NEIGHBOURHOODS
History, hipsters meld in Strathcona
It is a tale of two cities. However, unlike the Dickens classic, this one has a decidedly more pleasant ending.
The grand neighbourhood of Strathcona is one of Edmonton’s oldest communities, prominently sprawling across the southern banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Saskatchewan Drive defines its northern boundaries and 107 Street represents the west divider, with the scenic Mill Creek Ravine to the east, while Whyte Avenue completes its southern boundary.
Today this nationally recognized neighbourhood is considered a major arts, culture and entertainment hub, attracting visitors year-round to experience the array of live performances and festivals. However, Strathcona’s history indicates it could have had a different destiny were it not for a major develop- ment in the year 1910.
BACK IN THE DAY
The establishment and urbanization of the great Canadian West is strongly linked to the advancement of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). However, CP was not the only rail company breaking ground in Alberta. While CP brought migrating settlers to the west, rail companies such as the Calgary & Edmonton Railway (C&E) began to link southern Alberta to its northern communities.
As word spread that gold had been found in the Yukon, travellers were eager to make their way north to claim their own fortune. One such line followed the stagecoach route referred to as the Calgary-Edmonton Trail, linking Calgary to the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. Rather than endeavouring to build a bridge to cross the span of water, C&E made plans to end its tracks and create a community at the south side of the river. This end-of-the-line was referred to as ‘South Edmonton’ and was promoted to be a potential commerce site to rival the quickly developing Edmonton, located on the north side of the river.
In 1891, C&E acquired land to build a town and in the spring of 1898, ‘South Edmonton’ was dropped in favour of the new name, Strathcona. In 1899 Strathcona became a town, and in 1907 it received city status. However, the great potential for commercial competition, as promised by C&E, was not to be realized. In 1910, only three short years after Strathcona had been considered a city, CP began to build the High Level Bridge and dreams of being a twin city to Edmonton came to an abrupt halt. In 1912, the struggling city of Strathcona amalgamated with Edmonton, but not before creating amazing Edwardian architecture that remains standing in the historically protected community.
Strathcona was named after Sir Donald Alexander Smith, first baron of Strathcona, in Scotland. He had come to Canada to apprentice with the Hudson’s Bay Company and acquired the position of governorship of HBC, which he held until his death. A prominent political personality and strong advocate for the Canadian Pacific Railway, Smith’s title was approved as the new town name.
The name has greater prominence considering Smith is the famous ‘white-haired’ man wearing a top hat and driving the momentous ‘last spike’ at Craigellachie, B.C. in 1885.
The oldest building in the neighbourhood is the Strathcona Hotel. This three-story, wood frame building was constructed in 1891. It was situated in close proximity to the railway station to welcome travellers as they disembarked from the train.
The hotel relied heavily on revenue from the tavern, but as prohibition shut down the sale of alcohol, hotel owners found they had no other option but to sell. In 1981 the Presbyterian Church purchased the hotel as housing for the Westminster Ladies College. In 1924, with the abolishment of prohibition, the building returned to being a hotel with a fully functioning tavern.
In its early years, CP named streets of communities that it developed after high-ranking members of the company. One such street in Strathcona was Whyte Avenue (82 Avenue), named after Sir William Whyte, a knighted vice-president of the railway. In the 1890s Whyte Avenue was represented by primitive wood and log structures, faced with makeshift store and business fronts. In 1902, a bylaw was passed requiring all buildings to be constructed of brick in order to prevent potential fires from spreading.
Other historical buildings that defined Strathcona in its height of prosperity included the Princess Theatre, the south side post office, the Gainer Block, the Orange Hall, the Douglas Block, the library, the Connaught Armoury, the Old Scona School, and the CP station.
COMMUNITY FACTS
Today, Strathcona is a vibrant hub of activity attracting artists, musicians and entrepreneurs. Whyte Avenue is at the heart of the district, offering one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, pubs and restaurants, venues that showcase live music, improv, dance and theatrical productions, and the many festivals that define this culturally rich community.
One such festival that calls Strathcona home is the International Fringe Festival.
During daytime hours Whyte Avenue has a family-friendly quality, as residents and visitors shop the long strip and stop off at the many restaurants along the way. Summer brings buskers, art shows and sidewalk cafes. On a given summer weekend you will find everyone and their dog — quite literally — taking in the sights. Considering the tourist density in the area, parking is quite civilized. Street parking can be found without charge and parking lots charge minimal fees. However, walking and cycling are the favourite modes of transportation in the area.
At night, Whyte Avenue’s alter ego emerges. With the restaurant, entertainment and bar scene in full force after hours, the vibe becomes palpable.
Strathcona’s neighbouring community is Garneau, housing the University of Alberta campus. Whyte Avenue is home to many students, amalgamating the neighbourhood’s rich history with a young, fresh vibe.
Although a high number of apartment, condominium and house rentals represent Strathcona’s housing, resulting in a more transient population, there is a strong sense of community in the area. This is supported with the active Strathcona Business Association and Community League. There is dedication to experiencing nature in this community with bike routes, river trails, parks, and the Rail Community Gardens.
You can’t mention Strathcona without thinking of the jazz and blues venues. Blues on Whyte and the Yardbird Suite showcase both local and global talents. The Yardbird Suite is appropriately located on Tommy Banks Way and is supported by dedicated volunteers.
OUT AND ABOUT
Whyte Avenue is a commercial street, but it is an important link to 109 Street, offering transit to both north and south Edmonton. Saskatchewan Drive mirrors the east-west mobility of Whyte Av- enue, providing additional access for a north Edmonton commute.
Cycling trails meander through the neighbourhood, connecting to parks and the river valley system. The University of Alberta to the west offers access to the northsouth LRT tracks.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2007, Old Strathcona became Alberta’s second Provincial Historic Area. This area represents approximately five square blocks that was the commercial centre of the original city. The Edmonton International Fringe Festival is considered the largest and oldest international festival of its kind in North America.
There are almost 100 places to eat in Old Strathcona, and most are family owned. There are nine independent theatre companies that operate in the Strathcona neigh- bourhood, including the Walterdale Playhouse, Catalyst Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns and the Varscona Theatre. The Princess Theatre continues to operate with regular shows. Although 82 Avenue was informally referred to as Whyte Avenue in Strathcona’s early years, the name was not formally adopted until 1961.