Edmonton’s unique business zones are celebrating several key wins in their efforts to make more funky, local and Edmonton-specific spaces.
Old Strathcona just saw its first two businesses — a
Sugared & Spiced bakery and
The Holy Roller restaurant — open in what had been dingy alleys, a creative way to add density to a provincial heritage district.
The downtown business association and its partners are gearing up to build the first playground downtown, with a swing, slides and climbing equipment in Dick Mather Park on 99 Avenue and 105 Street. It’s also celebrating a child-friendly live music venue Saturdays at
Cask and Barrel, and is poised to launch a sticker campaign recognizing other family-friendly businesses.
This is about building authentic Edmonton, said Terry Synyshyn, owner of Mud Honey Salon and part of the 124 Street business association.
“We have nothing against malls or big box centres, because we all use them, but you can go to these types of businesses in any city in North America,” said Synyshyn. “But there’s only one city, however, where you can experience Duchess or RGE RD.”
