On August 18, 2019, more than 1,000 people enjoyed a Chinese feast at a “long table event” held in the Quarters. Organized by the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market, Edmonton Chinese Benevolent Association, and the Boyle Street Community League, this hugely successful event was 100 percent free and open to everyone.

“The long table feast not only displayed delicious farm-fresh food, but also what this community is all about,” says Mary Ann Debrinski, Director of Urban Renewal, City of Edmonton. “It is about connection, inspiration, resilience, diversity, and sustainability.”

Debrinski, an enthusiastic supporter of Boyle Street and Quarters renewal for several years now, says this initiative is “increasingly gaining momentum and entering its very own kind of regeneration. This is a place to watch!”

Debrinski and her colleagues at the City have provided the following progress report on both private and municipal activities.

Privately Led Projects
Two private developers have taken up the challenge of maintaining historic buildings. The Gather Co. has purchased the 1912 Stovel Block and has plans to rehabilitate and lease the building while obtaining historical designation. Primavera Development Group will soon be leasing space in its redeveloped 1912 Brighton Block (Ernest Brown Building) project while maintaining its historical designation.

New residential buildings are on their way. On 95 Street, the Cidex Group is aiming for occupancy of its 24-storey rental property called The Hat @ Five Corners in summer 2020. Muttart Lands near the Stadium LRT Station broke ground in July, with Rohit starting construction of the first phase, which will include 243 rental apartments and 2,500 square feet of commercial space.

On the retail front, the former Hyatt Place hotel reopened in June as DoubleTree by Hilton, and Peche Café, a plant-based grab and go restaurant, opened on 97 Street on September 24. For some time now, the area has already benefited from The Moth, Syphay, and the Nook cafes/restaurants. The long-standing Double Greeting restaurant continues to thrive, and Panini’s Italian Cucina has been doing a booming business at the east end of Jasper Avenue for over three years.

City-Led Projects
Valley Line LRT construction will soon connect people in Mill Woods to the core. The new Quarters stop will be on the Armature (96 Street).

This summer the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market operated outdoors on Sundays on 103 Avenue, and will be moving into the renovated GWG building on 97 Street for the winter season.

Co*Lab, a community arts laboratory project by Quarters Arts, and Ociciwan Indigenous Contemporary Art Centre are rehabilitating city-owned buildings in the 96 Street area. Both groups are planning for occupancy on or before January 2020.

Plans are to complete Phase 1 of Kinistinâw Park in 2020. And, the City’s schedule for 2021/2022 includes improvements to the 97 Street streetscape (Jasper Avenue to 102 Avenue). Part of that project is footings and foundations for the New Harbin Gate.

Anita Jenkins is a retired writer and editor who lives in Boyle Street.

New residential buildings are on their way. On 95 Street, the Cidex Group is aiming for occupancy of its 24-storey rental property called The Hat @ Five Corners in summer 2020. Muttart Lands near the Stadium LRT Station broke ground in July, with Rohit starting construction of the first phase, which will include 243 rental apartments and 2,500 square feet of commercial space.

Addresses of Locations Mentioned in This Article

Brighton Block (Ernest Brown Building), 9670 Jasper Avenue

Co*Lab, 9641 – 102A Avenue

Double Greeting Won Ton House, 10212 – 96 Street

Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, 9576 Jasper Avenue

GWG Building, 10299 – 97 Street

Hat @ Five Corners (The), corner of 95 Street and Jasper Avenue

Kinistinâw Park, 96 Street between 102A Avenue and 103A Avenue

Moth Cafe (The), 9449 Jasper Avenue

Nook Cafe (the), 10153 – 97 Street

Ociciwan Indigenous Contemporary

Art Centre, 9604 – 101A Avenue

Paninis Italian Culina, 8544 Jasper Avenue

Peche Café, 10255 – 97 Street

Quarters LRT station, 102 Avenue, west of 96th Street (the Armature)

Stovel Block, corner of 97 Street and 103A Avenue