Edmonton’s downtown core is witnessing a worrying trend, with at least six restaurants shuttering their doors since early June. Business owners, like Maheik Bhasin, who formerly managed the long-standing Indian restaurant Khazana, are sounding the alarm about the deteriorating conditions for local eateries. Bhasin attributes the closures to the extensive construction projects plaguing the area, which have severely hampered access and foot traffic.
A Growing List of Closures
Khazana, a fixture on 107 Street for 28 years, was one of the first establishments to announce its permanent closure last month. Bhasin cited the disruption caused by nearby construction, including the development of O-day’min Park and the Valley Line West LRT, as significant factors contributing to the restaurant’s demise. The once-thriving venue saw a sharp decline in customers as vehicle access was restricted and confusing pedestrian detours were put in place.
“The whole planning, or lack of planning, needs to be revisited,” Bhasin remarked, reflecting on the financial toll these changes took on her business.
In the wake of Khazana’s closure, five additional restaurants have also declared their intent to cease operations, including Greta Bar, kb&co, Kommune, Bündok, and PlayWright. Bhasin expressed her dismay at the situation: “Our downtown is very sad. It’s really discouraging to see. It looks like a ghost town.”
The Broader Impact of Construction
Chris Decock, owner of the soon-to-close Greta Bar on 109 Street, echoed Bhasin’s concerns. In a heartfelt letter, he explained that multiple challenges have converged to create an untenable environment for restaurants in the city centre. He noted that it wasn’t just one issue—be it tax increases, patio fees, or safety concerns—but rather a series of compounded difficulties that have made operating downtown increasingly precarious.
“It was death by a thousand cuts,” Decock lamented. “Year after year, decision after decision, operating downtown became a little harder, and investing there became a little riskier.”
The Downtown Revitalization Coalition has pointed to safety concerns as another significant deterrent for patrons. Coalition member Cheryll Watson has warned city officials for years about the repercussions of ongoing construction and safety issues, which she believes are directly affecting local businesses. “Right now, we have businesses that have their access impacted for months—if not years,” Watson stated. “How do you survive in that situation?”
Calls for Improved Planning
Watson has outlined several recommendations to help address these pressing issues, including better integration of transit and peace officers into the Edmonton Police Service and improved planning for construction projects. She emphasised that restaurants are often the first to bear the brunt of such developments, pointing to a broader economic crisis that extends beyond the culinary sector.
“This is not just a restaurant issue. This is a broader issue. We have an economic crisis downtown,” she asserted.
City officials, including Tom Girvan, director of Edmonton’s downtown economy, acknowledged the challenges faced by local businesses but noted that each establishment’s circumstances are unique. He stated, “The city has provided millions of dollars to businesses and organisations to support and encourage private investments in downtown businesses, buildings, and events to increase economic activity.”
Girvan highlighted initiatives such as the Downtown Action Plan Fund and the Downtown Vibrancy Fund, which aim to stimulate interest and engagement in the area. Since 2015, Edmonton has invested over £4.7 billion in downtown development, resulting in the construction of over seven million square feet of new residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
Why it Matters
The closures of these restaurants signal a critical moment for Edmonton’s downtown area, raising concerns about the long-term viability of local businesses in the face of ongoing construction and safety issues. As the city grapples with the fallout, it is imperative for officials to reassess their approach to urban planning and support for local enterprises. The vitality of downtown Edmonton hinges on its ability to adapt and thrive, and the loss of these beloved establishments serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Without immediate action, the city risks turning its vibrant core into a permanent ghost town.