SAFETY & ETIQUETTE ON THE AVE
When visiting, working, or playing in District Whyte we are asking all visitors to follow current public health guidelines. These can be found at the Government of Alberta’s website. While we are expecting restrictions to be eased as summer continues, please remember to wear a mask, keep your hands cleaned and sanitized, give everyone at least six feet of space, and be kind and patient.
Also, please know that each individual business in Old Strathcona may have specific requirements and guidelines based on the needs of their customers and staff and you should also follow these rules. For specific questions about individual business operations, please reach out to the business directly. For more details on supporting businesses during this re-opening please see our blog post on making this return a safe one.
PEDESTRIANS, PARKING & TRAFFIC
One of the many roles we play as a Business Improvement Area (BIA) is to advocate on behalf of businesses and community, to the City to bring about necessary and positive changes that enhance our neighbourhood. Walkability, and the need for increased space for people is a message we have heard loud and clear. In 2020 and 2021, we have successfully advocated for significant changes including expanded patio spaces, reduced patio permitting times, and shared street spaces to make Whyte Avenue a more enjoyable space to walk and a safer place to spend the day.
Current Sidewalk Expansions
Shared Streets & Mobility Lanes
Since 2020, the City has installed mobility lanes for the summer to allow for more mobility options. Look out for these streets to be transformed in the summer:
- Saskatchewan Drive, 109 Street to 104 Street
- 104 Street, Saskatchewan Drive to University Avenue
The Summer Streets Program supports active modes of travel so everyone can discover Edmonton and enjoy the summer outdoors. Along Summer Streets, a vehicle lane is converted for people to use for physical activity. Temporary flex posts will separate mobility lanes from vehicle traffic so people can bike, scoot, and roll comfortably in a separated lane. Learn more.
Parking
The City of Edmonton provides ample parking options in and around the Old Strathcona neighbourhood with active on-street EPark Zones. To make parking in these zones easier, you can download the app. The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market lot is open to customers six days a week and free to market-goers on Saturdays, underground parking is available at the Roots on Whyte building, and covered parking is available at the Varscona Hotel.
You will find bike racks throughout the neighbourhood, with additional space to lock up your ride at the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market and Roots on Whyte building when you’re visiting those busy locations.
There is a dedicated e-scooter parking corral in the parking lot north of the public washrooms on Gateway Boulevard (103 Street). You can park scooters on some sidewalks and public areas, but always ensure your scooter is not blocking the path of people using sidewalks. Please remember that riding scooters on sidewalks is not permitted in Edmonton. Your scooter app should have a list of rules and links to more information.
SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESSES
There are several programs and supports available to many businesses during this time. We have curated a list of resources for you which can be viewed here.
We look forward to making District Whyte an area that is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for helping.