After nearly two decades of talks, Alberta Avenue will be getting its long-awaited Arts Hub. City council gave the Arts Hub the go-ahead last month that will soon see an empty parcel of land at 92 Street and 118 Avenue filled. “It’s super exciting,” said Christy Morin, the executive director of the Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society. “There were many starting stops, and this is a start that is going to be seen to the finish.” Organizers are hoping to get shovels in the ground within the next three years for the project Arts on the Ave says will cost around $10 million. “We will begin doing all the development pieces for permitting,” Morin said. ”In the meantime, we are crazily writing grants and talking to different sponsors and donors.” Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador says the city has put aside more than $3 million for the project, showing its commitment and for which it hopes to attract more investors. “I moved a motion to ensure that funding stays attached to this project, and it’s going to be dedicated to this community,” Salvador told CTV News Edmonton. “They’ve been giving their time and their energy to revitalizing this area, and I think this project is the next natural step in the evolution of Alberta Avenue.” The Arts Hub will have a 200-seat theatre and 24 two-bedroom units that will have affordable housing status for artists. “Them just being there and being such creatives is going to amplify and bring beauty to the neighbourhood,” said Morin. Local businesses in the Alberta Avenue area are excited to have a new community space that will hopefully spur business. “This project is good for the area, for the 118 Avenue businesses,” said Maria Soares of Popular Bakery. “I think it’s excellent.” Morin says they will now start fundraising for the project and will start accepting donations in September.
