Edmonton city council approves Pacific Mall rezoning for mixed-use tower development
The rezoning allows for up to 18-storey buildings with 160 affordable housing units near downtown Chinatown.
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Edmonton city council has approved a rezoning that could reshape the area around Pacific Mall in Chinatown, allowing developers to build mid-rise and high-rise mixed-use towers where older retail currently sits.
The decision came during a Monday public hearing with no opposition. The rezoning applies to the east side of the site along 97th Street and permits buildings up to 60 metres — roughly 18 storeys — with a maximum height of 60 metres.
The project, submitted by Yorkton Equity Group Inc. through consultant Situate, is expected to include two phases with underground and above-ground parking, ground-floor commercial space, and up to 160 affordable housing units. CEO Ben Lui said the high density reflects the area's proximity to downtown and responds to Edmonton's housing demand, though he acknowledged challenges including social disorder and homelessness that the project aims to address.
Chinatown Re:VITA, a community organization working on revitalization, supports the move. Director Jordon Hon said affordable housing is crucial to bringing vibrancy back to the neighbourhood, which has lost businesses especially since the pandemic. The organization is conducting a "Home in Chinatown" initiative to gauge what the community needs in new development.
City administration supported the rezoning because it aligns with the Chinatown Strategy and other revitalization reports.
