Members

Members

WELCOME

Welcome to the neighbourhood, and welcome to the family! Old Strathcona has been an iconic part of the Edmonton landscape for many years, and we are so excited that you have joined us to become a part of the ongoing story of the area.

Are you new to operating a business in the area? Download our full welcome package to get to know us a little more!

New Member Package

MEMBER NEWSLETTER

Make sure you’re signed up to receive our member newsletter for updates on our latest projects, upcoming events, news, opportunities, and the occasional survey so that we’re better prepared to help with your current priorities in real time.

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Annual Member Audit

Every year, we conduct a member audit to ensure we’re reaching the right people and delivering the most relevant programs, resources, and opportunities. Your insight is critical in helping us form an in-depth understanding of overall member priorities, how to better approach upcoming strategic and operational planning, better understand the makeup of our membership, and make informed decisions that support the continued growth and success of Old Strathcona. Your input directly strengthens our ability to advocate on behalf of our business community and tailor initiatives to your needs.

Please take a few minutes to complete our Annual Member Audit. If you have questions regarding this survey, please contact info@oldstrathcona.ca.

Annual Member Audit

GENERAL MEETINGS

We typically host two general meetings every year. These are important member events that provide us an opportunity to connect and share progress on current and upcoming projects.

The Spring General Meeting (SGM) is usually in May, where you can connect with fellow business owners, OSBA board members, and OSBA staff. We use this meeting as an opportunity to review the Annual Report from the previous year and provide updates on current and upcoming projects. The Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in October, requires members to vote on the proposed budget for the upcoming year and vote in new or returning members to the Board of Directors.

Participation and engagement from business members is highly encouraged so that we can continue to provide the necessary programs and supports that directly benefit our membership!

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Spring General Meeting (SGM).

Check back in early 2027 for details of the next SGM.

RESOURCES

We do our best to keep a curated list of resources here for you to reference at any time. You will find useful links that explore general BIA information, tax questions, sign guidelines and more.

As a member of the OSBA, you have access to a number of specific grants administered by the City of Edmonton. Beautification is a big part of what we do, and is accomplished through various flower, art, lighting and cleaning projects.

We count on property and business owners to take care of their storefronts and with the help of these grants you can do things like: upgrade facade, add awnings or canopies, install new accessibility features, install new patios, benches, bike racks & much more!

Business Improvement Area (BIA) Information

We are the Old Strathcona Business Association, the Business Improvement Area (BIA) for this district. The City of Edmonton defines BIAs as: 

"A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a specific geographic area of the city in which businesses pool resources and work together, through a formal association, to enhance the economic development of their area."

The point is to help create vibrant economies across the City of Edmonton, and we do so by working with you (and nearly 600 of your business neighbours) to remove barriers and create opportunities for businesses such as yours to succeed. All the businesses in this area contribute a levy which we allocate to pursue numerous initiatives to influence and improve the environment our businesses operate in. The OSBA is guided by a Board of Directors - made up of business owners like you! 

Grants & Programs

One of our roles is to be a connector and conveyor of resources. We work towards improved safety in part by maintaining a close relationship with relevant stakeholders. We look to partners like the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET), Edmonton Police Service (EPS), other non-profits like Mustard Seed and Boyle Street, as well as businesses for their guidance and first hand experience so that we can take appropriate action when needed. Improving safety can look like: advocacy, lighting or cleaning projects, crosswalk upgrades, public art, educational events and more.

It's a good idea to know who the EPS officers are that work on your block. If you're not sure please reach out to our team to find out. These resources are great to have bookmarked on work computers or printed, for easy access to all staff on site at your business:

Launched in September 2025, the Old Strathcona On-Call Patrol Team provides valuable support to Old Strathcona business members and vulnerable community members, providing human-centred, trauma-informed support in navigating non-emergency safety and security concerns. Funded by the City of Edmonton's Enhanced Services Grant and powered by HireGood, the OSOC patrol team is s available to support businesses Saturday through Wednesday between 9 AM to 5 PM, providing support to member businesses within the Old Strathcona BIA catchment.

For support from the Old Strathcona On-Call team, call or text 587-335-4601.

Please note, Old Strathcona On-Call is not a replacement for emergency and social services. The team responds to requests for support as they are received.

Always call 911 first when dealing with an emergency or crime in progress.

Looking for general business help?

  • The City of Edmonton's Small Business team offers a One-On-One Support Program where staff can walk you through any business license or permitting requirements for your business
  • Need help with your small business? You’re not alone. Business Link has a dedicated team offering general marketing, operations, and even legal support with experts available to consult by email, phone and live chat.
  • The Digital Economy Program offers hands on assistance to create or improve your brand and marketing efforts with various digital tools (Google profile, social media, website, e-commerce, photography).

Within our business district, we are home to one of only 2 designated Provincial Historic Areas in Alberta! Properties located within the Historical Commercial DC1 Boundary, as shown in the below map, are subject to Old Strathcona's Sign Guidelines. Properties outside of this designated boundary are regulated by the City of Edmonton's zoning bylaw (section 59) however consideration of the guidelines is encouraged throughout the entire district.

STAY IN TOUCH

If you have any questions, concerns, or want to connect with the team behind the scenes, give us a call at 780-437-4182 or drop us a line at info@oldstrathcona.ca.

And don’t forget to sign up for the Member Newsletter using the link at the top of the page.

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