Recent development activity in the downtown core has Edmontonians holding out hope for much-needed revitalization in the area. On Monday, Westrich Pacific announced it had purchased Edmonton City Centre Mall, a full two-block stretch that has struggled to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. And just last month, the Paramount Block on Jasper Avenue was acquired by Edmonton-based developer Gather Co. Both procurements were the result of receivership sales. “We’re incredibly excited that we have a couple of local developers that are really investing in the heart of our downtown,” said Cheryll Watson, chair of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition. Westrich Pacific are members of the coalition, among other business and community leaders, that are focused on bringing life back to the core after the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s fantastic to see them really putting their money where their mouth is. They are committed to the transformation of downtown,” said Watson. Edmontonians have expressed excitement and hope for what’s to come to an area that has become desolate. “As of now, it’s mostly just me – office workers,” said Hani Choucair. “I think we’re in a good spot, especially with development … It is a beautiful area … But we need the people.” Tage Cawley, a businessman who works downtown, says he’s hoping to see development take off sooner rather than later. “I’ve got four kids. I’m looking for opportunities for them, for their future, and I’d like them to look at Edmonton as an opportunity as opposed to moving somewhere else, and part of that is just the vibrancy of downtown.” But the hype doesn’t come without due skepticism. Watson pointed to a road in front of City Centre Mall that is closed off for construction. “When we’re talking to city council and administration, what we would ask specifically with this project is this construction impacting the front of this building be accelerated as quickly as possible so they can have every chance of success,” she explained. One Edmontonian said things like safety and construction could be a hindrance to the success of the city centre project. “I don’t feel safe unless I’m with a friend or maybe a coworker. I would probably not walk here alone,” said Ana Najm. “Construction, the LRT, homelessness – there are a few other flaws downtown as well, but this might be a good change.” Several restaurants around downtown have recently shuttered, citing expensive operational fees, paid parking and ongoing construction as grounds for closing up shop. In a post to social media, recently closed sports pub The Gardens said a “distinct lack of support and viable solutions from the city leadership for downtown businesses has made continuing operations at this address a challenge.” Ward O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson said the best thing city council can do to help businesses thrive in the downtown core is to ensure there are no barriers through zoning or permitting. “Just ensuring that those plans can be accommodated as easily and smoothly as possible through our processes,” Stevenson told CTV News Edmonton. Westrich Pacific said it will begin construction of 1,500 residential units on the former site of the Hudson’s Bay Company in early 2027, pending required permits and approvals. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Noah Rishaug and Miriam Valdes-Carletti
