How streets in Edmonton have transformed over the last 100 years

Times change, and cities along with it — whether we notice it or not. With roots dating back to 1795 when it was a trading post, Edmonton has undoubtedly gone through many changes between then and now.

Here are five historic shots of Edmonton from the previous century compared to what those same spots look like now.

Jasper Avenue

Jasper Avenue has long served as a major artery of the city. Here’s a look at it in October 1959, facing east near the old Hudson’s Bay Building:

alberta — Image via Provincial Archives of Alberta/Flickr

And this is what that same spot looks like as of June 2024:

Capitol Theatre

You’re probably familiar with the Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park, but according to the Edmonton Historical Board, the original building stood at 10065 Jasper Ave. It was demolished in 1972, and the replica was built in 2011.

Here is what that spot looked like in 1927 as moviegoers lined up for an early sound film:

And this is what’s now in its place:

Seven Seas Restaurant

Once a popular spot in Edmonton, the Seven Seas Restaurant was at 10525 Jasper Ave. Today, it’s former space is home to several bars and restaurants.

Here’s what it looked like in 1967:

And here’s what that same building looked like in July 2024, now home to places like The Wine Room, Pub 1905, Attia, and more.

High Level Bridge

Edmonton’s iconic High Level Bridge has served many purposes over its more than 100-year history and has featured several art installations, including a waterfall, and its now-famous LED displays.

Here is a passenger train crossing the High Level Bridge in 1925:

And here is a modern-day shot of the bridge lit up for International Rare Disease Day, according to a shot uploaded in 2018.

Milner Building

This 12-storey office building is a prime example of mid-century modern architecture and is now undergoing a major transformation into a mixed-use space with residential units, bringing new life to the site.

Here is the Milner Building just a couple of years after it was constructed, per a photo taken sometime in 1959: