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What is The Quarters Downtown?

The City of Edmonton is leading the redevelopment of The Quarters Downtown. Council has approved the investment of $56 million in infrastructure and public amenities to attract further investment and encourage growth in this part of downtown.

Over $200 million in additional investment from the private sector is currently planned for the area, including a hotel and an apartment tower near Jasper Avenue. Together, these investments will help this historic centre of our City’s economic development reach its full potential.

Where is it located?

The Quarters Downtown will offer a highly walkable urban neighbourhood that offers easy access to the natural amenities of the City’s river valley, arts, entertainment and financial districts. The area extends from 97 Street to 92 Street, and from 103A Avenue to the top of the river valley (approximately 40 hectares or 100 acres).

The Quarters includes the Boyle Renaissance, a made-in-community solution that will provide a range of market and affordable housing opportunities and a variety of services such as childcare, family services, cultural opportunities, park space and a community garden.

The Quarters Downtown will be made up of five distinct districts or precincts. There are four "quarters" linked by The Armature, each having their own unique character and design.

First focus: The Armature

City investments will focus first on the transformation of 96 Street from Jasper Avenue to 103A Avenue. This area is referred to as The Armature–the heart of this redevelopment.

The Armature is expected to propel growth in The Quarters Downtown. It will be the heart of the area, with commercial and residential buildings opening onto a pedestrian-friendly street. The Armature will connect residents and visitors to attractive parks and places to visit, including the River Valley and Louise McKinney Park.

The City of Edmonton will finance $56 million in infrastructure investments with revenues from The Quarters Downtown Community Revitalization Levy. These capital investments will include upgrading area drainage services to handle the higher density residential and commercial development zoning, as well as streetscaping improvements on the south end of The Armature.

When is this going to happen?

Work is scheduled to begin in 2012. Over the next 15-20 years, the area will be transformed into a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community well connected to the central business and cultural district and the river valley.

Once completed, The Quarters Downtown will be an environmentally sustainable, walkable, diverse community with appealing design, inclusive housing, and green spaces. It currently houses about 2,400 residents and has abundant room for growth and redevelopment to accommodate up to 20,000 people.

Future plans for Edmonton's downtown

With the input of thousands of residents, Edmonton City Council established a City Vision, a creative description of the City we want Edmonton to become by 2040. The Way Ahead: Edmonton's Strategic Plan outlines six 10-year goals to bring our City Vision to life.

The Quarters Downtown redevelopment advances and supports the 10-year goals of transforming Edmonton's urban form, shifting transportation modes, improving livability, preserving and sustaining Edmonton's environment, and ensuring Edmonton's financial stability.

The Quarters Downtown also advances the Capital City Downtown Plan and its vision of a vibrant, sustainable, well-designed and accessible downtown that attracts people and investment. Revitalization of The Quarters Downtown began in 2006 with extensive community input that resulted in a plan of action approved by City Council.

In 2009, City Council approved the major planning tools—the Area Redevelopment Plan, the Urban Design Plan, and associated statutory, regulatory and zoning documents. In 2011, the Province of Alberta approved The Quarters Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, making it possible to proceed with redevelopment of the area starting in 2012.

Looking for more on The Quarters?

Subscribe to the Quarters Downtown Update to stay informed by email on project developments.

For more information:

Mary Ann Debrinski