Edmonton approves new arts hub on Alberta Avenue expected to bring vibrancy

Edmonton City Council has approved the proposal for a new arts hub in Alberta Avenue that will house artists, businesses and a theatre. Leo Cruzat has more on the vision of the community.

By News Staff

Posted August 2, 2026 2:47 pm.

Last Updated August 2, 2026 2:48 pm.

Edmonton City Council has approved the proposal for a new arts hub on Alberta Avenue that will house artists, businesses and a theatre.

Christy Morin, executive director, Arts on the Ave, said the green light from the City for the project which has been in talks since 2007, puts the community in “place of vibrancy as opposed to a place of despair.”

Located near the intersection of 92 Street and 118 Avenue in thenorth side of Edmonton’s downtown, a green parcel of land will be turned into a hub for artists.

“It would be a place for makers and creators and artists that we place for community and it would also be a part of a safety implementation of the revitalization in the neighbourhood,” Morin said.

*Parcel of land on Alberta Ave. in Edmonton where a new arts hub was approved by the City Council. Seen on Aug. 1, 2026 (Leo Cruzat, CityNews)*

The hub will feature black box theatre, a place for businesses and 24 affordable housing units focused for artists and creatives.

Ruth Alexander, theatre artist, who lives in the area, says having affordable housing will attract artists.

“All of those arts meshed together in one hub is going to be pretty unique,” Alexander said.

“The arts are so concentrated here … with all the artists that live in the community. it’s going to be fantastic to have somewhere where we can all gather and meet.”

*Alberta Avenue Arts Hub rendering (Courtesy: Reimagine Architect, Qualico Development and Arts on the Ave)*

The proposal recently got the nod from city council with the providing the land and chipping in $3.3 million to the project.

Ward Métis Councillor Ashley Salvador put on the motion to make sure that the money is provide.

“This is also what revitalizing this area. There’ve been so many efforts over the last few years by very passionate Edmontonian community members to revitalize and bring new life to this community and this project is a natural extension of that,” Salvador said.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $10.4 million according to Morin who says the shovels will be on the ground in three years.

“This patch of land here and the creativity and community that it will bring will spread out in all directions around this area,” Alexander said.