WhyteAvenue
Like other commercial areas, Whyte Avenue has experienced significant changes post Covid. Though it remains a major draw the complexion and culture has changed. A number of key buildings sit vacant and that visible blemish effects surrounding businesses. Pre covid, Whyte Avenue was busy till the wee hours of the morning but now seems to wind down by midnight which may be due to people now coming for an evening out have different expectations than before, when the volume of drinking was higher. Although Whyte Avenue continues to have a support base with people in the surrounding residential and university transitioning with the changing times is a must for Whyte Avenue to not only grow support from people in other areas of the city but for its long term survival.
The historic Army & Navy building on Whyte Avenue” was originally opened in 1928 and was part of a retail chain that operated in Canada for over 1o0 years. The current Whyte Avenue building was built in 1950 and became the cornerstone of the retail business district in the area. The Whyte Avenue location continued to operate until March 2020 when the pandemic forced its closure, then in May the CEO announced that none of the stores would reopen. The store remained empty since then but for the occasional use as art gallery and/or Christmas market.
It is not known who purchased the property or what the purchaser's intent is. It is hoped whatever replaces the empty building will bring some vibrancy to the area and that whoever takes over this iconic building pays tribute to its history.
In its efforts to attract more people to Whyte Avenue and old Strathcona the Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA) has introduced new street furniture to help make the area more pedestrian-friendly. The furniture now includes benches, tables, and bike racks and more will be forthcoming. The furniture is designed to be comfortable, colorful, welcoming and permanent for those who come to Whyte Avenue, the busiest walking area in Edmonton.
Edmonton has experienced a growth in crime and safety concerns the last couple of years and it has spread to various districts including Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue. The Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA) represents about 600 businesses in the area and many report a rise in vandalism, crime and safety concerns which are the basis for the OSBA's request for more funding and supports.
On Friday evening a ceremony was held on the corner of Whyte Ave (82nd) and 104 Street to officially proclaim the corner as Pride Corner.
Street cars were once the mode of public transportation not only in Edmonton but in cities all over the world. The only street car still left in Edmonton is the High Level Bridge line operated by The Edmonton Radial Railway Society. The line has recently been extended and will have its grand opening run on Thursday, May 16th.