Downtown Edmonton is the beating heart of our city. It’s our main economic and cultural engine, our main celebration space, offering unique public spaces with events and festivals that attract the most residents and visitors in Edmonton. It drives Edmonton’s economic prosperity. That’s why investing in it matters.
Investing in the heart of Edmonton and making downtown a vibrant place is a priority.
Downtown Action Plan Fund
The Downtown Action Plan Fund will invest up to $3 million into community-led projects that enhance vibrancy and help make the heart of our city an excellent place to live, work and play.
With a focus on long-term and impactful investments, eligible Downtown Action Plan Fund projects will help activate our city centre by aligning with one of three funding streams:
- Programs and Activations such as block parties, sports programs, fitness classes, musical and artistic performances
- Recreational Amenities to provide sport, leisure, or recreational opportunities, such as a new basketball or pickleball court
- Placemaking and Beautification, including decorative lighting, street furniture and interactive art installations
Application Intake
| Intake Period: | Decision Date: |
|---|---|
| February 26 to March 23, 2026 | April 20, 2026 |
| March 24 to April 20, 2026 | May 19, 2026 |
| April 21 to May 19, 2026 | June 15, 2026 |
| May 20 to June 15, 2026 | July 13, 2026 |
Online applications are encouraged. If a paper copy is required or if you have questions about your application, please email downtown@edmonton.ca.
Our downtown has transformed over the last 10 years with more than $4.7 billion in development in the residential, office, educational, cultural and entertainment sectors.
Now we have an amazing opportunity for more transformation, growth and innovation in our downtown as Edmonton’s population continues to grow. A thriving downtown means a thriving Edmonton for everyone.
Downtown By The Numbers
- 1,950 businesses*
- 89,016 employees*
- 3 major post-secondary institutions are located downtown, attracting more than 30,000 students
- Nearly 13,000 residents live downtown
- 10.5 kilometres of bike routes
- 3 LRT lines converge in downtown with a fourth line under construction
- 4,860 kilometres travelled daily downtown by all ETS buses and LRT trains
- 22 parks and open spaces downtown with easy access to the largest urban parkland in North America
- 195 events downtown with over 910,000 attendees in 2024, representing nearly 25% of all events and attendees
Downtown Action Plan
The Downtown Action Plan guides eight priority actions that we will take immediately and over the next five years to support growth and investment in Edmonton’s downtown, making it a thriving place for Edmontonians, businesses and visitors.
Entertainment Districts Downtown
Entertainment Districts are public spaces where food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, can be consumed on the street.
104 Street: The 104 Street district is open every Saturday throughout the summer during the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Rice Howard Way: The Rice Howard Way district is open on select days throughout the summer. The district was awarded first place by Economic Developers Alberta under its economic development renewal project category in 2025.
Multi-day Transit Passes
ETS offers 3-day and 5-day ARC transit passes, making it convenient for visitors coming downtown to take in its attractions like Rogers Place, the Winspear Centre or Royal Alberta Museum.
Current City Projects
The City funds projects under the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy with the goal of stimulating development and increasing vibrancy with strategic public investments.
“I like being near the pulse of the city. I like knowing that if I want to pop out at 10pm, I can go for a drink or go for a walk. It’s nice to have those adventures so close at hand.”
– Levi Binnema, manager of Audrey Books and resident living downtown. Find out what Levi and others are saying about living downtown.
"People living there, going to restaurants, coffee shops, bars – like just activities. It’s a massive investment and people are going to use the LRT and other stuff the City has built."
– Langham Developments President Reza Mostashari, owner of Falcon One, a 30-storey, 234-unit residential building and recipient of City’s Economic Incentive Grant.
Downtown Vibrancy Projects
The City invested $14 million in 126 projects under the Downtown Vibrancy Fund between 2022 and 2024. Projects led by businesses and organizations were funded to enhance our downtown.
Entertainment Districts
People can buy alcoholic beverages and food from participating businesses in the Rice Howard Way and 104 Street entertainment districts and consume them on the street within the designated space.
104 Street Farmers Market
This market is open between May and the fall north of Jasper Avenue where people can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, homemade meals and artisanal goods from more than 45 vendors.
The Azure Dragon of the East
9643 101A Avenue
The second of a 4-mural series called the Four Guardians of Chinatown painted by local artist Branden Cha (Busyrawk). Each mural depicts mythical beasts from Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese ancestral lore.
Edmonton Sign
A 32-foot interactive art piece with a programmable LED light display located in Sir Winston Churchill Square showcases the work of local artists, offering a great photo backdrop.
Downtown Streetcar Events
A night on the town (May to October) is spent on the High Level Streetcar where Edmontonians and visitors enjoy a spectacular view of the river valley, locally-made beer and food, wrapping up the evening downtown at The Common with live performances.
