio.
Next Act Pub L 8224, 104 Street Local theatre crowd hang-out that is a great place for craft beer and amazing burgers! Packrat Louie M 10335, 83 Avenue Modern casual dining off Whyte
Langano Skies O 9920, Whyte Avenue A little off the main drag, but well worth the walk. Family run, super friendly, and likely one of the best Ethiopian places out there. Last Tuesday of the month is their vegetarian buffet.
Narayanni’s T 10131, 81 Avenue Located on a quiet street one block south of Whyte, this place serves South African/Indian cuisine, freshly made. Lee House Restaurant U 4B - 7904, 104 Street Great Korean BBQ and hotpots in this small family-run restaurant three blocks south of Whyte.
The Empress Ale House P 9912, Whyte Avenue Have a beer in Edmonton’s friendly little dive bar with the crystal chandelier. Continental Treat Fine Bistro Q 10560, Whyte Avenue Classic Eastern European dishes. Must try: pickle soup. Von’s Steakhouse R 10309, 81 Avenue Solid steak and oyster offerings just off Whyte Café Mosaics Cha Island Tea Co. S 10332, 81 Avenue If your surfer college roommate really had opened up that bar/ resto, this would be it. Come for their delightful freshly made waffles, stay for the live music, chill vibe, and excellent beer selection.
Cafe Mosaics works hard to make products that respect the planet, animals, and the bellies of Edmontonians. Most food and drinks are made in house with fresh, selective ingredients bought daily from local markets.
5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Nhon Hoa Sandwich Bar A 10154, Whyte Avenue
12 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The Garneau Theatre is an historic movie theatre located on 109 Street. Designed by noted Edmonton architect, William Blakey, and built in 1940, the Garneau is the only remaining theatre of the early modernist style and period in Alberta.
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Facing Downtown and Oliver from the south edge of the river valley, Garneau was originally the farm of Laurent and Eleanor Garneau who bought the land in 1874. The University of Alberta (U of A) began its life immediately west in 1911. Ever since, Garneau has been home to many of Edmonton’s most notable residents, including Alberta’s first premier Alexander Rutherford, the magistrate and women’s rights crusader Emily Murphy, and innumerable U of A professors and students. The relationship between Alberta’s largest, oldest university and neighbouring community has often been rocky, with battles beginning in the 1960s over ambitious campus expansion plans, but the recent history has been more collaborative.
GARNEAU HAS BEEN HOME TO MANY OF EDMONTON’S MOST NOTABLE RESIDENTS, INCLUDING ALBERTA’S FIRST PREMIER ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD, THE MAGISTRATE AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS CRUSADER EMILY MURPHY, AND INNUMERABLE U OF A PROFESSORS AND STUDENTS.
5.0 South Edmonton
HISTORY
Today, the U of A campus is a great mix of stately old academic buildings, impressive modern ones, and attractive pockets of green open space. The University of Alberta Hospital and Jubilee Auditorium are also in the area. Garneau is a similar mix of old and new, with beautiful old houses sharing blocks with new apartment buildings and university residences, and an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Planners Guide to Edmonton
GARNEAU / UNIVERSITY
14 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Th e Mysterious Biological Sciences Building. This building on the north side of campus was built in 1969, and legend has it that several contractors worked on the construction of the building and disagreed on various things. As a result, rumour has it you will find shower stalls with electrical outlets, sinks with no drains, a stairwell that goes nowhere, doors that open on to brick walls, and a very mysterious secret classroom that must be entered through a closet
GARNEAU / UNIVERSITY THINGS TO DO Take a leisurely saunter along Saskatchewan Drive, taking in the views of the river valley and Oliver and downtown across the way. The 3.5 km walk can take you from Emily Murphy Park A to the west, through the university grounds, all the way to 99 Street. Stop in the Sugar Bowl or Transcend Garneau for a cup of coffee, or Rosso Pizzeria for a gelato to enjoy on the way. Take a moment to visit the lovely historic Rutherford House B (11153, Saskatchewan Drive), home of Alberta’s first premier Alexander Cameron Rutherford. This restored and furnished Edwardian home gives visitors a glimpse into the early years of our province and is often booked for weddings and photo shoots, as well as providing the setting for a boisterous Shakespeare play each spring.
High Level Hijinks. The High Level Bridge stretches across the North Saskatchewan River, connecting campus to downtown. Before the bridge was built in 1913, however, students needed some innovative ways to get across the river to campus. In the summertime, they used a raft that ran on a cable. Once the river was frozen, they walked and drove over the ice. When the bridge opened In 1913, eager U of A students jumped the queue and became the first ones to officially cross the bridge, reportedly led by one brave student riding a donkey
U of A came up with the first successful treatment of Type I Diabetes Underground Tunnels. Below campus, utility workers travel between campus buildings using 21 kilometres of bright utility tunnels, some which date back to the 1920s
THE WEALTH OF HISTORIC HOMES AND BUILDINGS SPURRED CITIZENS TO FORM PRESERVE GARNEAU, A NON-PROFIT SOCIETY CONCERNED WITH THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND STREETSCAPES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
Stroll the elm-lined streets of historic Windsor Park C (west of the University) and then head back southeast towards Garneau, one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, formerly part of the City of Strathcona. Today the neighbourhood boasts a mix of historic homes and more recent infill, including university residences. The wealth of historic homes and buildings spurred citizens to form Preserve Garneau, a non-profit society concerned with the preservation of historic buildings and streetscapes for future generations. Weave your way southward, to eventually reach Whyte Avenue, Edmonton’s premier pedestrian neighbourhood.
On campus: Enjoy the hubbub at Hub Mall D, reminiscent of a medieval shopping street the length of 5 city blocks with shopping, food and services overlooked by student residences Check out the Rutherford House museum, home of Alberta’s first premier Grab a coffee at Hub Mall and chill out by the stream in the Arts and Business Quad E in front of the Old Arts Building
Fill your need for dental knowledge at the Dental Museum in the Dentistry/ Pharmacy Building Check out the cool rocks and mineral specimens at the Mineralogy and Petrology Museum in the Earth Sciences Building F Wander around campus and check out the architectural mix of old and new T ake in a free art exhibit at the FineArts Building Gallery G Garneau: Watch an independent film at the historic Garneau Theatre H Catch the Edmonton Radial Railway Society’s historic streetcar I between Old Strathcona and Oliver
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5.0 South Edmonton
At University LRT station, catch the CLAREVIEW train to Central Station
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
To Downtown
G o to the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Ave). Ride the CENTURY PARK or HEALTH SCIENCES train to University Station. Walk up to surface level and you’ll be at the heart of the U of A campus at 89 Avenue at 112 Street. To get to Garneau, head east through the campus towards 109 Street (travel time approx. 15 minutes)
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5.0 South Edmonton
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One of the best cups in Edmonton. High Level Diner B 10912, 88 Avenue Solid diner food and excellent chili. Remedy Cafe C 8631, 109 Street
Farrow E 8422, 109 Street
Chai and people-watching: the perfect combination!
Sandwiches raised to high art! Daytime only.
Sugarbowl D 10922, 88 Avenue
Rosso Pizzeria F 8738, 109 Street
University-area hang-out since 1943 with a great beer selection and a sweet little patio. Try their cinnamon buns for brunch – big as a baby’s head!
Excellent pizza, salads, and a good selection of wine and beer.
Noorish E 8440, 109 Street
Café Leva G 11053, 86 Avenue
Vegan, raw food with yoga studio attached – align your chakras here!
Really good pizza, and one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets – a lovely outdoor patio tucked away in the middle of a residential neighbourhood.
Three Boars E 8424, 109 Street
Upper Crust Café H 10909, 86 Avenue
Hip little beer and tapas place. It tends to get packed but has excellent bites, and fabulous people watching!
Piles of fantastic homemade desserts will make your eyes and mouth dance – making pie for Edmontonians for nearly 30 years.
Transcend Coffee Elegantly renovated and situated in the historic Garneau Theatre building, Transcend offers excellent beverages skillfully created by the cafe’s professional baristas. Enjoy the the in-house bakery, house-made soups and free wifi with purchase.
5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Transcend Coffee A 8708, 109 Street
18 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
EDMONTON WAS STARTING TO MOVE SERIOUSLY TOWARDS EXTENDING LRT AGAIN, AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF INACTIVITY DURING THE LEAN FUNDING YEARS OF THE 1990S. WITH THE EXTENSION PROPOSED TO REACH THE OLD MALL SITE BY 2009, IT BECAME A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR REDEVELOPMENT.
From Downtown Go the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue). Ride the CENTURY PARK train all the way to the end of the line (travel time approx. 30 minutes)
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Century Park Station
This world-class development is a first of its kind in Edmonton. Designed by James KM Cheng Architects, the resort style condominiums of Century Park are surrounded by beautiful gardens, a lake, paths and parks.
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HISTORY One of Edmonton’s most ambitious transit oriented development plans, Century Park A will replace what was originally a regional mall. Opened in 1981, Heritage Mall had always struggled to attract business in competition with Southgate, an older and busier mall a few neighbourhoods to the north. But when South Edmonton Common, one of western Canada’s largest power centres, opened a short drive to the east in the early 2000s, the jig was up; Heritage Mall closed a few years later. At around the same time, Edmonton was starting to move seriously towards extending LRT again, after more than a decade of inactivity during the lean funding years of the 1990s. With the extension proposed to reach the old mall site by 2009, it became a tremendous opportunity for redevelopment. A master plan and associated Direct Control (DC2) rezoning for the site was approved in 2006, with numerous towers on top of low-rise podiums, significant open space and retail adja-
cent to the LRT station. The approved zoning was Edmonton’s highest density approval outside of the central area, anticipating nearly 3000 units in two dozen towers on 17.4 ha. Unfortunately, only a portion of the approved development has been constructed to date. Several medium rise buildings were constructed following zoning approval but sales ran into trouble with the real estate downturn beginning in 2008. Part of the site was leased to the City as a park and ride lot for LRT B in 2009 and is still in use. Plans are now afoot to get site development going once again, with some changes to the zoning being proposed to shift from a plan heavy on Vancouver-style C towers to one with a greater mix of low-rise and medium-rise development.
5.0 South Edmonton
THE APPROVED ZONING WAS EDMONTON’S HIGHEST DENSITY APPROVAL OUTSIDE OF THE CENTRAL AREA.
Planners Guide to Edmonton
CENTURY PARK
20 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
DEVELOPED AS A NEIGHBOURHOOD MAINLY IN THE 1940S AND 1950S, BONNIE DOON IS HOME TO CAMPUS SAINTJEAN, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA’S FRENCH-LANGUAGE CAMPUS.
Since 1944, the French Canadian Association of Alberta expressed the need for a cultural centre in Edmonton. The dream was realized in 1996, and La Cité Francophone was fully completed in 2006. The 104,000 square foot building has become the premier spot for Edmontonians to experience French Canadian culture.
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ITS ATTRACTIVE LOCATION WITH CHARACTERFUL HOMES AND COZY STREETS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER VALLEY IS ALREADY SPARKING PLENTY OF SMALL-SCALE INFILL DEVELOPMENT.
Don’t be fooled by its Scottish-sounding name: Bonnie Doon is actually Edmonton’s French Quarter. Developed as a neighbourhood mainly in the 1940s and 1950s, Bonnie Doon is home to Campus Saint-Jean, the University of Alberta’s French-language campus. Originally established in 1908, this anchor has attracted Francophone residents and community institutions, the most notable of which is La Cité Francophone, a complex that hosts a café, performance spaces, a French-language bookstore and the newest of Edmonton’s farmers’ markets. With the future Valley Line LRT route running along Bonnie Doon’s eastern edge, the neighbourhood will likely see significant redevelopment activity in the coming years. But its attractive location with characterful homes and cozy streets overlooking the river valley is already sparking plenty of small-scale infill development.
5.0 South Edmonton
HISTORY
Planners Guide to Edmonton
BONNIE DOON (FRENCH QUARTER)
22 5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Home of the only Francophone university west of Manitoba, the University of Alberta’s Faculté Saint-Jean Rue Mary-Anne Gaboury was named after the first European woman to settle in Western Canada In August, the Fringe Festival (based in Old Strathcona) offers several Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) locations in the French Quarter and features a satellite box office
BONNIE DOON (FRENCH QUARTER) THINGS TO DO
Also: Check out the L’Unitheatre D venue listings (tixonthesquare.ca) and plan to see a theatre production
On Sunday afternoons, the public plaza at La Cité hosts the French Quarter Farmers’ Market E (twitter: @ FQGrandMarket). Grab brunch at Café Bicyclette C first, then visit the market
A Head across 91 Street, also called “rue Mary-Anne-Gaboury F” to Campus SaintJean of the University of Alberta. From there, head north to the jog in 91 Street at 88 Avenue. Check out the local shops here, such as Bonnie Doon neighbourhood market E, the Edmonton-famous Bul Go Gi House restaurant, and Duggan’s Pub South at Whyte Ave, there’s another cluster of businesses that are part of the French Quarter Business Revitalization Zone G. Do some vintage shopping at Edmonton’s best location of Value Village, or check out Mikes Bikes and Beans (Twitter: @mikelovesbikes)
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Start your visit at the heart of the Quarter, La Cité Francophone B (8627 91 Street, lacitefranco.ca). This mixed-use complex is the cultural and economic anchor of the Francophone community in Edmonton. You’ll find an inviting public plaza with a patio for the adjoining Café Bicyclette C, as well as theatre space, offices, and services such as an employment office and a Canada Post outlet, all with service in French. Grab a coffee at Café Bicyclette C and wander around the building to check it out.
Just a few blocks west of the French Quarter is the Mill Creek Ravine A. This is one of Edmonton’s most beloved natural areas, and is home to festivals such as February’s Flying Canoe Volant adventure walk. The 1969 “METS” transportation plan proposed a “South East Freeway” through the ravine valley, connecting what’s now 91 Street in Mill Woods to a Downtown freeway loop. This would have dramatically changed the ravine, as well as cut through core neighbourhoods. Citizens rose up against the plan, joining the freeway opposition in cities across North America at the time
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If you care for a bit of a jaunt, take the time for a walk through Bonnie Doon (lots of infill housing here!) and up to the nearby Strathearn neighbourhood. Walk north along 91 Street from 88 Avenue, across Connors Road and as far as 95 Avenue. Around this intersection is another collection of neighbourhood restaurants, galleries, and shops
MILL CREEK RAVINE IS ONE OF EDMONTON’S MOST BELOVED NATURAL AREAS, AND IS HOME TO FESTIVALS SUCH AS FEBRUARY’S FLYING CANOE VOLANT ADVENTURE WALK. 84 95
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From Strathearn, walk west to Connors Road and catch ETS bus 8 ABBOTSFIELD back across the river to Downtown, or reverse your trip on bus 151 CASTLE DOWNS (catch it on 91 Street in the French Quarter)
From Downtown, catch ETS bus 151 KING EDWARD PARK on 101 Street (west side of road) between Jasper Avenue & 102 Avenue. Ride the bus across the river and along 92 Street into the Bonnie Doon neighbourhood (look out for the Eskimos house, 92 Street & 93 Avenue). Get off by 88 Avenue (travel time approx. 20 minutes) From Old Strathcona, catch ETS bus 4 CAPILANO (along Whyte Ave or at University LRT station) and get off at Whyte Avenue & 91 Street
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5.0 South Edmonton
To Downtown
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To the French Quarter
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Great food in the heart of Edmonton’s French Quarter. Bul Go Gi House B 8813, 92 Street An Edmonton institution since 1973 - the décor may not be pretty, but the food is good, and they will keep bringing you kimchi and pickled sprouts until you can’t eat anymore. Duggan’s C 9013, 88 Avenue Classic small neighbourhood pub with decent food and great service – try their Wednesday happy hour specials! Cheese Factory D 8943, Whyte Avenue Buy some authentic squeaky cheese curds; eat some poutine… Did I mention the cheese curds?! Red Ox Inn E 9420, 91 Street One of Edmonton’s hidden gems. A small, friendly and cozy place for fine dining and wine. Wired Cup E 9418, 91 Street Tiny and packed with beautiful knickknacks, this neighbourhood shop/café is staffed by super friendly folk. Check out the owner’s artworks adorning the walls. Warning: Saturdays can be busy!
Red Ox Inn A collaborative effort led by Frank & Andrea Olson, The Red Ox Inn is proud of its strong relationship with loyal customers, long time staff members, and local producers. Enjoy serious food in a casual room.
5.0 South Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Café Bicyclette A 8627, 91 Street
26 5.0 South Edmonton
From Downtown Catch ETS bus 8 MILL WOODS (local) or 15 MILL WOODS (express) on 100 Street south of Jasper (100 Street ETS terminal, across from Hotel Macdonald) Get off at Millbourne Mall (38 Avenue & 76 Street) to visit “Old Mill Woods” or continue all the way to “TC” (Mill Woods Town Centre, the main commercial hub) (travel time approx. 30-45 min.)
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Millwoods has always been one of the city’s busiest libraries—and this year, library users got a $21 million upgrade. Measuring in at 25,000 square feet, the new building features a community program room, several study rooms, more than 45 public computer stations, an enhanced children’s area, and a seniors and multicultural centre.
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A design concept was created in 1970 in just nine months by a team of young City of Edmonton planners. Also in 1970, the land was annexed into the city boundaries. The plan borrowed some ideas from British ‘new towns’ and was developed as a self-contained community, with its own new ‘downtown’ (Mill Woods Town Centre) A , hospital, recreation centre and central park, library, seniors centre, high schools, employment centres, retail hubs and transit facilities. To facilitate connections to the rest of Edmonton, a rapid transit link was envisioned, which will finally come to fruition in 2020, as the Valley Line LRT B is completed between Mill Woods and Downtown.
The northwest portion C of Mill Woods surrounding Millbourne Mall D stayed truest to the original design concept. This area consists of four neighbourhoods, connected by a collector ring road, centred on a hub of a shopping centre, two junior high schools, and a site that was
THE PLAN BORROWED SOME IDEAS FROM BRITISH “NEW TOWNS” AND WAS DEVELOPED AS A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY.
The first development began right away in 1971 and continued for decades. The last parts of Mill Woods were completed in the early 2000s, resulting in a total of two dozen distinct neighbourhoods. By the late 1980s, additional planning occurred to the east of the original Mill Woods, in The Meadows, adding an additional half dozen neighbourhoods. Today, this combined area houses one in eight Edmontonians and the area is known for its rich cultural and economic diversity.
to be seniors housing (now multi-family). In each neighbourhood is a local school and park site with space for a community centre. Much of Mill Woods is crisscrossed with utility pipelines; these were used to create amenity spaces and recreational trails, which today are a distinctive feature in this part of the city. More info: Check out millwoodshistory.org
5.0 South Edmonton
Located on what was originally part of the Papaschase First Nations Reserve (1880s), this land was later farmed by European immigrants, and in 1969 the Province of Alberta (in secrecy) assembled 70% of the nine square-mile area for the City of Edmonton, with developers assembling the remaining 30% once the land assembly was announced. By the mid-1960s, with high growth continuing in Edmonton and land supplies running short, there was a desire to develop a land bank to ensure low cost housing options for the diverse workers that were needed to support the Edmonton economy. The Province’s land was sold back to the City gradually, with the City doing the servicing on much of the land and selling it off in individual lots to homeowners who then built homes themselves or arranged with their own builders.
MILLWOODS
Planners Guide to Edmonton
BY THE MID-1960S, WITH HIGH GROWTH CONTINUING IN EDMONTON AND LAND SUPPLIES RUNNING SHORT, THERE WAS A DESIRE TO DEVELOP A LAND BANK TO ENSURE LOW COST HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE DIVERSE WORKERS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE CITY’S ECONOMY.
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INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY
PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
WEST EDMONTON
2 6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
WHEN YOU THINK OF WEST EDMONTON, CHANCES ARE A CERTAIN MALL COMES TO MIND—AND FOR GOOD REASON. LOCALLY SHORTENED TO “THE MALL,” WEST EDMONTON MALL HELD THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST ENCLOSED SHOPPING MALL UNTIL 2004.
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Further east lies Old Glenora—once a river lot farmstead. Later on the community was developed for exclusive residential properties, and many of the spectacular mansions are still standing today. Old Glenora hosts several generations of large infill homes from various ar-
eas and architectural styles. Situated immediately west of downtown is Edmonton’s densest neighbourhood, Oliver. Nearly 20,000 residents call Oliver home, and most of them are students and young professionals. Whether you’re touring the mall, or taking in the vistas and architecture of Glenora and Oliver, Edmonton’s west end is not to be missed.
6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
WEST EDMONTON
When you think of west Edmonton, chances are a certain mall comes to mind—and for good reason. Locally shortened to “WEM, and West Ed,” West Edmonton Mall held the Guinness World Record for largest enclosed shopping mall until 2004. It employs 24,000 people, hosts a life-size replica of a Spanish galleon, houses two theme parks and sees more than 30 million tourists a year. All of that aside, not every every Edmontonian loves the mall—it’s often credited for the “death of downtown.”
4 6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
At 36 storeys high, the Pearl Tower in Edmonton’s historic Oliver neighbourhood is the city’s tallest residential building to date. Sleek and sophisticated, the Pearl’s most spectacular feature is its glass wall reflecting Edmonton’s blue prairie sky.
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Located immediately west of Downtown, Oliver is in many respects a more residentially-focused extension of it. Originally referred to as the city’s West End, Oliver was connected to Downtown by a streetcar line along Jasper Avenue and developed significantly throughout the 1920s, spurred in part by the location of the CPR’s rail depot at 109th Street and 102nd Avenue, Oliver’s eastern boundary. The oil-based boom of the 1960s and 1970s saw incredible redevelopment of Oliver’s 1920s houses and lowrise apartment buildings into new high-rise apartment buildings, making Oliver Edmonton’s highest density neighbourhood.
Oliver is still Edmonton’s densest neighbourhood, with nearly 20,000 residents, a large proportion of whom are students and young professionals. With the final closure of the City Centre Airport in 2013, and the removal of a flight path overlay that restricted building heights in both Oliver and Downtown, Oliver’s high-rises are now starting to share the skyline with residential skyscrapers such as the Pearl, a 36-storey tower recently completed on Jasper Avenue, and others in the planning stage or under construction. Stretched along the north edge of the river valley, some of Edmonton’s prettiest views can be seen from scenic lookouts such as Victoria Promenade, and active Oliver residents are regularly seen running up and down the long staircases leading into the river valley.
ORIGINALLY REFERRED TO AS THE CITY’S WEST END, OLIVER WAS CONNECTED TO DOWNTOWN BY A STREETCAR LINE ALONG JASPER AVENUE AND DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANTLY THROUGHOUT THE 1920S, SPURRED IN PART BY THE LOCATION OF THE CPR’S RAIL DEPOT
6.0 West Edmonton
HISTORY
Planners Guide to Edmonton
OLIVER
6 6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
One of Edmonton’s top 5 neighbourhoods to live in! Dogs outnumber children in this neighbourhood Oliver is the densest neighbourhood in Edmonton and West Oliver is the densestarea in Alberta The north edge of Oliver was once a Canadian National Railway right of way and rail yard Named after Frank Oliver, an early Edmonton resident, businessman and politician One of Edmonton’s most walkable neighbourhoods
edmonton.ca/city_government/ documents/OliverWalkingTour.pdf Walk along Jasper Avenue and 124th street, and pop into the nine galleries in this area – many promote work by Canadian artists
Catch the historic Streetcar from Oliver to Old Strathcona
Check out the statues and river valley views along Victoria Promenade B
Walk along the leafy streets north of Jasper (grab a coffee and sandwich at Elm Café) and meander over to Oliver School, one of Edmonton’s oldest schools (1910), linger at the Oliver Community League’s beautiful community gardens, Peace Garden Park (10259, 120 Street) or have a picnic lunch at the cozy Paul Kane Park (122 Street and 103 Avenue)
Take in the sunset at Ezio Faraone Park overlooking the iconic High Level Bridge
Take in one of the exhibits at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre (10215, 112 Street)
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WITH THE FINAL CLOSURE OF THE CITY CENTRE AIRPORT IN 2013, AND THE REMOVAL OF A FLIGHT PATH OVERLAY THAT RESTRICTED BUILDING HEIGHTS IN BOTH OLIVER AND DOWNTOWN, OLIVER’S HIGH-RISES ARE NOW STARTING TO SHARE THE SKYLINE WITH RESIDENTIAL SKYSCRAPERS
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Take the stairs A into the river valley, and explore the extensive pathway system
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Take a walk through the St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery
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Walk from Downtown – walk west along Jasper Avenue (travel time approx. 30 minutes), or
To Downtown W alk east along Jasper Avenue or 104 Avenue back to Downtown, or C atch ETS bus 1 CAPILANO, 5 COLISEUM, 5 DOWNTOWN, or 120 STADIUM along Jasper Avenue (south side of road) and ride for about 10-15 min. back to Downtown
Catch ETS bus 5 WESTMOUNT or 120 JASPER PLACE on Jasper Avenue (north side of road) west of 100 Street. Ride the bus west along Jasper Avenue past 112 Street (Travel time approx. 10 minutes)
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SOME OF EDMONTON’S PRETTIEST VIEWS CAN BE SEEN FROM SCENIC LOOKOUTS SUCH AS VICTORIA PROMENADE
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To Oliver
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6.0 West Edmonton Planners Guide to Edmonton
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Cibo Bistro F 11244, 104 Avenue
Excellent coffee and really good sandwiches – small space, so take out mainly.
Italian fine dining. Also open for lunch.
Iconoclast Koffiehuis B 11807, 105 Avenue
Bistro India G 10203, 116 Street
Cool digs, good coffee, bike friendly – grab a coffee and play a game of table tennis.
Located in an older home, this restaurant serves great South Indian food – their paneer dosas come highly recommended.
RoseBowl Pizza C 10111, 117 Street
Marco’s Famous H 10807, 106 Avenue
It’s an institution: good solid pizza with plenty of toppings. The Mercury Room D 10575, 114 Street
Sure, it’s a donair joint, but this donair joint really knows what they’re doing. Ask for the garlic sauce and the onions grilled; you won’t be sorry.
Live music, local/seasonal/ vegan dinner and brunch, hidden in an industrial area.
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria I 11750, Jasper Avenue
Café Amore E 10807, 106 Avenue
What is now a Canada-wide chain started right here in this location. Delightful pizzas made in awood-fired oven.
Like visiting an Italian relative you haven’t seen in a long time. Super friendly, delicious homemade Italian food.
Iconoclast Koffiehuis Since 2007, Iconoclast has been sourcing, roasting and serving some of Edmonton’s best coffee.
6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Elm Café A 10140, 117 Street
10 6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Plaza 124, a prominent hi-rise office building on 124 Street features an outstanding view of the city—and its surroundings aren’t too bad either. The beautiful structure shares space with some of Edmonton’s hippest shops and restaurants.
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This area northwest of Oliver began life as a predominantly residential enclave for Edmonton’s early middle and upper class residents–a short streetcar ride to Downtown. 124 Street was its shopping street, and leafy subdivisions with large homes were developed in adjacent Groat Estates and Westmount. The area continues to be one of Edmonton’s most attractive mature communities and is seeing significant residential reinvestment with new multi-family projects and smaller-scale infill sitting side-by-side with large single-family homes from the early 20th century. 124 Street is also emerging as one of the city’s hottest spots for new restaurants and cafes.
THE AREA CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF EDMONTON’S MOST ATTRACTIVE MATURE COMMUNITIES AND IS SEEING SIGNIFICANT RESIDENTIAL REINVESTMENT
6.0 West Edmonton
HISTORY
Planners Guide to Edmonton
WESTMOUNT / 124 STREET
12 6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
D uchess Bakery was named one of the top 23 bakeries in the world in 2015
To 124 Street O n Jasper Avenue west of 100 Street (north side of road), catch ETS Bus 5 WESTMOUNT. Ride the bus approx. 20 minutes (25 blocks) to the end of Jasper Avenue, where the bus will turn north onto 124 Street. As soon as it turns onto 124 Street, get off at 102 Avenue and 124 Street
To Downtown Go to 124 Street (west side of road) just south of 104 Avenue/Stony Plain Road and catch ETS bus 5 COLISEUM, 5 DOWNTOWN, 1 CAPILANO or 120 STADIUM and ride the bus back down Jasper to 100 Street (about 25 minutes)
WESTMOUNT / 124 STREET THINGS TO DO Take a stroll through High Street A (102 Avenue, west of 124 Street): check out some of the local shops selling clothing, housewares and giftware (Carbon, Call the Kettle Black, Henry’s), beauty, wine, cheese, chocolates and candy (Carol’s), footwear and eateries, as well as an excellent consignment shop hidden on the lower level (Vespucci). Head north along 124 Street (north from Jasper to approximately 108 Avenue), and take in the many private art galleries (mostly south of 102 Avenue), shops (Ascendant Books, Head Case, Duchess Bakery and supply store), as well as a great selection of restaurants and cafes along both sides of the street.
Summer Thursdays (May – October) give you a chance to visit the 124 Street Grand Market B (@124grandmarket): a locally-oriented farmers market with produce, meats, arts/crafts/vintage, food trucks, and live music at 124 Street and 108 Avenue.
OLIVER SQUARE IS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECENTLY-APPROVED 104 AVENUE CORRIDOR AREA REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, WHICH WILL GUIDE ITS TRANSFORMATION AS PART OF THE PLANNED WEST LRT LINE
You can grab a Chai tea at Remedy C or a coffee at Credo and head west of 124 Street and explore the grand homes and mansions of Old Glenora and Westmount. To head west of Groat Ravine (while the 102 Avenue bridge is under construction), use Stony Plain Road. A visit to the Royal Alberta Museum and Government House D: Exhibitions about Alberta’s natural and social history; walking trails, public art and gardens along the river valley edge.
o get here from 124 Street, head west on Stony T Plain Road across the Groat Ravine, then south on Connaught Drive and 130 Street to 102 Avenue. More info: royalalbertamuseum.ca
West of MacEwan University, along 104 avenue, you’ll see retail and big box strips known as Oliver Square. This area (stretching west to 118 Street) is the subject of the recently-approved 104 Avenue Corridor Area Redevelopment Plan, which will guide its transformation as part of the planned West LRT line (connecting Downtown, Jasper Place and West Edmonton Mall). West of Oliver Square, between 118 Street and 121 Street, is the future Brewery District, home to the former Molson Brewery, in operation from 1913 to 2007. The site is currently under construction for a mix of retail and office development, with residential in future stages.
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For the discerning herbivores in the crowd. Daravara B 10713, 124 Street Shiny local pub with very good food (try the burger or the sausage board) and reasonably priced wine. Nosh Café C 10235, 124 Street
Dovetail Delicatessen H 10721, 124 Street
Tiramisu Bistro M 10750, 124 Street
From the folks who brought you Drift Food Truck and their faaaaabulous sandwiches, comes this deli where you can enjoy a soup, salad or sandwich and a drink.
Sandwiches, salads, coffee and pastries.
The Tea Girl I 12411, Stony Plain Road
For delightful Indian fare. Try their dosas.
Do you like tea? Then this is the place for you. Served in one-of-a-kind china in an eclectic atmosphere.
Canteen D 10522, 124 Street
The Dish J 12417, Stony Plain Road
Excellent brunch, equally excellent dinner, in a beautiful cozy setting.
Warm and casual comfort food.
North 53 E 10240, 124 Street Local, sustainable, delicious. Remedy Café F 10310, 124 Street The best chai in the city and inexpensive Indian fare. Credo Coffee G 10350, 124 Street Good coffee and pastries.
Smoke House BBQ N 10810, 124 Street For the seasoned carnivore, Southern style BBQ with occasional live music.
Duchess Bake Shop K 10718, 124 Street Come to Duchess and see what the fuss is all about. Cakes as beautiful as the décor. Beautiful AND delicious! Koutouki Taverna L 10719, 124 Street For when you’re craving a big fat Greek meal! Opa!
Duchess Bake Shop Duchess Bake Shop has been baking its way into the hearts of Edmonton since October 2009. Located on 124 Street just north of 107 Ave, Duchess makes everything daily from scratch using no mixes, no preservatives and no shortcuts. From chef to server, everyone at Duchess is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and service.
6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Clever Rabbit A 10722, 124 Street
16 6.0 West Edmonton
To Downtown Catch ETS route 1 WEST EDM MALL on 101 Street (west side of road) between Jasper Avenue & 102 Avenue, and get off on Stony Plain Road just after the bus crosses the bridge over Groat Road (about 130 Street) (travel time approx. 30 minutes)
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Government House is the former official residence of the Lieutenant Governors of Alberta. Located in Glenora, the restored and repurposed building is currently used by the Alberta provincial government for ceremonial events and conferences.
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A DEAL WAS STRUCK IN 1909 WITH THE CITY OF EDMONTON IN WHICH CARRUTHERS PAID TO CONSTRUCT A BRIDGE ACROSS THE RAVINE IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CITY AGREEING TO EXTEND STREETCAR SERVICE TO THE AREA.
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THERE WAS A STRONG DESIRE BY WELL-HEELED EDMONTONIANS TO LOCATE IN THE AREA, WHICH WAS DESIGNED AS A COUNTRY GARDEN SUBDIVISION.
official mansion of Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Government House C (today on the site of the Royal Alberta Museum, 102 Avenue at 129 Street). Despite the economic decline in Edmonton in 1913, there was a strong desire by well-heeled Edmontonians to locate in the area, which was designed as a country garden subdivision. Many of the spectacular mansions, as well as more modest custom-built homes can still be found in the area, as well as several generations of large infill homes from various eras and architectural styles. There are several distinct pockets of Old Glenora today. South of 102 Avenue, the area around St. George’s Crescent D provides an interesting walk through the time periods and highlights several architectural styles including traditional, streamline moderne, modernist, and post-modern. North of 102 Avenue, you can see the tu-
dor-style Glenora School E (1940), and reflecting the country garden design, and the beautiful Alexander Circle (133 Street and 103 Avenue). For a rest stop in the area, be sure to check out Vi’s For Pies F, a café and dessert spot with a garden oasis patio (13408 Stony Plain Road). The section of Glenora north of Stony Plain Road features more modest homes from the 1940s and 1950s, similar to those you would find in neighbourhoods nearby. More info: glenoracommunity.com
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The community of Old Glenora was founded as the river lot farmstead of Malcolm Groat (for whom Groat Road A is named). By 1905, the land was held by James Carruthers, a grain merchant from Montreal. The city boundary at this time extended only to the ravine (today’s Groat Road). Carruthers desired to develop the land as a residential neighbourhood but transportation access was a barrier, so a deal was struck in 1909 with the City of Edmonton in which Carruthers paid to construct a bridge across the ravine (now the 102 Street bridge B, currently being fully rebuilt), in exchange for the City agreeing to extend streetcar service to the area. Carruthers intended that the development be for exclusive residential properties, so a caveat was placed on the land titles to restrict most commercial activity and anything other than single detached homes. One of the initial developments was the
Planners Guide to Edmonton
OLD GLENORA
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
World Waterpark in West Edmonton Mall opened to the public in 1986—it’s the world’s second-largest indoor water park after the Tropical Islands Resort in Germany. It has a maximum capacity of 5000 guests, an average temperature of 28 °C (82 °F), and contains the world’s largest indoor wave pool with a capacity of 12.3 million litres.
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HISTORY Locally, West Edmonton Mall is often simply referred to as “The Mall,” because there really is no other that even comes close. The Mall has often been blamed for the “Death of Downtown” through the late 1980s and 1990s. In fact, there were numerous factors in Downtown’s decline, but no doubt this behemoth did its part: from 1986 to 2004, it held the Guinness World Record for largest enclosed shopping mall. Since then it has steadily slipped down the list to 10th, eclipsed by huge new malls in China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Still the largest mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall is more than just a place to shop and eat mediocre food court pizza. The Mall holds records for the world’s largest indoor waterpark, world’s largest indoor amusement park, and, dubiously, world’s largest parking lot, not to mention hosting a life-size replica of a Spanish galleon, an NHL-size skating rink, and live sea lion shows. A city within a city, West Ed is the workplace of roughly 24,000 people and it receives more than 30 million visitors each year. In a city of few recognized tourist attractions, West Ed, embarrassingly for many urbanites, tops the list. But whether you love malls or hate them, it is not to be missed.
6.0 West Edmonton
WEST EDMONTON MALL (WEM/ WEST ED/THE MALL)
Planners Guide to Edmonton
LOCALLY, WEST EDMONTON MALL IS OFTEN SIMPLY REFERRED TO AS “THE MALL”, BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS NO OTHER THAT EVEN COMES CLOSE.
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World’s largest indoor triple loop roller coaster
World’s largest indoor amusement park
World’s largest indoor lake World’s largest indoor wave pool
World’s largest parking lot (not something to be proud of, eh?) West Edmonton Mall’s size is equal to 48 city blocks
WEST EDMONTON MALL THINGS TO DO Go for a skate at the Ice Palace A
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Grab take-out from the Asian T&T Supermarket C and enjoy it by the koi pond in the West Edmonton Mall Chinatown Spend a day in the World Waterpark D:
Go surfing in the Tsunami ride
Go down the waterslides
Swim in the wave pool
Take in the Hurricane, the first such ride in Canada Mini golf Climb aboard the exact replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, Santa Maria E
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Go for a ride on the roller coaster B or merry-go-round
THINGS TO SEE Suspended sculptures by renowned Canadian sculptor Pascale Girardin (White roses in front of Victoria’s Secret and Glass droplets by the Oilmen Statue Musical dancing fountains G in Phase III
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Europa Boulevard – kitschy but fun! Explore marine life – penguins, sharks, sea turtles, and more – at Sea Life Caverns H See a sea lion show at Sea Lions’ Rock I
Go bowling at Ed’s Rec Room F
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
West Edmonton Mall holds records for:
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Catch ETS bus 1 WEST EDM MALL (local) or 100 SUPER-EXPRESS (express) on 101 Street (west side of road) between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue (travel time approx. 30-45 min.)
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To Downtown
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North America’s upscale dueling piano bar and bistro located in the Bourbon Street area of the mall. T & T Asian Supermarket B floor 2, near mall entrance 7 Browse the impressive selection of ready-to-eat snacks and meals at the Asian grocery chain. Eat at the tiny food court in store or take your meal out to the side of the koi pond. L1 Lounge C floor 1, near mall entrance 52 This lounge in Fantasyland Hotel’s lobby makes you forget the ordinary. From specialty liquors to a concise menu of only the most exquisite dishes, L1 Lounge caters to those with distinctive taste.
L2 Grill D floor 2, near mall entrance 51 With its exclusive menu and fashionable decor, L2 Grill is boutique dining at its finest: a blend of unique soup, salad, meat and seafood dishes served in an intimate and alluring atmosphere. Jubilations Dinner Theatre E floor 2, near mall entrance 9 With dinner and a show rolled into one, Jubilations Dinner Theatre serves up some rollicking fun! Feast on a gourmet meal and then sit back and enjoy a live on-stage performance. You’ll love it!
The Red Piano The Red Piano Bistro & Dueling Piano Bar is North America’s first of its kind. The upscale venue features phenomenal cuisine, an unparalleled wine list and incredible live entertainment.
6.0 West Edmonton
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Red Piano A floor 1, near mall entrance 6
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INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY
PLANNERS GUIDE TO EDMONTON
RIVER VALLEY
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
TODAY THE RIVER VALLEY IS NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST CONTINUOUS EXPANSE OF PARKLAND—A HAVEN FOR CYCLISTS, HIKERS AND NATURE ENTHUSIASTS.
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Ask any Edmontonian what they love most about Edmonton, and it’s likely you’ll get something about the river valley. In fact, the North Saskatchewan River is the reason Edmonton exists at all. First Nations used the river valley for thousands of years before European settlement, and present-day Rossdale was a gathering place for trade, ceremony and burial.
Today the river valley is North America’s largest continuous expanse of parkland—a haven for cyclists, hikers and nature enthusiasts. The river valley’s parks breathe life into our vibrant city, providing an integrated, safe environment for active living and urban wellness. Paved and natural trails adorned with a plethora of flora and fauna create a wild retreat in Edmonton’s core.
7.0 River Valley
Planners Guide to Edmonton
RIVER VALLEY
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland – 12 times larger than NYC’s Central Park Edmonton has the world’s highest streetcar bridge. Built in 1912, the High Level Bridge Streetcar is tallest in the world
FIRST NATIONS USED THE RIVER VALLEY FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS BEFORE EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT, AND PRESENT-DAY ROSSDALE WAS PEHONAN TO LOCAL CREE, A “WAITING PLACE” OR PLACE THAT PEOPLE CAME TOGETHER FOR TRADE, CEREMONY AND BURIAL.
The Muttart Conservatory, designed by architect Peter Hemmingway, is unique at first sight. This innovative botanical garden sets the pace for plant science in western Canada and defines Edmonton’s skyline with striking glass pyramids rising from river valley.
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CONSIDERED TO BE THE CITY’S EMERALD JEWEL WITH A NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL AMENITIES.
The North Saskatchewan River is the flowing origin of Edmonton’s existence. First Nations used the river valley for thousands of years before European settlement, and present-day Rossdale was pehonan to local Cree, a “waiting place” or place that people came together for trade, ceremony and burial. When the fur traders arrived, the river was their highway, and the valley was the original location for their forts. When permanent European settlement began, the valley became busy with industry, full of coal mines, brick and lumber yards, gravel pits, ice houses, breweries, power plants and other enterprises of the growing city. A major flood in 1915, however, showed Edmontonians the dangers of relying on low-lying areas for economic activities, and City Council established a policy to convert the entire river valley to parkland over time.
The dangers of flooding on the river have now been greatly reduced by the presence of dams and reservoirs upstream, but the policy of reserving most of the valley for public purposes has stood the test of time. The river valley is home to North America’s largest continuous expanse of urban parkland at 7,400 hectares. The valley is considered by most Edmontonians to be the city’s emerald jewel, with extensive cycling, running and walking trails throughout, as well as golf courses, Fort Edmonton Park, and a number of other recreational amenities within it. Three historic residential communities (Rossdale, Cloverdale and Riverdale) remain within the valley, adding to its explorable landscapes.
7.0 River Valley
HISTORY
Planners Guide to Edmonton
RIVER VALLEY
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Walk west from the Hotel Macdonald, along Jasper Avenue, then south on 101 Street, down Bellamy Hill to 97 Avenue (travel time approx. 15 min.)
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THREE HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES (ROSSDALE, CLOVERDALE, AND RIVERDALE) REMAIN WITHIN THE VALLEY, ADDING TO ITS EXPLORABLE LANDSCAPES
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Walk down Louise McKinney Park B, visit the Chinese Garden, then take footbridge across the river to the Muttart Conservatory and grounds C
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Hawrelak Park A and the pedestrian bridge across the river; check out the swimming dogs and the off leash area along the way
Walk from the Hotel Macdonald, east along Jasper Avenue, then south on 95 Street into Riverdale (travel time approx. 20 min.)
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THINGS TO DO
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Go to the LRT at Central Station (below 100 Street & Jasper Avenue) and ride the CENTURY PARK train to South Campus/ Fort Edmonton Park station. Catch ETS shuttle bus 595 or 596 from the bus loop to the Fort Edmonton Park main entrance (travel time approx. 20 - 40 mins. depending on transit connections; best to check schedules)
To Rossdale
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THE RIVER VALLEY IS HOME TO NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST CONTINOUS EXPANSE OF URBAN PARKLAND AT 7,400 ACRES
THINGS TO DO
Rent a paddle boat in Hawrelak Park A
Visit the Muttart Conservatory C (Cloverdale)
Visit the John Walter Museum F beside Kinsmen Park
Take in an Edmonton Prospects game (baseball) at Telus Field D (Rossdale)
Bike around the historic Rossdale neighbourhood G
Check schedules at: prospectsbaseballclub.com Join Edmonton’s fitness nuts running stairs from Constable Ezio Faraone Park E down to the bottom of the river valley or as part of the “November Project” (twitter: @Nov_ProjectCAN) Ride a bike along North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland
Take in Edmonton’s several foot bridges H Take a walk along Whitemud and Millcreek ravines I Kinsmen Pitch and Putt par-3 golf course J (most people don’t even know this exists)
Go for traditional Sunday Brunch at Johnson’s Café (book a few days ahead via the website) and spend the afternoon touring Edmonton’s past at Fort Edmonton Park K – featuring the Hudson’s Bay fort, 1885 Street, 1905 Street and 1920 Street. Don’t forget to ride the stream train and the streetcar Bike along Saskatchewan Drive’s L many iterations and take in the views Walk across the High Level Bridge M Edmonton’s Lost Chinese Market Gardens B in Louise McKinney Park Edmonton Valley Zoo N Edmonton Whitemud Equine Learning Centre O Check out the Little Brickyard redevelopment (Riverdale) P Visit the heritage buildings in Rossdale G, such as the Ortona Armoury, Brewery , and Rossdale Power Plant
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
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Planners Guide to Edmonton
North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland – 12 times larger than NYC’s Central Park Edmonton has the world’s highest streetcar bridge. Built in 1912, the High Level Bridge Streetcar is tallest in the world Supports an enormous diversity of wildlife
Chinese families used to terrace and garden in the river valley, supplying restaurants and distributors, from the 1930s to the 1950s – as a result, there are goji berries growing in the river valley Undocumented coal mines along the valley in Edmonton’s early days
People still pan for gold in the river valley Major Aboriginal historical sites are within the river valley To keep the Low Level Bridge from being washed away in the 1915 flooding, a train engine was parked on the bridge to weigh it down
An incline railway operated in the early days of Edmonton providing passage to people and goods between Rossdale Flats and the burgeoning downtown core centred on Jasper Avenue and 97 Street. Today, this idea is being explored once again to improve pedestrian access to the River Valley from Downtown
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NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST STRETCH OF URBAN PARKLAND— 12 TIMES LARGER THAN NYC’S CENTRAL PARK SUPPORTING AN ENORMOUS DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE
7.0 River Valley
Planners Guide to Edmonton
The Low Level Bridge was built in 1900 as the first bridge crossing the river and originally carried rail traffic to the north side of the river for the first time. It was later twinned (1948) and carried streetcars, trolleybuses, pedestrians and auto traffic. Today, it remains a major vehicular and pedestrian route
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Café, event space, and general store in the original house of brickyard owner JB Little in the heart of Riverdale. Urban Green Café B 9735, Grierson Hill Located in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, this cafe features a riverfront patio which looks out into the River Valley. Edmonton Queen Riverboat C 9734, 98 Avenue Host your event on the Edmonton Queen Riverboat and give your guests something to talk about. Book ahead for a dinner cruise. Culina Muttart D 9626, 96A Street Located in the Muttart Conservatory. Come for lunch, brunch, or just a snack.
Edmonton Queen Riverboat The Edmonton Queen Riverboat offers a relaxing atmosphere and one of the most picturesque views of our beautiful river valley and city. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two, a family-friendly cruise or a class field trip.
7.0 River Valley
Planners Guide to Edmonton
Little Brick A 10004, 90 Street
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INTRODUCTION GETTING AROUND CENTRAL EDMONTON NORTH EDMONTON SOUTH EDMONTON WEST EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY