Urban planning YouTuber calls Edmonton 'criminally underrated' | Daily Hive

Urban Atlas/YouTube │ Robert Vincelli/Shutterstock

As Edmontonians, we already know the river valley is one of our biggest assets, and now it’s catching the attention of urban enthusiasts outside our city limits.

Edmonton was recently featured on Urban Atlas, a Canadian YouTube series exploring urban planning and geography across North America.

The city was praised for the North Saskatchewan River valley, the largest continuous stretch of urban parkland in North America, stretching nearly 50 kilometres through the heart of the city. Planning decisions made over a century ago, combined with ongoing protection, have helped make it the gem it is today.

Many high-density neighbourhoods now line the valley, providing residents with easy access to trails, wildlife, and green spaces.

“It demonstrates that you can have density without sacrificing access to nature. You can grow a city without destroying what makes it livable,” host Eli said. He added that the valley also encourages exercise, reduces stress, and helps manage air quality and stormwater.

The video also highlights the valley’s ecological importance, serving as a wildlife corridor and creating its own microclimate that keeps winters slightly warmer than the surrounding prairie above.

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The river valley still faces numerous challenges, including erosion, invasive species, climate change, and social issues such as homeless encampments. However, Edmonton’s long-term plans for restoration and recognition of Indigenous history demonstrate that the city is thinking ahead, the video adds.

“This city is criminally underrated,” he said, adding that Edmonton is often overshadowed by its neighbour to the south.

“I came to Edmonton expecting oil refineries and strip malls, and I did find those. But I also found a city that more than a century ago made a choice to preserve its natural heart.”