Downtown Edmonton has a brand-new gathering place that’s already transforming the heart of the city. O-day’min Park, located between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue, officially opened this fall and it’s quickly becoming a favourite destination for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
The park’s name, O-day’min, is the Anishinaabe word for strawberry or heart-berry — symbolizing the heart of the city and the community it brings together. It’s also the name of the downtown ward where the park is located. The name reflects the space’s purpose: to serve as a vibrant, inclusive meeting place at the centre of Edmonton’s urban core.
A Park Designed for All Seasons
O-day’min Park was designed to offer something for everyone, whether you’re walking your dog, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the outdoors in the middle of the city.
Design highlights include:
- A green lawn with a gentle hill that becomes a tobogganing slope in winter
- A fully fenced off-leash dog park for downtown pet owners
- A basketball court and outdoor exercise area for active residents
- A modern playground for children and families
- A gathering space with fire pits and seating beside the pavilion
- A multi-purpose pavilion with public washrooms and community rental space for events
The combination of recreational, social, and natural features makes the park a year-round destination. A place where Edmontonians can connect, recharge, and celebrate community life.
A Catalyst for Downtown Growth and Development
One of the main goals of the Warehouse Park Project was to act as a catalyst for new development and O-day’min Park is already achieving that. Even before completion, developers began responding with new residential projects designed to bring more people into Edmonton’s downtown core.
“We built this project in anticipation of the opening of the new urban Warehouse Park,” said Bill Blais, president and CEO of Maclab Development Group, in an interview with CBC News.
“It was the idea that the investment in infrastructure will create a more livable downtown where people want to live.”
Currently, six projects are in various stages of planning, and by November 2026, a total of 1,604 residential units are expected to be complete or under construction near the park.
Ian O'Donnell, development manager at Westrich Pacific, said his company is among those eager to help shape the neighbourhood’s future.
“We have a building under construction just across from the park. We have two more in the works for a total of around 600 units. And we really want to contribute to the community. We want to invest in downtown.”
O’Donnell emphasized the importance of offering diverse housing options: “A healthy downtown has a good diversity of housing — with a variety of heights and densities — and that’s something we want to contribute to in the area.”
Henry Edgar, president of Autograph Group, noted that the park and surrounding infrastructure improvements are making downtown more attractive for developers and residents alike.
“We’ve got a ton of students downtown, and a lot of great post-secondary schools with NorQuest [College] and MacEwan [University], and so I think what’s happening is we’re seeing a real improvement in infrastructure downtown — specifically in the education district,” Edgar said.
“The park and the landscaping and upgrades to utilities and sidewalks all make a really big difference for us in terms of viability and attractiveness of the area.”
He added that projects like the Valley Line West LRT will only strengthen downtown’s livability, helping developers like Autograph “lay down the foundations for change.”
A Long-Term Investment Paying Off
At the park’s opening, Mayor Andrew Knack reflected on how far the project has come since it was first proposed.
“You’re going to spend millions of dollars on a park — is that really worth it?” Knack recalled skeptics asking. “Literally, what we heard today is that about 1,600 units of new residential development are happening because of this park.”
That vision is now taking shape in real time. The City of Edmonton is also working with developers and utility providers to coordinate utility connections and infrastructure upgrades along 106 Street, surrounding alleyways, and sections of 107 Street. Construction will continue through 2026 to align with these new residential projects, minimizing rework and ensuring long-term efficiency.
Building the Heart of a More Livable Downtown
O-day’min Park is more than just green space. It’s a symbol of renewal in the heart of Edmonton. The park provides a much-needed outdoor retreat, encourages community gatherings, and enhances the appeal of downtown as a place to live, work, and play.
As Edmonton’s downtown population continues to grow over the next decade, public spaces like O-day’min Park will be essential in building a vibrant, connected urban community. The park’s success also highlights how public investment in green space can drive private development, attract new residents, and boost long-term economic vitality.
Thinking About Living or Investing Downtown?
With O-day’min Park now open and multiple residential projects rising nearby, downtown Edmonton is quickly becoming one of the city’s most exciting places to live and invest.
Whether you’re an investor looking for opportunity, a young professional seeking walkable convenience, or a student wanting access to nearby schools and transit, there’s never been a better time to explore downtown Edmonton condos for sale.
☎️ Contact REALTOR® Wally Fakhreddine at 780-238-7384 or visit topedmontonrealestate.com to discover new listings and investment opportunities near O-day’min Park and the Warehouse District.