As tough budget discussions loom at Edmonton City Hall, various groups representing downtown business leaders are calling for nearly $500 million in investment from all levels of government over the next decade to revitalize downtown Edmonton.
The downtown revitalization plan, commissioned by these business groups, outlines a strategy for using the funds to improve public cleanliness, provide social supports for Edmonton’s vulnerable populations, enhance neighborhood revitalization, and address affordable housing and infrastructure renewal, among other initiatives.
This push follows a similar appeal from the leader of the Downtown Business Association in Ottawa, who sought support from the federal government last week.
Business owners in Edmonton’s core are particularly focused on increasing support for the city’s homeless population. Shakeel Rhapar, manager at a local business, stated, “That could help us significantly—and make our streets feel a bit more safe. Secondly, I would say more subsidized housing for the same individuals. So they’re not roaming the streets.”
Since 2018, Rhapar’s business has operated on a downtown corner. He noted that while the pandemic slump has lifted, the trend of remote work continues to result in less foot traffic outside of events, such as Oilers game days.
According to the revitalization report, Edmonton’s office vacancy rate downtown currently sits at 24 percent. Rhapar commented, “We lost a lot of that lunchtime, cafe, business crowd. Overall, I’d say it’s almost back to normal—but not quite 100 percent there.”
The report also aims to more than double the downtown residential population from 12,000 to 25,000 people.