Edmonton council to examine freshly minted $553-million Downtown revitalization plan
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Edmonton city councillors are set to debate a new Downtown Action Plan this week that could chart the course for more than a half-billion dollars to be put toward the development of the city's core.
The proposed strategy bears a striking resemblance to a Downtown Investment Plan released in October by a group of businesses
'I do think it's a breakthrough,' said Jason Syvixay, vice-president of strategy and operations for BILD Edmonton Metro. 'I think we've been able to come to the table on both sides, public and private sector, be very vulnerable and open and honest, transparent about what we see to be the issues and challenges in Downtown — as well as the opportunities.'
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Edmonton Journal
16-05-2025
- Edmonton Journal
Diamond Contracting shines at Awards of Excellence
Named Renovator of the Year at BILD Edmonton Metro's annual awards, Diamond Contracting was a finalist or winner in all reno categories. Laura Loconte, project manager for Diamond Contracting, Kendall Judd, co-owner of Diamond Contracting, and project manager Myron van Dijk stand in the newly renovated kitchen that won the award for Best Renovation Under $150,000 at the BILD Edmonton Metro's annual awards. Photo by Walter Tychnowicz / Postmedia Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. It was a time for Diamond Contracting to sparkle. A finalist in all six renovation categories at the recent BILD Edmonton Metro Awards of Excellence in Housing, Diamond was named greater Edmonton's Renovator of the Year and took the award for Best Renovation under $150,000. 'Going into the awards you can assume as much as you want and you can have as many nominations as you want, but you actually don't know until the names are read,' said Kendall Judd, Diamond's co-owner and principal designer. 'So it's a lovely surprise.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Renovator of the Year win at the mid-March event marked the third time in five years Diamond has won this award, previously claiming it in 2020 and 2023. Winning for the third time made it a little more special this time around, said Judd. So, what does she think the judges saw and liked this time that drew them towards Diamond? Aside from the multiple finalist spots, which she believes helped Diamond secure the top title, Judd said she feels its Diamond's emphasis on timeless designs and practicality combined with a little bit to jazz it up — but without taking anything away from the overall classic look. What's In Demand Talk to a renovator, ask them what is popular and you'll almost always be told that it's kitchens and bathrooms. But while Diamond didn't sway from that when asked, the team there also pointed to a number of things Edmonton-area home owners are seeking these days when doing renovations. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Quartz was first on the list, as Diamond project manager Laura Loconte noted, pointing to countertops, backsplashes that would take the countertop finish up the wall, quartz showers or fireplace surrounds. Then there's the gadgets and technological advances that are catching the attention of homeowners, said Loconte and Judd, emphasizing a homeowner desire for the convenience modern technology enables. 'Almost every single client wants a bidet,' said Loconte, 'and they want the toilet bowl (lid) to open before they make it to the toilet — automatic and remote controlled.' Also, if it can be lit up to find the way there in the middle of the night, clients want that, too, said Loconte. Then there's kitchen and laundry appliances that do more, said Judd, referencing internet refrigerators that can make a list of what fridge foods you are running short on, faucets that let you make your own soda water or washers or dryers with steam options. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But it's not all about the tech or just kitchens and bathrooms. Garages done up with epoxy floors, car lifts and even televisions are also popular while other items of interest include home gyms and saunas. 'A lot of amenities people were leaving their house for they now want in their home,' said Judd. And there's another thing on people's minds, added Judd, who is noticing that the totally open concept floor plan is not necessarily what her clients are looking for. 'I feel like people are putting those walls back up now or they're using the spaces differently,' said Judd, referencing a desire for more dedicated spaces. Further, homeowners are less concerned with the resale aspect of the renovation, said Loconte, and more concerned about how they want to use the space rather than focusing on a reno that will bring in more dollars when the home is sold. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In addition to earning the Renovator of the Year award, Diamond's best chances for a win that evening at the awards gala was in the Best Renovation under $150,000 category where it had four of the five finalist spots. It won for its Café Society entry, a Fort Saskatchewan home that saw empty nesters deciding that since they were now on their own, their kitchen was no longer really working for them. The Café Society name comes from the focus on a coffee and tea station, however, there were other changes including quartz countertops that travel up to the ceiling and double as a backsplash. Another interesting reno, a finalist in two categories, was the Range Road 97 home, an older Strathcona County property that was taken down to the foundation and rebuilt to include entertainment options, a future mother-in-law suite, and space dedicated to their small dog, with whom the Diamond staff fell in love. 'We didn't do anything unless Kevin (the dog) signed off on it,' joked Judd. With 11 finalist spots overall, Diamond's Myron van Dijk, noted that the three-peat for Renovator of the Year, and the overall placings — by having a finalist in each renovation category — tells existing and future clients not just how successful the company is but also gives them confidence that the result will be what they're looking for. 'Our focus in on making sure everything is perfect,' said van Dijk. 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Global News
14-05-2025
- Global News
City reveals new plan for downtown Edmonton as part of revitalization efforts
The City of Edmonton is now proposing its new Downtown Action Plan as part of the city's latest initiative to revitalize the downtown core. The hope is that it would achieve the city's goals of increasing property values, growing the number of people living downtown, reducing commercial vacancy and attracting more workers, students, and visitors to downtown. 'Our downtown is a place where commerce, diversity, and creativity flourish. It's a place for everyone to gather to celebrate, share ideas, learn, trade and innovate,' Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said in a statement. 'The Action Plan is our road map to unlocking downtown's full potential. It was built with input from our passionate community partners and, together, we will make meaningful progress in our downtown.' According to the city, this five-year plan builds on existing work, including the Downtown Vibrancy strategy. Story continues below advertisement Eight actions were outlined in this plan and includes suggestions such as upgrading infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, lighting, street furniture, landscaping), exploring housing projects, increasing public amenities and programming, increasing safer public and private spaces, and expanding entertainment districts. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Downtown Action Plan comes with a price tag of approximately $553 million. According to a statement, roughly $511 million is leveraged through the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, with roughly $440 million contingent on the proposed extension which hasn't officially been approved. Puneeta McBryan, executive director of the downtown business association, says she received overwhelming positive feedback from the introduction of last summer's entertainment district along Rice Howard Way. 'To see just the very European-style experience on the street that the entertainment district brings. You can go and grab a beer or a glass of wine from a restaurant and stroll outside and have some gelato with your wine on the street. It felt very different and it's the kind of experience people are looking for,' McBryan told Global News. Currently, an entertainment district lies between 101 and 100 streets on Rice Howard Way. The proposed expansion would include businesses along 100A Street between 102 Avenue and Jasper Avenue, as well as a few shops facing 100 Street. There are also plans to create another entertainment district along 104 Street between 104 Avenue and Jasper Avenue. Story continues below advertisement For events that already take place on 104 Street such as the Downtown Farmers' Market and Winterval, McBryan says it allows them to include the businesses along the path. 'Most events when we do street closures, if you want to sell alcohol, you have to set up your own beer garden and that takes business away from restaurants already there,' she explained. There are some community groups, such as the Alberta Avenue Business Association, that question why the focus is solely on downtown. 'The last 10-year plan gave us a result of losing our tax base in downtown. Why should we keep bidding on a horse that is dead?' executive director Erick Estrada said. 'I think there is a lot more than downtown that we have to offer in Edmonton, and they're not the only ones who could benefit from a more holistic approach. I think there are a few other areas that each district can identify as their economic priority, and we aren't looking at that,' he added. The plan was unanimously approved in Tuesday's Urban Planning Committee at council, and will be discussed in a future city council meeting.
Edmonton Journal
12-05-2025
- Edmonton Journal
Opinion: Downtown Edmonton needs action now
Article content The City of Edmonton has released its Downtown Action Plan, outlining key capital, operational, and programmatic investments needed to revitalize our downtown. With eight goals and 45 sub-actions, the plan calls for more than $553 million in municipal investments over the next five years. Ambitious? Absolutely. But essential — and consistent with the scale of investments seen in other major North American cities that are prioritizing their downtowns.
