Edmonton City Centre towers will include 1,500 units and security checkpoints

Westrich Pacific takes possession of Edmonton City Centre in November and plans to add 1,500 housing units across two 50-storey towers, along with a mini-Chinatown, indoor patio, and an Italian grocery or food hall.

The first phase will convert the space above the former Hudson's Bay department store into 240 housing units, a move co-CEO Richie Lam said should be simpler since excavation won't be required and the mall already has parking. Later phases will require demolition and construction.

Lam shared the plans Tuesday at the International Chinatown Conference at Brighton Block. He said the housing units are designed to attract a younger demographic and revitalize the downtown core.

Security plans have drawn attention. At Monday's conference, Lam said the developer plans to post four security guards and a police officer at every entrance and pedway, plus metal detectors and bag scans. When asked by reporters Tuesday about those comments, Lam said the specific security approach is still being determined and could change.

Lam acknowledged the security plan will be controversial. He said mall tenants and customers have told him they don't feel safe and the company has to change something to attract retailers and shoppers. "I understand this will be a little bit controversial," Lam told reporters, adding the company must approach the security issue with respect and compassion.

Mayor Andrew Knack said he'd need more information before commenting, noting that residential development and activated commercial spaces help improve safety. Ward O-Day'min Councillor Anne Stevenson said she's excited about the residential plans but flagged that the city may need to weigh in on how pedway access intersects with the developer's security needs. Lam said the company aims to unveil final plans in December and hopes to start construction early next year.