The 1960s were an era of rapid growth and expansive urbanization for Alberta and some other parts of Canada, with rural areas stagnating or emptying while cities like Edmonton were facing a steady flow of newcomers, putting important pressure on the local real estate market. The picture below shows Japer Avenue NW just east of 101 Street NW in the late 1960s. The street still has some of its heritage buildings standing, although the construction of the 90-metre AGT (Alberta Government Telephones) Tower—now ATB Place—in the background illustrates the growth the downtown area is experiencing. Inaugurated in 1969, it replaced the 1923 French Renaissance Central Library building.

Vintage Edmonton postcard, looking east on Jasper Avenue NW in the late 1960s

Fast forward to June 2015, when the ATB Tower is far from being the only brutalist structure now standing along Jasper. Most of the heritage buildings have disappeared except for the Union Bank of Canada building, built in 1910 and now a boutique hotel. Other structures to the east were demolished to make way for the ATB Place and plaza, and the former Epcor Tower, recently redeveloped, now spans all the way west to the corner of 101 Street. 

Looking east on Jasper Avenue NW in June 2015, image retrieved from Google Maps Streetview

We will be back next week for another look at the past. In the meantime, you can voice your opinion about today's post by leaving a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.