Edmonton to invest $5 million per year in Downtown Vibrancy Fund

Some businesses are trying to help downtown become more vibrant again with help from the Downtown Vibrancy Fund. The City is committed to investing $5 million a year to help turn downtown around and make it safer and more beautiful.

“We really could’ve chosen a number of different places but downtown has the central piece that makes us feel we can contribute and be a part of a collective,” said Nina Karpoff, the co-founder of Good Goods.

“We really do believe downtown does need to have more community focus.”

New businesses like Good Goods could see the benefits of the multi-million dollar downtown vibrancy fund. Having businesses downtown is only one step to saving Edmonton’s struggling inner city. Tax money will also go to lighting, supporting events, and public art.

“That’s why the particular programs are so important, to get new people downtown,” said Puneeta McBryan, the CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association.

The concern many Edmontonians have is whether downtown is safe, especially for families. Edmonton’s police chief claims crime rates are down in the city center. Changing perceptions is proving a longer, more difficult battle. That’s where making downtown more attractive can help.

“It’s definitely still not enough in the grand scheme of things and there’s so much more work that needs to be done. But this five million a year has really made a big difference,” said McBryan

The City says applications are now open.