Over the past 117 years the community of Strathcona on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River has watched its fortunes ebb and flow with the broader fortunes of the district, province and country. From 1899 to 1907 it existed as a separate town, and from 1907 to 1912, as the City of Strathcona. As the “University City” it boasted one of the most dynamic economies in a historical boom time, only slowed slightly by two international financial crises.

Today Old Strathcona is valued, interpreted and nurtured by the Old Strathcona Business Association and the Old Strathcona Foundation. The Old Strathcona Provincial Historic Area was established under a provincial Order-in-Council on January 31, 2007. This designation signaled the recognition by Alberta of the district for its contributions to provincial history. The new district, including a section of Whyte Avenue, will now be listed on the Alberta and Canadian registers of historic places, placing its inherent merits before a wider public.

"The unique area already plays an important role in Edmonton's landscape," said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. "I hope this encourages Albertans and tourists alike to visit Old Strathcona and to learn about the stories behind the area that have contributed to our province's development."

Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel brought the designation request to the fore on behalf of the city, and the province acted on that request, which also had much public support and had been approved by City Council.

The protected area includes thirty historic properties, of which fourteen have been designated by the city or the province, and an additional sixteen properties that are eligible for future designation.