Downtown Edmonton is the beating heart of our city. It’s our main economic and cultural engine, our main celebration space, offering unique public spaces with events and festivals that attract the most residents and visitors in Edmonton. It drives Edmonton’s economic prosperity. That’s why investing in it matters.
Investing in the heart of Edmonton and making downtown a vibrant place is a priority.
Our downtown has transformed over the last 10 years with more than $4.7 billion in development in the residential, office, educational, cultural and entertainment sectors.
Now we have an amazing opportunity for more transformation, growth and innovation in our downtown as Edmonton’s population continues to grow. A thriving downtown means a thriving Edmonton for everyone.
Downtown By The Numbers
- 1,632 businesses*
- 69,353 employees*
- 3 major post-secondary institutions are located downtown, attracting more than 30,000 students
- Nearly 13,000 residents live downtown
- 10.5 kilometres of bike routes
- 3 LRT lines converge in downtown with a fourth line under construction
- 4,860 kilometres travelled daily downtown by all ETS buses and LRT trains
- 22 parks and open spaces downtown with easy access to the largest urban parkland in North America
- 195 events downtown with over 910,000 attendees in 2024, representing nearly 25% of all events and attendees
Downtown Action Plan
The Downtown Action Plan guides eight priority actions that we will take immediately and over the next five years to support growth and investment in Edmonton’s downtown, making it a thriving place for Edmontonians, businesses and visitors.
New Entertainment District Downtown as Summer Approaches
Downtown is getting a new Entertainment District on 104 Street, where food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, can be consumed on the street. It will be open every Saturday throughout the summer during the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
The Rice Howard Way district will also be open on select days throughout the summer. The district was recently awarded first place by Economic Developers Alberta under its economic development renewal project category.
Multi-day Transit Passes
ETS offers 3-day and 5-day ARC transit passes, making it convenient for visitors coming downtown to take in its attractions like Rogers Place, the Winspear Centre or Royal Alberta Museum.
Downtown Community Revitalization Levy Extended
Edmonton is reaffirming its commitment to fostering a thriving downtown. City Council has approved a 10-year extension of the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) plan (Bylaw 16521), until 2044. This isn't just more of the same; it's a bold move to tackle redevelopment hurdles, spark growth and transform the area into a vibrant regional hub.
This extension fuels new investments to draw in talent, boost businesses, support arts and culture and create more housing, all to secure a prosperous future for the downtown core. The plan includes six exciting new catalyst projects and enhancements to two existing ones, focusing on:
- Downtown Infrastructure Fund
- Village at Ice District infrastructure
- Event Park
- Brownfield remediation
- Transit infrastructure
- Francis Winspear Centre for Music Expansion
Since its launch, the CRL has been transformative, driving over $4.7 billion in new development. This has brought us the iconic Ice District, more than 3,500 new homes and a revitalized downtown with new businesses, improved green spaces and upgraded infrastructure. Alongside the Capital City Downtown Plan, these investments are setting the stage for long-term downtown success!
Current City Projects
The City funds projects under the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy with the goal of stimulating development and increasing vibrancy with strategic public investments.
“I like being near the pulse of the city. I like knowing that if I want to pop out at 10pm, I can go for a drink or go for a walk. It’s nice to have those adventures so close at hand.”
– Levi Binnema, manager of Audrey Books and resident living downtown. Find out what Levi and others are saying about living downtown.
"People living there, going to restaurants, coffee shops, bars – like just activities. It’s a massive investment and people are going to use the LRT and other stuff the City has built."
– Langham Developments President Reza Mostashari, owner of Falcon One, a 30-storey, 234-unit residential building and recipient of City’s Economic Incentive Grant.
Downtown Vibrancy Projects
The City has invested $13 million in 119 projects under the Downtown Vibrancy Fund between 2022 and 2024. Projects led by businesses and organizations were funded to enhance our downtown.
The Downtown Vibrancy Fund provides funding to projects that support achieving the goals outlined in the Downtown Vibrancy Strategy.
The Downtown Vibrancy Fund closed at the end of 2024. As part of the Downtown Action Plan, future funding opportunities may become available. Sign up for our Downtown Newsletter to stay informed.
Entertainment Districts
People can buy alcoholic beverages and food from participating businesses in the Rice Howard Way and 104 Street entertainment districts and consume them on the street within the designated space.
104 Street Farmers Market
This market is open between May and the fall north of Jasper Avenue where people can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, homemade meals and artisanal goods from more than 45 vendors.
The Azure Dragon of the East
9643 101A Avenue
The second of a 4-mural series called the Four Guardians of Chinatown painted by local artist Branden Cha (Busyrawk). Each mural depicts mythical beasts from Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese ancestral lore.
Edmonton Sign
A 32-foot interactive art piece with a programmable LED light display located in Sir Winston Churchill Square showcases the work of local artists, offering a great photo backdrop.
Downtown Streetcar Events
A night on the town (May to October) is spent on the High Level Streetcar where Edmontonians and visitors enjoy a spectacular view of the river valley, locally-made beer and food, wrapping up the evening downtown at The Common with live performances.
