New Heritage Places Strategy supports more inclusive recognition of Edmonton’s history

News Release

New Heritage Places Strategy supports more inclusive recognition of Edmonton’s history

The City of Edmonton’s new Heritage Places Strategy offers a broader view of Edmonton’s history. In addition to preserving buildings, the new strategy recognizes a wider range of places that reflect the stories, cultures and shared values that matter to Edmontonians.

The strategy was developed over two years through engagement with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, Enoch Cree Nation, Otipemisiwak Métis Government, heritage groups, community leagues and the public.

For over 40 years, the City’s Heritage Program has supported the preservation of historic resources with more than 200 Municipal Historic Resource designations. The new strategy expands this work beyond the preservation of historic architecture to recognize Indigenous heritage, natural spaces, cultural landscapes and community landmarks that tell Edmonton’s collective story.

This includes reflecting Indigenous ways of knowing and being, strengthening relationships with heritage partners that support community-led initiatives and finding ways to highlight the stories and histories of underrepresented communities.

“Society’s views of history are changing and expanding,” said Kent Snyder, Branch Manager, Planning and Environment Services. “Historically, we’ve only looked at the last 100 years or so, and the settlers who built the structures of Edmonton. This new strategy expands our focus to include the places, stories and landmarks important to Indigenous Peoples and those from around the world who’ve settled here and influenced what Edmonton has become today. Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and immigrants, to name just a few, are among the many voices we also want to capture as we move forward.”

“This strategy and the new policy are an important evolution in how Edmontonians connect with their heritage,” said David Ridley, Executive Director, Edmonton Heritage Council. “The directions and pillars are comprehensive and broad. That reflects not only what Edmonton’s heritage is and certainly what it is becoming. The Edmonton Heritage Council looks forward to working with the community and City of Edmonton in implementing the strategy.”

The Heritage Places Strategy includes six principles that reflect shared values across all elements of the strategy. Four pillars – Natural Heritage, Indigenous Heritage, Community and Cultural Heritage and Built Heritage – establish the focus areas for the City’s heritage work. The strategy also identifies six implementation priorities to advance specific heritage recognition projects.

On September 8, City Council approved the new Policy C450C, Encourage the Recognition of Heritage Places in Edmonton, replacing Policy C450B. The new policy renews Council’s commitment to heritage places and provides updated guidance that complements the Heritage Places Strategy.

The City of Edmonton has received the 2026 Alberta Heritage Award from the Government of Alberta in recognition of its work to protect and rehabilitate four City-owned sites: the Hawrelak Park Pavilions, Ortona Armoury, Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre/Coronation Pool and Stone House and Summer Kitchen.

The Alberta Heritage Awards recognize individuals, non-profit organizations, corporations, municipalities and First Nations and Métis Settlements for significant contributions to protecting, preserving and promoting Alberta’s heritage. The awards are presented every two years. The City will receive its award at the Alberta Heritage Awards ceremony on September 24.