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A Guide to Office Space in Edmonton

Posted on: 20th August 2024

Reading time:  15 mins

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A Guide to Office Space in Edmonton

Many businesses rent office space in Edmonton to enjoy the city’s prosperous economy and business environment. Here, they can connect with entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and resources to help them scale.

Edmonton sits alongside the North Saskatchewan River in the middle of Alberta, 300 km north of Calgary. This central location offers connections across Canada, positioning the city for economic success.

No matter your sector, understanding your local office space options is essential to selecting the best workspace for you. Fortunately, whether you need a large or small office space in Edmonton, the city offers workspaces of all kinds.

Geography of Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, the Canadian province famous for its natural beauty and high standard of living. A little smaller than Calgary, it’s Alberta’s second-largest city and the fifth-largest city in Canada.

Edmonton sits in the middle of Western Canada, with easy access to cities like Calgary and Banff. As a result, Edmonton offers a strategic location for business.

Historically, Edmonton’s riverside position made the area a hotspot for the fur trade. From the early 1900s, the city developed its network of railways, roads, oil and gas pipelines, and an international airport.

Today, many of its industries, from energy to technology, enjoy continued growth.

Key business areas to rent office space in Edmonton

When exploring offices for rent in Edmonton, you’ll need to choose an area to base your business. These districts can all make strategic options:

  • Downtown Edmonton: As the central business district, organizations in all industries prosper here. Downtown also encompasses the Arts District, meaning many creative businesses choose this area.
  • West Edmonton: There is plenty of office space for rent in West Edmonton. This desirable neighborhood houses the famous West Edmonton Mall, not to mention many other booming retail areas.
  • South Edmonton: The office spaces for rent in South Edmonton are especially popular with creative businesses. The artistic, trendy district attracts many young people as it’s home to the University of Alberta’s South Campus.
  • Oliver: A particularly dense district, this neighborhood positions businesses in a buzzing environment. Shops, restaurants, and other amenities make Oliver popular with organizations in several niches.
  • Boyle Street: A historic corner of Edmonton, this neighborhood is undergoing extensive redevelopment. As such, the future is promising for this ethnically diverse district.

All of these neighborhoods are ideal places to rent office space in Edmonton. Bus and light rail connections make getting between each and the city center easy.

5 businesses based in Edmonton

Numerous organizations contribute to Edmonton’s reputation as a business powerhouse. Five of the most prominent include:

  • EPCOR: This utility company provides clean water and reliable energy to communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. The City of Edmonton is its sole shareholder.
  • The Canadian Western Bank: The CWB provides financial services across Edmonton. These specialist services support both businesses and individuals.
  • Imperial Oil: This petroleum refining company runs its Strathcona refinery in Edmonton. The refinery generates products for use across Canada and the Northern U.S.
  • Graham Group: Graham Edmonton has built landmark projects and developments across the city for decades. The company specializes in transportation and civil infrastructure construction.
  • Enbridge: This energy delivery company is a significant provider of natural gas to the US. Edmonton hosts Enbridge’s liquids pipelines head office.

With a wealth of different business spaces for rent in Edmonton, it’s possible to find an office that positions you among companies like these.

Why you should rent office space in Edmonton

Edmonton serves as a major economic center for Alberta. A hotbed for business, education, and government, the city has become popular with companies of all sizes.

In 2021, Edmonton launched its Economic Action Plan. This 10-year framework nurtures an inclusive, vibrant, sustainable economy.

At the heart of this plan, Edmonton supports new and established companies so they can open new jobs. The plan also aims to create an agile business environment with fewer regulatory processes.

The Economic Action Plan is far from the only scheme that supports businesses in Edmonton. Others also cultivate success for local companies. Examples include the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network and the Alberta Scale-up Program.

Here are seven more reasons to rent office space in Edmonton.

1. Economic diversity

Known as the “Oil Capital of Canada,” Edmonton has led the country’s energy sector for decades. That said, the city’s growing population and business support initiatives have led to the rise of many other sectors, such as:

  • Manufacturing
  • Technology and AI
  • Finance
  • Life sciences

The development of these industries has supported Edmonton’s flourishing economy. As a result, the city has become a significant business hub in Canada. Its GDP outperforms many other Canadian cities.

2. Global recognition

Edmonton enjoys worldwide recognition for its vibrant festivals, celebrated food scene, and picturesque green spaces.

Renowned events like the Edmonton International Jazz Festival and the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival draw visitors globally. These are just a couple of the many festivals that showcase the city's creative energy.

Edmonton’s award-winning food scene comes to life at these festivals, with green onion cakes being one of the staples. These savory cakes are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and dotted with scallions.

Then there are expansive parks like Mill Creek Ravine and Victoria Park, which offer tranquil respites within the urban landscape. This blend of cultural excitement and natural beauty creates a desirable lifestyle, attracting entrepreneurs from around the world.

3. Small business support

Given Edmonton’s huge level of support for entrepreneurs, thousands of small businesses thrive in the city. In 2022, 94.5% of the area’s organizations were small businesses.

These smaller organizations have remained the backbone of the local economy and have continued to thrive. The city’s supportive infrastructure for small businesses enabled them to find further success.

Now, many entrepreneurs continue to launch ventures in Edmonton. Each benefits from the city’s business-friendly economic environment.

Edmonton's low corporate taxes, lack of provincial sales, capital, and payroll taxes, and minimal gasoline tax create a highly favorable environment for businesses. This exceptional support network makes Edmonton ideal for entrepreneurs and provides a strong foundation for commercial success.

As a result, the demand for office space for rent in Edmonton reflects the confidence businesses have in the city's long-term growth and stability.

4. Prime location

As Edmonton is a prime location for business opportunities, many entrepreneurs move here. The city’s diverse and growing economy makes Edmonton a premier location for business owners and investors.

There are many large and small office spaces for rent in Edmonton to meet the demand for entrepreneurs looking to set up here.

5. Educational and governmental hub

Edmonton is perhaps most famous for serving as Alberta's petrochemical powerhouse. That said, the city has also become a center for education and government activities. Both contribute to Edmonton’s stable and vibrant economy.

Edmonton’s universities and colleges

Edmonton is brimming with reputable universities and colleges, including the University of Alberta and MacEwan University.

As of 2024, the University of Alberta is the world’s fourth-highest-ranking institution for computer science. It’s also the top-ranking university for computer science in Canada.

By extension, it’s no surprise that Google’s DeepMind selected the Edmonton region for its first international hub. Other companies that have set up here to capitalize on Edmonton’s tech talent include IBM, Volkswagen, and Toyota.

Companies that rent office space in Edmonton can position themselves to make the most of local talent too.

Edmonton’s government support for businesses

Edmonton’s government offers vast support to businesses. As such, the city is an attractive prospect for many entrepreneurs.

A one-to-one business support program sits at the heart of the government’s aid for companies. Many local organizations benefit from this gateway program. The initiative supports entrepreneurs who are planning to set up a business in Edmonton.

The program walks entrepreneurs through the process of launching a business. It also offers grants to help with financing a venture. The program has supported 3,300 business owners between 2016 and 2023 and continues to guide new founders today.

The grants available as part of the program are just some of the government opportunities available to companies. Some funds support culture in Edmonton’s communities.

Other funds support organizations in designated Business Improvement Areas. In these areas, companies pool their resources to collectively develop the local economy.

6. Travelling for business in Edmonton

Travelling for business is easy in Edmonton. Buses and Edmonton Transit Service light rail connections run throughout the city. Regular commuters can save money by purchasing a day pass for these.

Those who prefer to immerse themselves in the city can hire electric scooters from Bird Scooters or Lime Scooters. Both have drop-off points across Edmonton.

Those traveling further afield can catch flights from Edmonton International Airport. The Skyshuttle and Route 747 buses offer convenient links to the airport.

7. Edmonton culture

Edmonton boasts a youthful, diverse culture with a unique blend of experiences. From the vibrant Fringe Theatre Festival to the globe's largest multicultural celebration, there's always something exciting happening.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Edmonton offers stunning natural wonders like the Northern Lights at Elk Island National Park.

Edmonton and the surrounding province are also particularly community-focused. 80% of Albertans do some kind of volunteer work.

How much is it to rent office space in Edmonton?

Regus office spaces in Edmonton are cost-effective, ranging from CAD 255 to CAD 315 per person per month over a 24-month contract.

These prices come in below the prices for other business-centric cities in Canada. For example, our Vancouver offices range from CAD 365 to CAD 579. Our Toronto offices range from CAD 245 to CAD 615.

Businesses can save on their Edmonton office rentals with our flexible contracts. These contracts allow you to rent your workspace however you like, whether that’s by the hour or by the year.

Another option is to select one of the small offices for rent in Edmonton. Opting for a smaller workspace can be an effective way to save on rental costs.

Office space for rent in Edmonton

Businesses looking to rent office space in Edmonton can explore these four fully outfitted centers across the city. Whether you need coworking spaces or hope to secure one of the single office spaces for rent in Edmonton, these options will allow you to work your way.

1. 98 Avenue

98 Avenue provides Edmonton office space that professionals all over the city can access. Several commuter options reach this center, which is adjacent to the Parliament Building.

Inside, professionals enjoy open-plan shared or private offices, which offer inspiring cityscape views. Despite the busy city-center location, professionals can relax after work at the local, tranquil River Valley Park.

Highlights include:

  • Gym with hot tub
  • Bicycle storage
  • On-site parking

Information about 98 Avenue

  • Location: 10611 98 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2P7
  • Starting costs: From CAD 255 per month
  • Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
  • Nearby transport links: Corona Light Rail Station (an eight-minute walk away), Government Centre Light Rail Station (a nine-minute walk away), and Bay Enterprise Square Light Rail Station (a 12-minute walk away)

2. Manulife Place

Manulife Place offers a great solution for those looking to rent office space in Edmonton.

As the tallest building in the city, Manulife Place is the most striking and recognizable building in the city. An office here can set your business apart as one of those operating in the iconic 36-story skyscraper.

The spacious office center sits amid a wealth of restaurants, making it ideal for hosting clients or colleagues.

Highlights include:

  • Sandwich/coffee bar
  • Gym and fitness room
  • Vending machines

Information about Manulife Place

  • Location: 10180 101 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S4
  • Starting costs: From CAD 265 per month
  • Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
  • Nearby transport links: 102 Street Stop Light Rail Station (a one-minute walk away), Churchill Connector Light Rail Station (a five-minute walk away), and Bay Enterprise Square Light Rail Station (a six-minute walk away)

3. First Edmonton Place

Professionals can move into ready-to-use workspaces at First Edmonton Place. This all-glass building offers a prestigious location, and each office overlooks the bustling city. The office center sits among copious restaurants and bars, ideal for relaxing post-work.

Highlights include:

  • Lounge area
  • Secure underground parking
  • Videoconferencing facilities

Information about First Edmonton Place

  • Location: 10665 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S9
  • Starting costs: From CAD 315 per month
  • Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
  • Nearby transport links: Corona Light Rail Station (a one-minute walk away), Bay Enterprise Square Light Rail Station (a five-minute walk away), and Government Centre Light Rail Station (a 12-minute walk away)

4. 51 Avenue

Professionals planning to rent office space in Edmonton will find a serious contender in 51 Avenue. An impressive foyer leads into the classical-style center. Here, professionals will find an abundance of open-plan workspaces and private offices.

This office center enjoys a quieter location just outside the city center. Multiple bus connections make it easy to access the city action when needed.

Highlights include:

  • Collaborative break-out areas
  • Fully equipped meeting rooms
  • Workspaces of all sizes

Information about 51 Avenue

  • Location: 9426 51 Ave NW #2nd, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5A6
  • Starting costs: From CAD 285 per month
  • Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Offices and Dedicated Desks, reception hours for other members
  • Nearby transport links: 93 Street & 51 Avenue Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away), 94 Street & 51 Avenue Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away), and 97 Street & 51 Avenue Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away)

Explore Edmonton office spaces with Regus

When you’re ready to rent an office space in Edmonton, Regus can help you find the best workspace solution for your needs.

Choose a private office for focused work, whether solo or with your team. If you prefer a more collaborative environment, our shared offices offer both dedicated desks and hot desking.

For client meetings, interviews, and other events, book one of our professional meeting rooms, fully equipped for your needs.

To get started with finding your Edmonton office, inquire with Regus today.

Topics in this article

  • Area Guides

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