St. Anthony’s Redevelopment

Challenge

The historic St. Anthony School site in Old Strathcona had been largely underutilized, with much of the property serving as a surface parking lot. The site’s Parks and Services (PS) zoning limited redevelopment potential, making it difficult to integrate new housing or commercial uses. While some neighbours supported redevelopment, others raised concerns about building height, traffic congestion, and loss of community character.

Approach

Situate worked with Beljan Development to rezone the site to Mixed Use (MU), unlocking its potential for an eight-story residential building with ground-floor commercial space, while preserving the 120-year-old St. Anthony School building. The rezoning aligns with Edmonton’s City Plan, which encourages mid-rise density along Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard Primary Corridors.

We conducted extensive neighbour outreach including:

• postcards sent to 374 neighbours;
• meetings with the Strathcona Community League, Strathcona Performing Arts Association, and local businesses; and
• discussions on parking solutions, with plans for underground resident and public parking

Outcome

On January 24, 2025, City Council approved the rezoning, allowing the site to transform into a vibrant mixed-use hub. The redevelopment will add 275 rental units, new commercial spaces, and improved pedestrian connections, while ensuring heritage preservation through future designation of the St. Anthony School building.

By balancing density, heritage, and walkability, this project demonstrates how new development can strengthen historic neighbourhoods and support Edmonton’s vision for a more sustainable and livable city.