BILD Edmonton Metro’s October luncheon looked into the development and growth of downtown’s emerging entertainment and education districts. 

The panel was moderated by Cheryl Watson, Chair of Edmonton’s Downtown Revitalization Coalition, and included speakers Tim Shipton, President and Senior Vice President of Oilers Entertainment Group, Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor of MacEwan University, Carolyn Campbell, President and CEO of NorQuest College, and Bill Blais, President and CEO of Maclab Development Group. 

Doubling down on downtown was one of the key topics of conversation at the luncheon. As one of BILD’s five advocacy priorities, it’s clear that the speakers recognized what was needed in order to achieve this goal: collaboration, new ideas, and openness to change. “There’s new voices at the table, and it all comes down to making our city better,” said Kalen Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro. “We’ve done so much work over the years and now is not the time to stop.” 

“The extension of the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy was a huge help in supporting important public infrastructure investments, and making sure they are tethered to important projects that can catalyze private sector development,” said Shipton. “I know that change is hard, but if it’s worth it then you have to fight for it.” 

Using Metaphors for Our Downtown 

The speakers referred to Edmonton in their own, quirky ways, using metaphors to establish a connection with the city.

“Edmonton’s downtown is like Oilers player Zach Hyman – a bit injured, but undergoing rehabilitation and is poised for comeback,” said Shipton. Campbell described downtown Edmonton from a more artsy perspective. “Some of you may know that I am a painter,” she said. “So, when I heard this question, I immediately thought of Van Gogh. Our downtown is a lot like Van Gogh before his work really took off — perhaps a bit weathered and worn down by external circumstances, but full of vibrant potential waiting to take the world by storm.”

Dr. Trimbee referred to post-secondary education as magnets, expressing that “our institutions, like MacEwan and NorQuest, are fuel,” she said. “They are full of people that have ideas and can help animate our downtown. The growth that these institutions are advancing is intentional, and we know that growing our student base and supporting them with housing will keep talent and investment in our city and revitalize our downtown.” 

Old Spaces, New Ideas 

In recent years, the Ice District has become a critical part of the city. “This area has been a heartbeat of downtown,” said Shipton. “It’s created optimism and confidence with other developers and helped to maintain momentum on projects like the OEG Fan Park and Village at Ice District. “It’s also interesting to reflect on what was absent in our downtown before Rogers Place,” added Blais. “There were vacant parking lots and empty spaces. Now we’re seeing more visitors, businesses, and activity.” 

Similarly, projects like The Parks, built beside Warehouse Park, highlight the value of synergy within the core — benefitting from proximity to the Education District and post-secondary institutions. Yet, the need to stay focused on market demand is the key when it comes to staying on track, according to Blais. “What we’re seeing at MacEwan and NorQuest is a good thing — it’s bringing students and people here and helping to get office workers back downtown.” Ultimately, the success of downtown Edmonton depends on collaboration, creativity, and commitment to building spaces that serve everyone — from students and workers to long-term residents. 

Public vs. Private: Who’s Leading the Downtown Vision 

A key debate centered on who should lead downtown’s revitalization — the public or private sector? Blais emphasized that “the role of government is to set the stage and get out of the way of the private sector,” noting that creating a downtown that is safe, accessible, and inviting is essential to fostering a strong investment climate. “We need urgency,” added Shipton. “We need a sense of pace where the public and private sectors are running together. We share the same vision, so let’s make downtown great.” 

Dr. Trimbee agreed that the answer is an environment where both sectors, as well as Edmontonians, can all thrive together. “Don’t run away from downtown,” she said. “We do best when we all work together, and that’s exactly what the city needs,” she added. “The future relies on us and the next generation, so hire our grads, stay local, and take a chance on change.” 

Big Plans for the Next City Council 

Each panelist offered a key takeaway for the next City Council to prioritize. Shipton’s message was clear: “Finish what you started and focus on the priorities,” he said. “If we do that, it will give us the foundation for the next phase of investment.” 

Campbell and Dr. Trimbee called for regulatory reform and housing acceleration. “Anything that can be done to ensure that housing can happen quicker, should be done,” Dr. Trimbee said. “I want a diverse and multigenerational Edmonton where lots of people are living downtown.” 

A Vision for the Future 

As post-secondary institutes continue to expand their footprint downtown, it’s important to form an identify that coincides with our goals as a city.  

“At NorQuest, our master plan is clear — to transform people’s lives,” Campbell said. “A big part of this is growing these areas and being recognized as a part of the Education and Entertainment districts. So, let’s name it! We can’t move forward unless we keep up the work we’re already doing.” To Blais, the future of Edmonton’s downtown depends on balancing growth with livability.  “The goal is about keeping downtown livable for everyone, and we see a lot of mixed-use developments continuing to grow,” he said. “The vision is about more than just buildings; it’s about creating a district where people can live, work, and connect.”  

With collaboration, creativity, and a shared sense of urgency, Edmonton’s downtown can continue to evolve into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable heart of the city. 

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Singh Builders, Host Bar Sponsor, Select Engineering Consultants, Lunch Sponsor, Hi Signs, Support Sponsor, Federated Insurance, and Creative Sponsor, MLZ Creative.

Written by Payton Phillips