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 Digital project 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 Spark officially launches later this month.
Making Edmonton Digital
The funding will also allow the City of Edmonton to expand
Making Edmonton Digital powered 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.”
