Fundraising for a new cultural hub serving Edmonton's diverse Black community is now underway after the city's executive committee voted on Wednesday to sell a portion of Athlone Park to the Africa Centre for one dollar. The decision caps off a 20-year partnership that began in 2007, with plans to construct the African Multicultural Community Centre, a facility that will provide economic, educational, and social supports for Edmonton's African, Caribbean, and Black communities.
Land sale enables major project
The sale of 1.2 hectares of land at 13160 127 Avenue allows the Africa Centre to apply for grants from organizations such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which require land ownership before considering proposals. The proposed two-storey, 45,000-square-foot building is expected to cost $54.2 million and generate $300 million in annual economic activity, according to advocates. If construction does not proceed within five years, the city can repurchase the land for the same dollar amount. The market value of the land is $2.7 million, with the city using its parkland purchase reserve account to cover the transaction.
A hub for community and economic growth
Africa Centre executive director Abdoulaye Barry emphasized the significance of the project. “We are closing the gap,” he said. “In Western Canada, our people need to go to Ottawa to do whatever they need to do. So we see this as an important step to bring the embassies to this place. Now we will have a hub for all the communities to come together to celebrate. It’s an economic innovation hub, bringing in Canadian businesses to diversify our economy rather than relying on the U.S., which we’ve seen is not reliable.”
Formerly known as the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta, the Africa Centre provides resources to help individuals improve their economic standing, further their education, and host cultural celebrations. It assists entrepreneurs with starting businesses, helps residents with taxes, and offers social supports for youth. Serving more than 20,000 Edmontonians annually, the centre also organizes the All Nations Soccer Tournament and the Africa Day Gala in June, along with mental health and inclusiveness programs.
Community support and future plans
Africa Centre chair Edna Wakene expressed readiness to move forward. “We’re ready to go,” she said. “We’re not just depending on funding, we’re also looking at foundations, philanthropy, businesses that we can reach out to. This will allow us to be part of the Athlone community. We’re very excited to be going back home, about the social impact as well as the economic impact.”
Black history in Edmonton dates back to the 1700s, and the Africa Centre has grown exponentially since its founding in 2007. It now serves nearly six per cent of the city's population, a share expected to exceed 10 per cent by 2041. Currently leasing an office on St. Albert Trail and 118 Avenue, the organization has been seeking a permanent home since moving out of Wellington Junior High when the school was demolished. The Africa Centre also supports communities in Calgary and Winnipeg.
