Downtown Advantages

Downtown’s central location and transportation connections support daily business activity, employee access, and regional connectivity.

• Less than a 10‑minute drive to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland

• Approximately 18 minutes to Edmonton and 20 minutes to Sherwood Park

• Direct access to regional highway networks

• Central hub for civic, commercial, and institutional services

• Walkable downtown core with strong internal connectivity

• Public transit service connecting downtown to surrounding neighbourhoods

A growing residential base and proximity to a major employment region create consistent demand for downtown businesses and services.

• Immediate downtown population of approximately 4,500 residents

• One in seven city residents lives within the downtown area

• Continued residential growth supporting year‑round customer demand

• Access to a regional industrial workforce of 8,000+ direct and 30,000+ indirect jobs

• Stable weekday activity driven by commuters and local employment

• Diverse mix of employment sectors supporting economic resilience

Land use regulations, development incentives, and sustained public investment work together to reduce barriers and support reinvestment in Downtown.

• Mixed‑use friendly regulations support residential, commercial, and street‑level activity in the downtown core

• Reduced parking requirements lower development costs and support compact, walkable design

• Flexible land use permissions allow a broad range of business and commercial uses

• Support for adaptive reuse and redevelopment of existing downtown buildings

• Strong built‑in market demand, supported by proximity to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and a large regional workforce

• Growing downtown residential base that supports year‑round activity and local services

• Land use policies aligned with incentives, including brownfield, development, and revitalization grants

• Ongoing public investment in streetscapes, placemaking, and downtown infrastructure

Downtown supports a strong local business ecosystem anchored by independent businesses, services, and community activity.

• 260+ active businesses operating in the downtown core

• High percentage of locally owned and independently operated businesses

• Balanced mix of retail, services, food, office, and civic uses

• Strong street‑level activity supported by events and markets

• Programs and initiatives designed to support business growth and reinvestment

• Ongoing collaboration between businesses, property owners, and the City

Downtown combines everyday services, cultural attractions, and outdoor amenities that enhance quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors.

• Access to the North Saskatchewan River Valley and 75+ km of trail connections

• Multiple parks, playgrounds, and open spaces within walking distance

• Proximity to recreation and sport facilities serving all ages

• Cultural landmarks including the Fort Heritage Precinct, Legacy Park, and public library

• Regular city‑led and community events that drive visitation and activity

• Schools, daycares, and daily amenities supporting a complete, mixed‑use environment