Municipal, News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

EDMONTON, AB – On Monday, June 23, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association (EDBA) and the Downtown Revitalization Coalition (DRC), will hold a joint press conference to urge Edmonton City Council to vote YES on extending the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) — a critical move that will shape the future of Edmonton’s attractiveness, economy, and investment climate. 

The decision to extend the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) isn’t just about strengthening our city’s core. It’s about whether Edmonton can get bold deals done and whether we’re serious about building a more competitive, investable, business-ready city. 

“This isn’t about improving one neighbourhood – it’s about making a generational investment that will will help Edmonton lead, grow, and win for decades. For years, Council has called on the province for investment in our downtown core city and now that opportunity is right in front of them, they’re risking throwing it away.” 

–Doug Griffiths, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

"Downtown Edmonton is still facing massive headwinds coming out of the pandemic, and if Council doesn’t act on this opportunity, they'll be setting us back another decade. Approving the CRL extension will unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in investment from the Province and even more from the private sector. While every successful major North American city is doubling down on their downtowns, including our neighbours to the south in Calgary, we're at risk of falling off the map. Looking at the hand we've been dealt, this CRL extension is our only option to fight for our core, our economy, and our future.“

–Puneeta McBryan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. 

"Extending the CRL isn’t just good policy, it’s smart economics. This tool has already proven its ability to unlock private investment and created thousands of jobs, all without raising taxes. Extending the CRL is one of the most fiscally responsible and forward-looking decisions Council can make and that is why we need them to vote in favour of the extension.”

–Heather Thomson, Vice-President of Economy and Engagement.

“This plan has earned broad support from across the public, private, and non-profit sectors — because it works. The CRL extension isn’t about any one piece; it’s a complete package that moves our downtown forward. We can’t afford to walk away from transformative investment just because we’re frustrated with one part. This is good for business, good for taxpayers, and good for Edmonton.”

-Cheryll Watson, Chair, Downtown Revitalization Coalition

Extending the CRL is more than just revitalizing downtown; it’s about making strategic investments that grow Edmonton’s economy, strengthen our infrastructure, and improve quality of life citywide. From housing to transit to public safety, the CRL enables a more livable and investable city without raising taxes. Business leaders agree this is a generational opportunity to demonstrate that Edmonton is serious about its future — and ready to lead. 

We are inviting members of the public to register to speak at the June 26 and 27 public hearing and demonstrate to the Council that Edmonton is ready to invest in its future. Visit www.edmontonchamber.com/CRL to learn how. 

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