The renewal of Michael Phair Park and Beaver Hills House Park has revitalized two prominent public spaces in Edmonton’s downtown core. Located along Jasper Avenue, the project transformed two previously separate parks into one connected destination that offers improved accessibility and new opportunities for community gathering.
The design reflects extensive input from residents, community groups, and park users. Feedback highlighted the need for accessible washroom facilities, improved lighting, stronger connections between the parks, and amenities that support year-round use. Community members also emphasized the importance of celebrating Indigenous culture through artworks, while introducing new spaces for performances, social connection, and public events.
The project included site demolition, replacement of underground utilities and drainage infrastructure, and the complete reconstruction of Beaver Hills House Park. Removing sections of the dividing wall helped create a more seamless public space. New amenities include a washroom facility, the Jasper Avenue Plaza with a reimagined Aboriginal Walk of Honour, a natural gas fire feature with bench seating, reshaped planting beds, and seating walls. At the Heart of the Park, a central amphitheatre now serves as a community hub, complemented by a pet relief area, public bouldering wall, and a natural play space featuring a climbable beaver.
Upgrades to Michael Phair Park included a new busker stage, expanded seating areas, refreshed landscaping, decorative lighting, and improved park illumination. Throughout construction, the team worked closely with the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) to minimize disruption in a high-traffic area. Care was also taken to preserve Michael Phair Park’s unique character while incorporating local indigenous artwork throughout the site. The completed renewal has created a vibrant, welcoming destination that strengthens community connections in the heart of downtown Edmonton.
