Introduction
Located just east of downtown Edmonton, the Boyle Street neighbourhood stretches along Jasper Avenue to the south, 97th Street to the west and 84th Street to the east. The LRT tracks on the north boundary are a nice amenity to have nearby. It is a vibrant, diverse and up-and-coming inner city neighbourhood with a bright future ahead.
Lifestyle
There may not be a neighbourhood in Edmonton more impacted by the city’s ambitious downtown revitalization plans. The historic buildings of the original days of Edmonton will soon be joined by new developments as The Quarters Redevelopment Plan takes effect. Being in the inner city and close to Chinatown, Boyle Street has become one of the most ethnically diverse communities in Edmonton.
The Vibe
With the Downtown Revitalization Plan in full effect, the Boyle Street neighbourhood is seeing vibrancy it hasn’t experienced since the beginning of the 20th century, when it was the hub of business for a burgeoning city. The Quarters Downtown plan will see four distinct districts linked by the pedestrian-friendly Armature. Boyle Street will soon be a walkable, diverse community.
Meet the Neighbours
With a true focus on downtown living, Boyle Street is attracting a younger demographic to the area. More than a third of residents are between 20 and 40 years old. It is also ethnically diverse with 16 per cent identifying as Chinese or South Asian and another nine percent as Aboriginal, according to 2011 census data from Statistics Canada.
In the Area
The area has all the amenities downtown living provides. Residents are just minutes away from the Commonwealth Recreation Centre, Churchill Square featuring City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, City Centre Mall, and the Stanley Milner Library. The Royal Alberta Museum will open in its new location at 97 Street and 104 Avenue by mid-2016. And there are many access points to the river valley.
0.7 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Boyle Street is only a few minutes’ walk to city hall. With the LRT running through the neighbourhood, there is a station close by regardless of where you live. The northeast part is within walking distance to the Commonwealth LRT, and if you’re in the west side you are walking distance to Churchill station. It is also easy to go south across the river on the Dawson Bridge.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Boyle Street is one of the city’s poorest communities, and being so close to the inner city means there is a high concentration of the city’s less fortunate and homeless shelters. That contributes to a higher than average crime rate. Redevelopment of the east end of downtown, the downtown arena district, and the move of the Royal Alberta Museum to the area is expected to attract more young professionals.
Dollars & Sense
This inner city neighbourhood has historically been a low income area, but household incomes are very evenly distributed according to 2011 census data. The current real estate options offer an inexpensive entry into the housing market. For renters, lower rental prices in the Boyle Street neighbourhood make it more affordable to enjoy the benefits of living and working in downtown Edmonton.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Gibson Block
Built in 1913, this Flatiron-style building is distinctive by its triangular design. It is one of the city’s historic treasures and is a must-see for architecture and history lovers alike.
more infoHardware Grill
The Hardware Grill has been one of the top dining destinations in Edmonton since it opened in 1996. Located in the historic Goodridge Block, the restaurant features the latest in Canadian cuisine.
more infoUkrainian Canadian Archives and Museums of Alberta
The $20-million renovation of the Lodge Hotel and Brighton Block buildings is now home to this museum. The museum promotes the impact of the region’s large Ukrainian population on Edmonton’s heritage.
more info101 Avenue Promenade
This walking path is located at the end of 96 Street at 101 Avenue. This picturesque spot provides access to the River Valley and provides gorgeous views of the Muttart Conservatory and Gallagher Park.
more infoBoyle Renaissance Plaza
This community hub includes a child care centre, a family resource centre, and a multi-purpose space for any community event. There is also an outdoor park for kids to enjoy.
more infoHarbin Gate
Edmonton’s Harbin Gate features bright designs and sculpted lions with balls in their mouths that people roll for good luck. The gates are a major part of Edmonton’s Chinatown, which is the third largest in Canada.
more info