Parkview is a community where everyone knows your name!
Named for its close proximity to multiple parks, ravines and its breathtaking views of Edmonton’s vast river valley, the mature west-end residential neighbourhood is located about 10 minutes from downtown Edmonton. It is bound on the north by the MacKenzie Ravine, on the east by the North Saskatchewan River valley, on the west by 149th Street, and on the south by 87 Avenue and Buena Vista Road.
Developed in the mid-to-late 1950s, the majority of the original homes were single-detached bungalows. However, a few long-lost hundred year old farmhouses can still be found dotted in the neighbourhood.
It’s that diversity in Parkview that resident Deanna Jackson loves most about her neighbourhood, which she and her family have lived in for 6 years.
“All the houses are different. We have the houses that have been here for 70 years and then new infill, and that is what gives us a neighbourhood of older people, younger people, new families moving in, and it seems like once a new family moves in, they stay forever,” says Jackson.
In the last 20 years, largely because of the neighbourhood’s proximity to Edmonton’s downtown, many of the original homes have been replaced by larger, two-storey homes and infills, says Kerri-lyn Holland with Holland and Associates.
“But jump across 142nd street into the area in Parkview referred to as Valleyview, and you’ll find lots are larger and the proximity to the amazing river valley views, jumps the price of homes from 900,000 all the way up to just under 10 million,” says Holland.
“Off of Valleyview Drive you have some of the best views in the city. You can see the entire downtown skyline, the University of Alberta campus and you can walk across a footbridge and you’ll find yourself right in Hawrelak Park.”
Numerous Oilers players and their families have lived in Parkview over the years. The neighbourhood is also home to Daryl Katz, the owner of the Oilers, situated right on Valleyview Drive.
“I loved living in Parkview,” said Lauren Rodych-Eberle. She resided in Parkview with her husband and former Oilers forward Jordan Eberle from 2013-2016. “Living in such close proximity to so many schools was wonderful for my music classes. I also used the ravine trails on the regular, through all the seasons.”
The heart of the neighbourhood is the Valleyview Shopping Centre on 142 Street, which has been operating for more than 50 years. There you will find one of the last independent IGA grocery stores in Edmonton, and still run by its namesake, Andy Taschuk. Andy is a big community booster and often sponsors local sports teams. He’s also been an Oiler season ticket holder since their WHA days in 1970.
Beside being convenient, Andy’s IGA boasts amazing offerings in their meat, bakery and deli sections. It also features one of the largest kosher sections (Israeli couscous, anyone!) in the city. Don’t leave without your kids riding a Parkview icon: the vintage mechanical horse located at the front of the store.
A few doors down from Andy’s IGA is, a popular local watering hole and cozy place to watch the game with family and friends. Rebel’s weekend brunch and ½ price Wine Wednesdays are crowd favourites.
The Parkview neighbourhood is represented by the Parkview Community League, which was established in 1956. The community league operates a recently renovated community hall and outdoor rink.
Community league volunteers host several popular events every year, including a Summer Solstice Food Truck Party in June, an Adults-Only Halloween Party in October and a Christmas Market every November. The community league is also home to a preschool and a weekly tot time gathering on Tuesday for parents and their children.
Parkview’s two schools - St. Rose Jr. High and Parkview Elementary and Jr. High -- have maintained high enrolment rates. Parkview offers a popular Mandarin immersion program that draws students from across the city.
“I love it here,” says Deanna Jackson, “I have lived in many communities over my life and this is the first time I really feel part of a community. Parkview really embodies community and once you’re here you never want to leave.”
Posted by Kerri-lyn Holland on
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