Edmonton's city councillors are being given suggestions to inspire people to support events and businesses after 5 p.m. throughout the city.
Next week, the executive committee will receive a report created by Explore Edmonton and Night Time Economy Solutions, a company from the United Kingdom.
Explore Edmonton’s Traci Bednard told Global News, “We usually focus on economic development from 8-5, but we need to think about the opportunities available after 5 p.m.”
The aim is to boost the local economy by encouraging people to stay out in the evening and at night.
This may involve attracting more events, venues, businesses, and other attractions.
The report conducted surveys with thousands of people, businesses, and students.
Among its findings, it indicates that people are increasingly interested in different experiences available later at night such as night markets, shops, theaters, and restaurants.
It also found that improving both transit and safety throughout Edmonton is vital for increasing traffic.
Edmonton Downtown Business Association CEO Puneeta McBryan said, “This is not new information for us so I’m curious to see how council reacts to it.”
McBryan noted that numerous reports have already shown the requirement for improved transit and safety and these have been prioritized in the city.
The report also proposes the creation of a night mayor position.
Instead of an elected mayor, the person would be appointed to represent and advocate for the nighttime economy strategy.
They would also be responsible for bringing together stakeholders to identify how to accomplish the strategic goals.
Bednard said, “We need the infrastructure and the supports in place not just for those participating but for the businesses trying to develop those opportunities as well.”
Ward Papastew Councillor Michael Janz wants to know who will take the strategy forward.
Janz mentioned, “Who’s going to take it from here? We put money into Explore Edmonton, we put money into the city, we put money into our (business associations) … there needs to be somebody who ultimately owns it and takes the lead on it.”
McBryan argued that there doesn't have to be a dedicated position for this.
She said, “I don’t think we need to create anything new here. I think the report emphasizes that the things that need to be invested in and the problems that need to be solved are not new ones.”
Additional cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Seattle have also at least discussed specific nighttime economy strategies.
According to the report, Toronto’s is one of the most developed as it was created in 2019 with three key goals including to improve safety. In that city, a member of Toronto City Council is designated as the “Mayor’s Night Economy Champion.”
