Page 8 - 08-Nov-Dec-2024

Downtown Investment Plan
COORDINATED INVESTMENT ACTIONS FOR DOWNTOWN EDMONTON
Dear Downtown,
Let’s be real—our downtown is in trouble. Once the thriving core of our city, where 60,000 people came to work every day and thousands more called home, it’s now struggling. The impact? It’s hitting all of us. Downtown’s tax contribution has plummeted from a solid 10% to just 6.4%, and when downtown isn’t pulling its weight, the financial burden spreads across the entire city. Property taxes rise everywhere. We all pay the price when downtown falters.
But here’s the good news: we have a plan. A real plan—$427 million over the next decade in public realm investments from all three orders of government to bring our downtown back to life. We’re talking smart investments, not band-aid solutions. Think about it— the cities across North America that are thriving have made these strategic choices. It’s our turn now.
We’ve laid out 18 actions that can turn downtown into the beating heart of Edmonton again. From $3 million dedicated to making sure our streets are clean and inviting, to $100 million
for a Downtown Housing Fund that will help bring new residents into the core. We’ve even got a vision for the Education District around NorQuest and MacEwan, with $10 million to unlock its potential as a hub for learning and growth. And then there’s the expansion of the ICE District, with unique entertainment and community event space – we’re ready to raise that Stanley Cup! Opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth are endless, and we know downtown is ready to deliver.
We’re not asking for everything all at once. We know this will take time, but these investments need to start now if we’re going to see a return.
Without a thriving downtown, our city won’t thrive. It’s that simple. We’re ready to make this happen. But we need you to fight for
it too. We need you to rally for a future where our downtown doesn’t just survive—it thrives. Where every dollar invested delivers real return for all of us.
So, let’s remind everyone why Edmonton’s downtown matters— why it’s worth fighting for. The time to act is now.
With urgency and hope,
Alexandra Hryciw and Jason Syvixay Downtown Investment Plan Authors
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