Here in Edmonton we went for over 40 years with an LRT system underground only downtown and we haven't had street cars for even longer. So I realize there is a learning curve for people to adjust to changes, particularly for those who do not go downtown often. Heck I still regularly see people...

For the Republicans, a loss might have actually served as a wake up call, so after this they may continue sleep walking towards worse next year.

IMO any decent retailer who isn't a pawn shop or something horrible is a net plus and draws in some more people who may also support other nearby business. Better than an empty space, at this point doesn't need to be fancy.

Wow, perhaps AI has been working over time here! But, there are some great ideas here. In particular, I like the last few more historic looking metal ones which would compliment and echo the High Level bridge well. I hope after the new 105 Street bridge, we also take making any new bridge here...

These older sometimes smaller spaces are actually quite good for independent businesses and local retailers as they are often more affordable and owned by local landlords who may be more responsive. Many of them seem to remain occupied, while the new spaces in residential towers are slow to...

... or something enclosed like a nice one story building with lots of windows and an outdoor patio space integrated into it.

I just saw this and it looked interesting. Is there anything similar here? If not, perhaps an idea for another possible use for the old Northlands space. https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/opportunity-calgary-investment-fund-hub-agricultural-companies-agsphere

I just went by there and it looks like it is. The pop-up is in the old Shoppers space, but it only is using part of it.

I suppose we could continue to debate where safety issues are worse, but to some degree it is a moot point because its the perception of being less safe that really hurts our downtown. I do agree that having retail downtown in Vancouver (which we don't have much left here anymore) and more...

A good thing? Yes and no. Edmonton has been growing more quickly than Winnipeg for a long time. So for this and other reasons it is more attractive to build here. This also helps keep supply growing here, which helps keep it affordable. However, I agree affordability is not the only thing...

Perhaps it has changed more recently, but last time I was there I spent time around Granville Street in Vancouver, which is not one of their best areas downtown. Compared to our downtown then it actually seemed much better.

In a city like Edmonton, there are times rental vacancy is tighter and also times when it is not. Those that build less desirable accommodation can make more money in the short term if the market it tight, but when it changes and it will, they will be the first to be hit by higher vacancy and...

Interesting how Vancouver manages to keep its problems contained to a fairly small portion of downtown, while Edmonton fails to do so. I wonder if anyone from the City of Edmonton has ever looked at how they do it.

Yes, so we need to focus on the first one, stronger non residential development in the city, because other jurisdictions are not going to give pots of money to save us.

Immigration is mostly a Federal jurisdiction, but credential recognition is more provincial . Canada needs medical professionals so, the Feds have designed the immigration system to facilitate that, but they don't control the other part. Part of the problem is a lack of coordination and...

Alberta conservatives have always been eager to sneak in more private care one way or another and really this is just another, the latest, ploy. I feel where this will fall apart is how it generally does. First, public opinion realizes that it means better care only for those who can pay for...

Yes, the default to tearing something with historical significance should probably generally be no, with only exceptional circumstances. It is not like we have a huge number of such properties and there are many alternative sites.

I feel the style of buildings there has more to do with the money available to spend on them and the fact that companies generally put more effort into their head offices. At some point Edmonton became content with just being a branch plant city and with that comes branch plant offices and...

Well we have a brand new park downtown that could use a nice center piece or feature like this.

Yes, you can not and should not restrict a system that has many so access points and is used by other people than transit riders too. I often go through the tunnels and pedways to also go to places downtown and do not find the stairwells or hallways as bad or as scary as some seem to. Yes...