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About Our Neighborhood

Way out back in the back of beyond where the nights are as dark as coal…

Ian Tyson
Strathcona Community, as seen from downtown. The James McDonald Bridge is in the foreground.

The community of Strathcona is an important part of Edmonton. The City of Edmonton is the most northerly of the major cities of North America and located on the border between the northern boreal forest and the great central plain of the continent. Strathcona is one of the oldest Edmonton neighbourhoods, centrally located on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River. Until it was amalgamated with Edmonton in 1912, Strathcona was a separate city. “Strathcona arose when the first railway north from Calgary terminated at the south river bank, much to the chagrin of the town of Edmonton on the north side, and to the delight of southsiders who quickly formed a burgeoning rival community.” – History of Strathcona

Many of the historically valuable buildings still existing in Edmonton are located in Strathcona. Those interested in historical preservation will want to refer to the Register of Historic Resources of the City of Edmonton. The most successful and interesting retail area in Edmonton is Whyte Avenue which borders the community. The area is also a lively arts district with many clubs, theatres and galleries. For example:

For many, a favourite place to visit is the Strathcona Branch of the Edmonton Public Library. It was the first library to open in the Edmonton area, in 1913.

Thanks to the diligence of community members, the area was not sacrificed to freeways in the 1970s. The eastern border of the neighbourhood is Mill Creek Ravine, a lush, forested enclave that shelters deer and other wildlife and is a part of the greenspace so valued by Edmontonians. Parts of the community extend into the river valley and there are numerous walking and biking trails throughout.

In late 2016, the Strathcona Centre Community League struck an ad hoc committee to prepare for Neighbourhood Renewal, scheduled for 2019-2023. This process was aimed at leveraging the city’s investment in order to create a more walkable, bikeable, and livable area. Through 2017 and 2018, much engagement and collaboration took place with the Strathcona Working Committee producing the document Strathcona Renewal Process And Outcomes 2017 that was submitted to the City and many Public Engagement events that happened throughout the community. Construction began in Spring 2019 and was officially completed in the Fall of 2021, (with some remaining landscaping scheduled for June 2022). In addition the Strathcona Back Street was also completed in 2021.

The community is within walking distance of the University of Alberta , the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium as well as other major cultural centres such as the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Citadel Theatre and the Winspear Centre. Residents can walk to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in Gallagher Park, a variety of swimming pools, the Muttart Conservatory and downtown Edmonton. Residents of Strathcona can commute by car anywhere in Edmonton in less than 30 minutes and can travel to downtown Edmonton via a 5-10 minute bus ride.

Additional Information