The path toward a revitalized downtown Edmonton took a significant step forward yesterday as the city’s Urban Planning Committee unanimously endorsed the Downtown Action Plan after nearly four hours of deliberation.
I watched committee members lean forward in their seats, expressions intent as they considered what could be the most ambitious downtown renewal strategy in decades. The plan, which heads to City Council next month, proposes targeted investments and policy changes aimed at addressing the area’s most pressing challenges.
“We’re at a critical juncture,” Councillor Anne Ferguson told me after the meeting, gesturing toward the windows overlooking Rice Howard Way. “Downtown isn’t just recovering from the pandemic—it’s transforming into something entirely new.”
The 58-page proposal outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling downtown’s struggles with vacant offices, perceived safety concerns, and the need for more diverse housing options. Having covered downtown’s evolution for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen such broad stakeholder support behind a single initiative.
Edmonton Downtown Business Association Executive Director Puneeta Minhas explained that the plan’s strength lies in its balanced approach. “This isn’t just about attracting new businesses or residents—it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where both can thrive,” she said while we chatted over coffee at Credo on 104 Street.
Among the plan’s most notable elements is a proposed $45 million Downtown Investment Fund that would leverage private sector partnerships for key projects. The strategy also includes streamlined permitting for adaptive reuse of office buildings, enhanced street-level activation requirements, and expanded housing incentives.
The timing feels particularly significant. Just last week, commercial real estate firm CBRE released data showing downtown Edmonton’s office vacancy rate hovering near 22 percent—the highest in fifteen years and a persistent challenge since pandemic-era remote work policies took hold.
What struck me during yesterday’s presentations was the emphasis on “experiential downtown” concepts. The plan envisions more year-round festivals, interactive public art, and flexible event spaces designed to draw visitors regardless of season. As someone who’s shivered through many downtown winter events, I appreciate this acknowledgment of our climate reality.
Local architect Sameer Deshpande, whose firm has completed several adaptive reuse projects in the core, told me he views the plan as “necessarily ambitious but pragmatically structured.”
“The proposal recognizes that downtown’s future isn’t in trying to recreate its past,” Deshpande said. “We need to embrace flexible spaces, mixed uses, and neighborhoods that remain active beyond traditional office hours.”
The committee heard from twenty-six speakers during the public hearing portion, with the majority expressing support while suggesting refinements. Several speakers emphasized the need for expanded housing options across all income levels, while others advocated for transportation improvements.
Community advocate Teresa Wong, who has lived downtown for eight years, raised important concerns about ensuring revitalization efforts benefit existing residents. “We need renewal without displacement,” she emphasized, a sentiment that resonated with several committee members.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, who attended portions of the meeting, later told reporters the plan aligns with his vision for a “24/7 downtown where people live, work and play.” He specifically highlighted the importance of converting underutilized office space to residential use—a strategy that has shown promise in cities like Calgary.
As I walked through the downtown core after the meeting, past the mix of vibrant storefronts and papered-over windows, conversations with pedestrians revealed cautious optimism. Many expressed hope that this plan might succeed where previous efforts have fallen short.
The plan’s financial implications will likely face scrutiny when it reaches City Council on November 15. Several councillors have already indicated they’ll push for implementation metrics and regular progress reports.
For downtown residents like myself, who’ve witnessed both promising initiatives and disappointing setbacks over the years, the plan offers tangible hope. The true test, however, will come in execution—turning carefully crafted strategies into visible changes on our streets and in our neighborhoods.
The Downtown Action Plan is available for public review on the City of
