What do you think of this project?

  • Total voters
    52
While it is suuuuper disappointing to see another parking lot be created, it's obvious that Westrich is playing the long game, guys. Edmonton's market for downtown construction has literally been at rock, and I mean ROCK 🪨 bottom for the past 6 years. There has been so little capacity for new construction downtown post-covid that it took a whole tax incentive program to get a decent amount of projects going at one time. Westrich, along with other companies like Maclab and Autograph, are most likely waiting for the market to improve in order to make their projects pencil out, then we'll see some renderings and shovels in the ground.

Developers really have one goal in the end: generate profit. Unfortunately, its kinda hard to do that in downtown Edmonton right now for various reasons. I have faith that Westrich will deliver a tower here in due time.

With that said, the subsidy discussion is an important one to have. I'm personally more on the side of no subsidy as it would likely open up a violent can of worms *cough* Arlington *cough*
 
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edmonton.taproot.news

The Pulse: Feb. 12, 2026

In this edition: Housing advocates on both sides unhappy with proposed infill changes; executive committee backs 'Happy Beer Street' entertainment district proposal; and more headlines and happenings
edmonton.taproot.news edmonton.taproot.news
  • In an online post, architect Josh Kjenner raised concerns over a proposal from Westrich Pacific for an interim parking lot at the vacant downtown Edmonton site of the former Bank of Montreal main branch, located at 101 Street NW and 102 Avenue NW. The site, empty since its 2017 demolition, was listed for sale in November 2025. Westrich Pacific presented its temporary plan to the Edmonton Design Committee on Jan. 20. Kjenner argues for the City of Edmonton to design development conditions through land acquisition and targeted subsidies to achieve desirable, high-quality buildings, rather than accepting stopgap measures that delay meaningful development.
 
It's too bad Mr. Kjenner will not address the elephant in the room. Investors don't want to invest too significantly in DT Edmonton. Not with tall towers, anyways. What the author should b advocating for is for the city to address safety and cleanliness and social disorder.

Yes, some private-sector development is underway. But it's come woefully too late (and not befitting of a city of more than a million people) and there are still a myriad of issues that need to be tackled. But city hall doesn't have a spine. It's more interested in spending tax dollars on one-off events, where a few pictures will be taken showing how 'busy' the core is. But it's a facade.

Heck, (and I will die on this hill) the city does not even lead by example and bring its staff back to the office full time. Something that would help struggling businesses etc.

If Toronto's financial district looked faded and dirty and zombie-filled like Edmonton's, people would be - rightfully - demanding changes. Here, due to social justice warriors, we just let our DT turn into a big homeless shelter.

DT doesn't need more subsidies. It needs tough love. Then the private capital will (hopefully) return. It's basic economics 101.
 
ys11 said:
I was in Toronto last month and couldn't help but notice their BMO building almost looks identical to our old BMO building. Would've been nice to still have this building. View attachment 714835
Click to expand...

Our old BMO building could have used some more LED lighting. But more importantly, I wish our old BMO building could have retained the BMO Bank as a primary tenant instead of letting it move next door to Enbridge Centre.
 
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