The EDBA’s work is carried out through many avenues, like providing resources and information to new and existing Downtown businesses, advocating and collaborating with all orders of government and partner organizations, creating and supporting public events across Downtown, marketing and promoting Downtown businesses, and a range of other economic development activities.
Here are a few highlights of our signature events, programs and services.
Downtown Proud Litter Pickup & Cleaning Crew – Annually the association pays for a portion of the operational budget for Downtown Proud, a Boyle McCauley Community Services social enterprise initiative that provides work to members of the Boyle community to clean up Downtown streets. In 2021, Downtown Proud, picked up 996 bags of garbage and 1,102 needles.
Blooming Boulevards – At no cost to members and the community, the EDBA fully funds Blooming Boulevards, Downtown’s summer beautification program. May through to September, 140 planters and hanging baskets are placed on Downtown sidewalks, and also watered and maintained by the EDBA.
Downtown Spark – An arts festival showcasing mega-size pop-up art installations designed by international and local artists. Learn more about Downtown Spark.
Holiday Light Up – Downtown’s annual holiday festivities presented by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association and sponsored by the City of Edmonton and Enbridge Centre. Coming December 3, 2022.
Downtown Dining Week – Downtown Dining Week is an annual celebration of Downtown Edmonton’s vibrant restaurant scene. Taste specially created menus, ranging from two to four courses, from the city’s most exciting restaurants. It’s an unforgettable culinary celebration not to be missed.
Festivals & Events Grant Program – The Downtown Festivals and Events Grant program supports both small-scale events and large festivals operated by not-for-profit arts organizations, community groups and Downtown businesses. Learn more and complete the application here.
Safety & Vibrancy Summit – In June 2022, we held the first gathering of the downtown community focused on learning, collaboration, problem-solving, and progress on the issues of safety & vibrancy in Edmonton’s downtown. The second annual summit will be held in Spring 2023. Watch the 2022 Safety & Vibrancy Summit on our YouTube channel.
Edmonton Downtown Annual Luncheon – Imagine Downtown: Through Fresh Eyes featured a panel discussion between visionary downtown leaders and thinkers from across Canada who brought reflections and advice about the greatest challenges, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities we’re facing in Downtown Edmonton. Watch the Imagine Downtown discussion on our YouTube channel.
Downtown Vibrancy Strategy – This City of Edmonton grant supports businesses and organizations in launching new initiatives, events, and/or programs that promote vibrancy in the Downtown core. The Edmonton Downtown Business Association is a core partner of this grant. The 2021/2022 grant has been fully subscribed and further applications are not being accepted at this time. Stay tuned for updates in 2023.