Case Study: Edmonton Businesses Push Back as Bus Lane Plan Threatens Parking Access on 101st Street
Background
101st Street in Edmonton, particularly between Kingsway and 107th Avenue, is home to several long-standing small businesses including restaurants like Padmanadi and Thanh Thanh, as well as shops like Freecloud Records. This area lies within the western boundary of the Chinatown Business Improvement Area and has historically relied on both on-site and street parking to support customer access. Business owners are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic and rely heavily on evening and event-driven traffic, especially from nearby Rogers Place.
The Change or Action
The City of Edmonton announced plans to improve transit efficiency by introducing a dedicated southbound bus lane on 101st Street. This will result in the removal of on-street parking during the day, with restrictions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Alternative parking options were suggested on adjacent streets and in nearby lots, with street parking allowed only after 7 p.m. Business owners were notified late in the process, some only receiving a mailed notice without prior consultation.
The Results
Though the changes haven’t yet been implemented, businesses have already expressed serious concerns. They fear a reduction in foot traffic, particularly from seniors and event-goers who depend on convenient parking. Some owners report that limited parking has already affected operations during peak times. The lack of proper consultation also left businesses feeling excluded from a process that directly affects their livelihood.
The Lesson or Takeaway
Urban infrastructure upgrades should balance transit goals with business needs, especially in historically commercial districts. Transparent, early consultation and flexible, compromise-based planning (such as limited peak-hour restrictions) can help avoid economic disruptions while still meeting public transit objectives.
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-downtown-transit-1.7480032