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In Calgary, the permanent closure of their downtown YMCA in Eau Claire was announced yesterday. It really makes me wonder about the viability of ours given the relatively low downtown population and reduced office work force we have coupled with the fact their is a pool and workout facility at McEwan University not to mention the ice district gym and all the newer condos that have small workout facilities, too. Two seniors in my condo went to their senior Aquafitness classes prior to COVID and they usually only had a handful of people attending back then. Plus all the lrt work the last couple of years in its front yard hasn't helped any with a few more years to go.
 
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TAS said:
In Calgary, the permanent closure of their downtown YMCA in Eaux Claire was announced yesterday. It really makes me wonder about the viability of ours given the relatively low downtown population and reduced office work force we have coupled with the fact their is a pool and workout facility at McEwan University not to mention the ice district gym and all the newer condos that have small workout facilities, too. Two seniors in my condo went to their senior Aquafitness classes prior to COVID and they usually only had a handful of people attending back then. Plus all the lrt work the last couple of years in its front yard hasn't helped any with a few more years to go.
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I think they have different circumstances as the Don Wheaton YMCA is about 20 years newer than the one in Calgary. Whenever I have been there the gym is fairly busy pre COVID. My guess is that a 33 year old gym in Calgary has a hard time competing with the new ones downtown.
 
DTYEG said:
I think they have different circumstances as the Don Wheaton YMCA is about 20 years newer than the one in Calgary. Whenever I have been there the gym is fairly busy pre COVID. My guess is that a 33 year old gym in Calgary has a hard time competing with the new ones downtown.
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Perhaps, but having worked out at all of Goodlife Eau Claire, Goodlife Stephen Ave, and WHC on 7th, The Y at Eau Claire was hands down the nicest, best facility around. Lots of space, great natural light, squash courts, basketball courts, track, swimming pool, it has the most full-featured gym in the area. I used those facilities over my 15+ year professional career, and even used the Y as a teenager relentlessly on the weekends.

The problem is the location and movement of foot traffic during business hours, something Eau Claire has struggled with for years.
 
City receives $1.48 million from Government of Canada to support Downtown vibrancy and business recovery​

March 2, 2021

New exhibits and experiences are in store for Edmontonians and visitors through March and April thanks to a $1.48 million Government of Canada investment in our downtown. The funds will enable businesses to reach customers online and support unique activities that draw visitors downtown, contributing to the ways in which the City provides businesses with opportunities to thrive and increases access for Edmontonians.

“I’m inspired by the resiliency that small business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada, including those in our downtown cores, have shown through the pandemic. But I’ve also heard from them about their struggles and the supports they need to come back strong,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. “I’m proud that the federal government is playing a key role in bolstering Edmonton’s downtown revitalization and helping business owners reach new customers through e-commerce and online storefronts. Whether it’s making a strategic investment in our downtowns or delivering programs like the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, we’ll continue to stand by our small businesses and lay the groundwork for recovery.”

The City will implement two key initiatives together with local partners to drive recovery and support downtown businesses, Downtown Spark and an expansion of the Making Edmonton Digital program. More than 750 businesses will benefit from this initiative, and more than 800 jobs for Edmontonians will be maintained. About a quarter of the businesses that will benefit from the downtown expansion of the Making Edmonton Digitalproject are from under-represented groups in the economy.

“I’d like to thank the Government of Canada for this significant investment in our Downtown,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “Companies are increasingly choosing to locate in cities with vibrant downtowns, quality amenities and diverse transportation options. Investments like this help us and our partners create great public spaces to attract the jobs of the future, while creating quality experiences for Edmontonians today.”

Downtown Spark
Downtown Spark includes a series of exhibits and experiences that will occur downtown throughout March and April 2021. Downtown Spark is implemented by the City of Edmonton, Downtown Business Association, Explore Edmonton, Edmonton Arts Council and supported by the Art Gallery of Alberta, Citadel Theatre, Winspear Centre, and Latitude 53. The exhibits and experiences are free, take place outdoors and can be enjoyed safely as they allow for physical distance and small groups.

More information on these exciting initiatives will be shared when Downtown Sparkofficially launches later this month.

Making Edmonton Digital
The funding will also allow the City of Edmonton to expand Making Edmonton Digitalpowered by Digital Main Street to specifically support businesses in the downtown core. The program includes:
  • Expansion of the digital service consulting team staffed by students from the University of Alberta School of Retailing
  • Access to the Making Edmonton Digital platform featuring structured courses, workshops, resource libraries and a digital strategy assessment tool
  • Access to the ShopHere initiative, a no-cost support to small businesses to help build online ecommerce storefronts

“COVID-19 has impacted our local businesses significantly and downtown businesses have been hit particularly hard,” said Deputy City Manager Stephanie McCabe. “Fewer people are visiting, working, shopping and studying downtown and this has taken its toll on all the vibrancy we previously enjoyed in the heart of our city. To help address these impacts, the City of Edmonton has already introduced several programs and initiatives to support local businesses and continued investment in our city, such as our Economic Recovery Grant Program and our new 2021 Economic Recovery Construction Grant Program. This funding will further address the need for support as we look to the promising future of our downtown.”​
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For more information:
edmonton.ca/downtown

Media contact:
Amber Medynski
Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
City of Edmonton
780-944-7914

Rohit Sandhu
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
587-337-3141​
 
Reference ID:Job No 388967249-002
Description:To operate a Special Event at three locations in downtown Edmonton (Fantastic Planet inflatable sculpture display - March 12 to April 11, 2021)
Location:1 - SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE NW
Plan 4390NY Blk C
9918 - 102 AVENUE NW
Plan 4390NY Blk D
10147 - JASPER AVENUE NW
Plan NB Blk 1 Lots 78-81
10240 - 99 STREET NW
Plan 4390NY Blk OT
Applicant:EDMONTON ARTS COUNCIL
Status:Issued
Create Date:3/11/2021 9:46:48 AM
Neighbourhood:DOWNTOWN
 
Reference ID:Job No 388606305-002
Description:To change the use of a General Retail Store to a Professional, Financial , and Office Support Service (travel agency), and construct interior alterations.
Location:10179 - 105 STREET NW
Plan 0425177 Unit 2
10179 - 105 STREET NW
Condo Common Area (Plan 0425177)
Applicant:TRAVEL GURUS BRANDS INC
Status:No DP Required
Create Date:3/8/2021 12:25:50 PM
Neighbourhood:DOWNTOWN
 
Reference ID:Job No 388576000-002
Description:To develop a Comprehensive Sign Design Plan To install (8) Fascia On-Premises Sign(s) (SCOTIABANK)
Location:10220 - 103 AVENUE NW
Plan 1722545 Blk 2 Lot 3
10220 - 103 AVENUE NW
Plan 1722545 Blk 2 Lot 5
10360 - 102 STREET NW
Plan 1822676 Blk 2 Lot 6
Applicant:PRIDE SIGNS LTD
Status:Intake - More Info Requested
Create Date:3/8/2021 9:49:06 AM
Neighbourhood:DOWNTOWN
 
Back for the weekend and night #1 of bikes, super loud cars/trucks and general inconsiderates.
 
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