The heart of Edmonton’s downtown is experiencing a concerning trend, with at least six restaurants closing their doors since June, sparking warnings from local restaurateurs about the precarious state of the area’s business landscape. Maheik Bhasin, a former operations manager of the now-defunct Khazana restaurant, has highlighted the myriad challenges facing establishments in the city centre, including disruptive construction and confusing access routes.
A Shrinking Dining Scene
Khazana, an Indian restaurant that had been a fixture on 107 Street for 28 years, marked the beginning of this trend when it ceased operations earlier this summer. Bhasin attributed the closure to years of surrounding construction, notably the development of O-day’min Park to the south and ongoing work on the Valley Line West LRT, which has limited vehicle access and complicated pedestrian navigation. “The planning, or lack thereof, needs to be revisited,” she lamented, noting that dwindling foot traffic led to significant financial losses. “We used our savings to entertain city projects,” she added, underscoring how local businesses are bearing the brunt of urban development.
Following Khazana’s closure, five other eateries—Greta Bar, kb&co, Kommune, Bündok, and PlayWright—have also announced permanent shutdowns. The situation has left many observers, including Bhasin, describing downtown Edmonton as resembling a “ghost town,” a stark contrast to its once vibrant atmosphere.
Accumulating Challenges
Chris Decock, owner of Greta Bar, recently confirmed that his establishment will close this Sunday. In a heartfelt letter, he outlined the complex array of issues contributing to the difficulties of operating in the city’s core. “No single decision brought us here. It wasn’t one tax increase or a single construction project; it was death by a thousand cuts,” Decock wrote. He expressed that the cumulative effect of various challenges has made investing in downtown increasingly risky.
The Downtown Revitalization Coalition echoed these sentiments, identifying safety concerns and ongoing construction as significant deterrents for patrons. Coalition member Cheryll Watson stated that the city has been warned for years about the adverse effects of prolonged construction on local businesses. “How do you survive in that situation?” she asked, highlighting the urgent need for action to support struggling establishments.
Calls for Better Planning
Watson has pointed to a series of recommended strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of construction on businesses, which were outlined in a report released in April. Suggestions include improved integration of transit and peace officers with the Edmonton Police Service, a consistent presence of officers in high-priority areas, and the establishment of a 24-hour crisis response facility. “We need smaller areas of impact and a segmented construction management style,” Watson advised, emphasising that the consequences of these challenges extend beyond the restaurant sector.
While restaurants may be the first to feel the squeeze, Watson believes the economic strain will ripple through other businesses if conditions do not improve. “We have an economic crisis downtown,” she asserted, signalling the need for a comprehensive approach to revitalising the area.
City Officials Respond
Tom Girvan, the City of Edmonton’s director of downtown economy, acknowledged the challenges faced by local businesses but insisted that each closure has its unique circumstances. He highlighted that the city has invested millions to support economic activity in the downtown area, including the Downtown Action Plan Fund and the Downtown Vibrancy Fund, which aim to enhance community-led projects and increase interest in the core.
“Since 2015, the city has poured over £4.7 billion into downtown development,” Girvan noted, adding that this investment has resulted in the construction of over seven million square feet of new residential, office, cultural, and entertainment spaces. “This growth is designed to bring more people into our downtown core and enhance feelings of safety and vibrancy,” he explained.
However, Bhasin remains disheartened by the city’s approach. “It feels like nobody cares here. At this point, why would people want to live in Edmonton?” she questioned, advocating for a reassessment of city planning to prevent further business closures.
Why it Matters
The exodus of restaurants from downtown Edmonton signals a troubling trend that could have far-reaching implications for the local economy. As businesses continue to shutter amid ongoing construction and safety concerns, the vibrancy of the city centre is at risk. This situation not only affects the dining scene but also threatens the broader economic ecosystem, necessitating urgent attention and action from city officials to ensure the survival and revitalisation of downtown Edmonton.