Live it up downtown

by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

Every world-class city deserves a world-class downtown, and Edmonton’s city core is one of the best in the world – and only getting better.

Things to see, things to do – it’s all right there. At the same time, it has become a terrific option for new homebuyers.

In fact, the population of the city core has been growing steadily, according to Chris Buyze, president of the Downtown Edmonton Community League. He says the population of the areas between 97 Street to 109 Street and 97 Avenue to 105 Avenue that make up downtown has increased by about 17.5 per cent over the last five years.

“Downtown Edmonton is more of a community than you might think,” he tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide. “There is a great diversity of people, businesses, organizations, government here. It is one of the most welcoming places I’ve been, and it’s easy to involved in the community once you know where to find it.

The Downtown Edmonton Community League has been involved in everything from the

Station Lands

Envie

development of Rogers Place to community gardens, to the development of a huge new park in the Warehouse Area. And Buyze sees continued growth and development in the next few years.

Ramping up excitement is the launch of the second phase of the Station Lands by Qualico Communties, which promises to be the city core’s only master planned community. Spanning approximately 2.2 million sq. ft., Station Lands will create around 1,000 jobs for the city and could see up to 5,000 Edmontonians either calling Station Lands home or their place of work.

“The Station Lands development will provide strong support for city-wide growth policies, energy sustainability objectives, arts and culture policy, and housing in the revitalization plan area,” says Mike Saunders, Senior Vice-President, Qualico Properties.

HERE AND NOW

But what is already found in Downtown Edmonton is tantalizing enough that more people are looking to live here.

“The food scene is next to none, and there’s more and more amenities being built for residents to enjoy,” Buyze says. “Where else can you have some of the best coffee in the city, take a walk in the river valley, enjoy a pint or dinner on a patio, take in a concert or hockey game, have a ‘staycation’ in your own community, all in the same day!”

He is hugely optimistic of the re-opening of the Downtown after COVID-induced lockdowns. “Downtown Edmonton is reopening after two years. During those times we’ve seem more patios, more restaurants open up and the community really come together. This year residents can look forward to the return of summer festivals, patio dining, markets, art activations and more.”

He points out that the ICE District has been a huge part of the revitalization of Downtown by bringing in more residents through the development of condos and apartments. While not fully complete yet, ICE District will be another great amenity for residents, he adds. “It compliments what already is happening Downtown, with heritage 104 Street independent shops, hotels

Baijiu The View at Grandin City

and restaurants on Rice Howard Way, or our amazing arts community around Churchill Square.”

LIVE HERE

Westrich Pacific Corp. has been a huge believer in Edmonton’s Downtown and has two of the most popular condo towers in the area. So popular, in fact, that its Encore Tower is sold out while its The View at Grandin City is at 80 per cent sold.

Cole Killeeen, Sales Manager at Westrich Pacific Corp., says living downtown is a no-brainer. “Why not? You are within walking distance to all entertainment needs. All surrounding neighborhoods are commuting to the core for either Events at Rogers Place or the fine cuisine located throughout. You eliminate the drive, parking fees/ finding a spot.”

He also says that – depending on the condo you choose – there are majestic vistas to behold. “Depending on the condo you purchase you are either going to see an incredible sunrise or sunset, River valley/ nature views or the beautiful skyline of the city towers. It’s also far enough away from the core to not hear the downtown noise allowing you to enjoy the surrounding area peacefully.” The View, he says, certainly has all of those in spades.

DINE HERE

Downtown Edmonton is getting quite a reputation as a foodie haven with a host of tasty, trendy offerings. There’s way too many to list! But we have some favourites, like KB&Co, whose plant-based menu is free of meat, dairy, egg, and soy products. Every ingredient they use is organic and local whenever possible. www. kbandcompany.com.

Edmonton’s international cuisine is admirably represented by a trio of delightful diners. EnVie – serves up authentic Cajun and Creole eats at 10009 107 St. (envieeats.ca); Uccelino is a modern Italian trattoria serving seasonal dishes on 10349 Jasper Ave. (corso32group.com/uccellino/); while Baijiu is a trendy, Asian fusion cocktail bar and eatery serving small, shareable plates at 10359 104 St. (baijiuyeg.com).

For coffee, breakfast or lunch, you can’t go wrong at District Café & Bakery. It’s location on 109 St. NW makes it the perfect pit stop for coffee and baked goods for every downtown office worker. Their avocado breakfast sandwich is just delish. https://districtcafe.ca

HAVE FUN HERE

Buyze has some great recommendations for living it up downtown. His Top Five Experiences for the Downtown. 1. Take in an Oilers game or concert at Rogers Place, or take in a cultural event at the Art Gallery of Alberta or

Citadel Theatre. If it’s summer, don’t miss Al Fresco on 4th or festivals in Churchll Square like Taste of

Edmonton or CariWest 2. Take a scooter, segway or food tour of Downtown. There are lots of options to help you get to know the core. 3. Find out where the ‘locals’ like to go for a drink. Try a local patio hang-out like Rice Howard Way’s

Sherlock’s or Dalla Zenari’s, or 104 Street’s Cask and Barrel or

Campio Brewing. 4. Downtown is the headquarters for

Edmonton’s food scene. Book a reso at award winning local eats like Bar Bricco, Bundock ,or ‘Tres

Carnales Rostizado. 5. Check out some amazing views of the river valley from ‘The Leg’ or the historic Fairmont Hotel

MacDonald’s front yard patio. The funicular gives everyone great access to the valley as well.